Meet 3 students helping be your eyes and ears at National FFA Convention

For the second year, AGDAILY is excited to introduce three exceptional FFA members who will be on the ground at the upcoming National FFA Convention, helping us capture stories and covering the event through articles and visuals. These students bring a wealth of leadership experience, passion for agriculture, and a unique perspective on the FFA community.

Keep an eye out for them as they prepare to share the excitement and impact of the convention and FFA members nationally. 

Maura Martha Barrera, South Carolina

Maura Martha Barrera is an FFA member with a deep passion for agricultural education and communication. She is currently the secretary of the South Carolina Governor’s School for Agriculture FFA Chapter. She has previously served as both the historian and secretary for the Travelers Rest FFA Chapter.

This year, Barrera’s Supervised Agricultural Experience projects reflect her dedication to agriculture. She focuses on agriculture communications through her role as a National FFA USA Reporter and also participates in a diversified livestock SAE, working alongside her school’s farm staff and animals. 

“From a young age, I knew I would find myself educating the future generations of our world,” she said, “but through FFA and my agriculture education classes, I now know my role is to educate the future agriculturists.”

Raised in Travelers Rest, South Carolina, Barrera’s involvement in FFA spans all four years of high school, following in the footsteps of her siblings, who are also FFA alumni and officers.

“Being an FFA member to me means taking action and playing our role as people in this world,” Barrera said. “Whether you live in a small town or a big city, when you become an FFA member you are making the choice to advocate, appreciate, and advance agriculture in our country and the world!”

“This is my first time attending National Convention, and I’m looking forward to experiencing all that it has to offer with my new chapter,” noted Barrera. 

Alyeska Gagne, Alaska

Representing the Mat-Su Career Tech Chapter in Houston, Alaska, Gagne is the chapter president and a dedicated advocate for agriculture.

Despite being in FFA for only two years, she has made an incredible impact, with an SAE in Equine Photography and raising a ewe lamb for auction. This will be her first National Convention, and Gagne is most looking forward to the expo.

Before joining FFA, Gagne admits she had misconceptions about the meat industry, but FFA transformed her understanding.

“I realized just how wrong I was. The meat industry and agriculture alone is truly the overarching backbone of America,” she said.

Gagne’s mentors, Alaska State FFA President Inga Peterson and her chapter advisor, Gloria Clow, have played pivotal roles in shaping her FFA experience, offering unwavering support and guidance.

“FFA has made me feel at home in a place I didn’t even realize a home could be built,” Gagne said. “Coming together and learning how to better ourselves and our country through our shared love of agriculture, there truly is no better organization to be a part of than FFA.”

Peyton Roddy, Florida

Peyton is a member of the Seabreeze High School FFA Chapter in Port Orange, Florida, where she serves as the Growing Leaders Chair. With four years of experience in FFA, Roddy has embraced the opportunities the organization offers, including showing her sheep, Winnie and Daisie.

This will be her first National FFA Convention, and Roddy says that she’s most excited about watching the Career Development Events, meeting fellow FFA members from across the country, and, of course, covering the event for AGDAILY.

Reflecting on her FFA journey, Roddy shared, “FFA has played a significant role in shaping my perspectives on agriculture. Through participation, I have gained hands-on experience in various aspects of farming, business management, and community service. Through my different competitions and projects, I have learned skills such as public speaking, teamwork and problem-solving.”

Roddy is especially grateful for her mentors, Craig Lungren and Kyndall Capps, who have inspired her to embrace new challenges and nurtured her love for public speaking and showing livestock.

Be sure to follow along as these three talented FFA members prepare to share their stories and perspectives at the National FFA Convention through AGDAILY.

Through their articles and visuals, these student writers will capture the excitement, hard work, and camaraderie that define the FFA experience. Stay tuned for their coverage as they document the event, sharing the inspiring stories of fellow FFA members and showcasing the impact of agriculture across the country.