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River Ridge graduate named state FFA officer

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Beth Zimmer State FFA Officer
River Ridge FFA adviser Kory Stalsberg (left), newly elected Section 4 State FFA Officer Beth Zimmer and 2014-2015 Section 4 State FFA Officer Danielle Jentz, from Platteville, pose after Zimmer was named state FFA officer. (Submitted photo).

By Addison Mumm

Agriculture to some may mean cows, dirt and crops, but to Beth Zimmer, four-year FFA member and recent River Ridge graduate, it means so much more. Her parents are Gerard and Theresa Zimmer. Beth Zimmer joined FFA when she entered high school; her older sister and father were both involved in FFA as well. Zimmer felt it was expected of her to join the club considering her family history, she lives on a farm and has an active love for horticulture.
“I really like horticulture; I have three flower gardens at home,” said Zimmer.

Taking on the roles of chapter secretary in 2013-14 and chapter vice president in 2014-15, Zimmer understood leadership in the FFA family. Zimmer also took on leadership positions in student council and class representative duties during her high school years, in addition to forensics speaking. The past helped Zimmer to get to where she is now, state FFA officer, as of June 17. Zimmer’s official title is 2015-2016 Vice President of the Wisconsin FFA Association, representing Section 4 on the state level. Zimmer is the first state FFA officer in River Ridge FFA history. Not only did she just earn that honor, but she won the state discussion meet and received state FFA degree (the third highest degree you can receive out of the total five degrees offered).

Anyone can apply to be a state FFA officer if he or she is a recent high school graduate or a first- or second-year college student. Or, according to FFA member qualifications, you can apply until the fall following your fourth national FFA convention after graduating high school.
To be a state officer candidate, Zimmer had to study, apply and undergo an extensive interview process. Out of the 30 to 40 candidates for the 10 section positions, she endured different rounds of interviews, speeches, group discussions and exams in Madison to be chosen.
“I was prepared for this process and position because of my past leadership roles from high school, my passion for communicating about agriculture, a desire to meet new people and to help serve Wisconsin FFA,” Zimmer said.

Zimmer’s duties for the coming year as a state FFA officer include attending conferences all over Wisconsin; Washington, D.C.; Virginia; Springfield, Ill. and Chicago; meeting with sponsors and government officials all over the state; visiting each chapter in section 4; attending banquets in addition to the National Convention in Louisville, Ky., and educating people about the agriculture industry. Zimmer will travel over 10,000 miles during her year as a state FFA officer and meet thousands of FFA members.

After traveling a majority of the summer, Zimmer will start at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls in the fall. She will pursue a degree in agriculture communication; she will continue her duties as the state FFA officer and still be a full-time student. Her classes for the first semester will include an internship fulfilling the officer duties, while her spring semester will involve more academic responsibility with online classes.

Zimmer worked with adviser Kory Stalsberg for the past four years. Stalsberg is proud of his students, but especially Zimmer as she embarks on her new adventure.

“Beth is truly a genuine individual,” said Stalsberg. “She has already inspired so many students, River Ridge staff and community members with her passion for agriculture and achievements. The honor of serving as state FFA officer is only fitting for how hard she advocates for the agriculture industry that she loves. This is not the last you will hear of this young lady. She has a bright future in agriculture.”

Zimmer will now work with new River Ridge FFA adviser and agriculture teacher Brett Iverson. She was actually involved in the interview and hiring process.

“He was glad to help me when I asked him,” said Zimmer about Iverson. “I was scared about the transition from Mr. Stalsberg to a new adviser, but he is well-qualified for a state adviser and FFA adviser/agriculture teacher at River Ridge. He has a lot of new ideas, but he will still uphold the traditions already in place.”
With the support from the FFA alumni, community members, current FFA members, friends and the FFA officer board, Zimmer was able to push through to the end of the competition. She appreciates all their efforts and for always being there for her.

Starting Monday, June 22, Zimmer will begin her work as state FFA officer with the Associations of Agriculture Educators Conference in Middleton. All of the state’s agriculture teachers will be in attendance. Her next event is the “Blast Off” training, a four-day training where she will learn about the job and bond with her new teammates.

Zimmer’s favorite part of FFA is the speaking contests and addressing agriculture issues. Zimmer encourages students to join FFA and take advantage of all the association has to offer.

“FFA is such a diverse organization. No matter your background–whether from the city or the country–there is something you can enjoy and excel in. Like the FFA motto states, ‘To achieve premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agriculture education.’ I absolutely believe it!” Zimmer added.

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