SENATE RESOLUTION

8660

BySenators Warnick, Brown, Dozier, Honeyford, King, Pedersen, Saldaña, Schoesler, Short, Wagoner, Wellman, and Rolfes

WHEREAS, Agriculture is a cornerstone of Washington's economy, supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs and generating billions of dollars in revenue, and the future of agriculture is supported by service organizations cultivating the next generation of leaders; and

WHEREAS, The Washington Future Farmers of America Association currently supports approximately 11,000 student members throughout the state of Washington in nine regional FFA districts; and

WHEREAS, The FFA motto, "Learning to do, doing to learn, earning to live, living to serve," guides students toward advancing their agricultural education and instilling purpose to their lives; and

WHEREAS, FFA members at the organization's 94th national convention, held in Indianapolis, elected officers for 2021-22, resulting in a historic first as Cole Baerlocher from Colfax, Washington, was elected the first National FFA President from Washington state; and

WHEREAS, Cole held office as the secretary at his local chapter, progressing through various leadership positions as Chapter, District, and State-Level President; and

WHEREAS, Washington FFA members contribute to the $4,400,000,000 generated nationally through Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs, and Cole harnessed his experience in graphic design by exhibiting a market lamb project at the Palouse Empire Fair in Colfax; and

WHEREAS, Cole's family, friends, and FFA colleagues and mentors describe him as energetic, athletic, engaging, and one who keeps things exciting and everyone on their toes; and

WHEREAS, Cole has earned a State Degree and an American Degree, and he won the State Prepared Public Speaking competition in 2019, received silver in the National Prepared Public Speaking competition, and in 2020 he placed second in the Washington State Employment Skills competition;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize Cole Baerlocher on this historic achievement of being the first Washingtonian as the Future Farmers of America Association's National President, and commend his leadership skills as he works to promote the mission of the FFA and instill values of hard work and service to the next generation of agricultural leaders.