The New Jersey FFA Association
has selected Greg Babbitt, 19, of Newton, Sussex County,
to compete as its state candidate for national FFA
office in October at the 75th National FFA Convention
in Louisville, Kentucky.
 "The
future of New Jersey's agricultural industry depends
on young people who are knowledgeable and equipped
with the necessary skills to keep our industry strong,
innovative and profitable," said Agriculture
Secretary Charles M. Kuperus. "New Jersey agriculture
has a bright future because of capable young people
like Greg Babbitt who have the enthusiasm, leadership
skills and strong desire to serve our industry."
The National FFA Organization is an educational
organization for students enrolled in agricultural
education. Its mission is to develop a student's
potential for premier leadership, personal growth
and career success through agricultural education.
The Department of Agriculture administers the statewide
program for FFA through its Office of Agricultural
Education.
At the national annual convention, a nine-person
nominating committee made up of FFA members from
across the country will conduct intensive interviews
with approximately 40 candidates and recommend six
individuals to represent the National FFA Organization
and agricultural education for one year.
Babbitt will be interviewed on agricultural and
educational issues and be evaluated on his public
speaking and writing skills, as well as take part
in a group discussion. A written exam will test his
overall knowledge about agricultural education and
FFA.
Babbitt, a sophomore at the University of Minnesota
majoring in agricultural education, intends to teach
agriculture after graduating from college. A 2001
graduate of Newton High School, he served as the
2000-01 State FFA Treasurer and is involved in a
supervised agricultural experience program, or work-based
learning project, in the area of natural resources.
If elected to national office, Babbitt will travel
more than 100,000 miles as a representative of more
than 450,000 FFA members nationwide. This opportunity
to serve will center on promoting agricultural education
and careers in agriculture, and on leadership development.
This will include attendance at local, state and national
FFA events such as banquets, state conventions and
leadership conferences, as well as business and industry
visits. National FFA officers also will travel to Japan
for two weeks to gain a unique perspective on international
agricultural trade. |
