Jeromie Allen to interview for National FFA Association office
by Beverley Kreul, posted Oct. 13, 2008
As a college student, many people are faced with the pressures of schoolwork, jobs and clubs. For Jeromie Allen, a junior agribusiness management major from Stewartsville, Mo., these are the easy parts of his day. Allen is the Missouri FFA Association’s national officer candidate for 2008.
“I spend about three hours a day studying agricultural statistics or working on preparing workshops and motivational speeches or even practicing my interviewing skills,” Allen said.
Allen’s passion for FFA started with an agricultural foundation. Growing up on a small beef cattle operation prepared Allen for his future as a businessman. In high school, Allen decided to stay away from agriculture and pursue other interests. However, his vocational agriculture class led him back to his former path and began the long-lasting relationship Allen has with the National FFA Association.
“I didn’t even want to be in FFA my freshman year,” Allen said. “But Mr. Aldon (Stewartsville FFA advisor) got me involved, and I realized that agriculture isn’t just about food; it’s about service.”
Allen plans on interviewing at the 81st National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., during the week of Oct. 20. He will run against one candidate from each of the 50 states along with a nominee from Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
“Jeromie has a great chance at becoming a national officer,” said David Frazier, an agricultural education graduate student from Snyder, Texas, and Allen’s interview coach for the year. “He is a serious contender for the National FFA office.”
As a national officer, Allen would travel more than 100,000 miles across the U.S. visiting FFA chapters and presenting workshops. He would also speak in front of Congress, travel to Japan for a look at international agriculture, and possibly meet the next president.
“I want to positively impact as many students as I can,” said Allen. “Agriculture is a business of service, and I hope to keep these members involved in something that will change their lives.”
If not chosen as a national officer, Allen plans to go on with his everyday life. He hopes to join the National FFA Alumni Association. He will also continue his involvement in FFA, CAFNR and the Student Athletic Board.
