Peoria Standard

In a June 20 Facebook post, Sen. Neil Anderson, R-Moline, congratulated a Canton youth for earning a spot among FFA state officers.

"Congratulations, Cooper Nelson from Canton and the 56th District, on your Illinois Association FFA state officer title!" Anderson wrote.

The Illinois Future Farmers of America is a youth organization spanning from middle school to college, providing students with a chance to delve into agricultural education and develop leadership skills.

Anderson took to Facebook to share a Facebook post from the Illinois FFA, which unveiled the officers for the coming year.

"Illinois FFA, please welcome your 2023-2024 Major State Officers!" Anderson wrote. "President - Thaddeus Bergschneider, Franklin FFA Chapter (Section 14) Vice President - Eric Wisely, Nashville FFA Chapter (Section 21) Reporter - Cooper Nelson, Canton FFA Chapter (Section 12) Secretary - Riley Kessler, Staunton FFA Chapter (Section 15) Treasurer - Benjamin Bremmer, Pearl City FFA Chapter, (Section 1) The team was elected by the student delegates at the 95th Illinois FFA State Convention during the Election Session and will serve the members of Illinois FFA for the upcoming year. We're excited to see how they will spark their impact! #ElectrifyFFA"

The organization goes beyond solely catering to aspiring production farmers, as it imparts valuable knowledge relevant to young individuals with aspirations of becoming business owners, bankers, government officials, and professionals in diverse fields.

According to the Illinois FFA website, the official name of the organization is the Illinois Association FFA. The acronym "FFA" represents Future Farmers of America. These letters hold significant historical and heritage value, and they will remain unchanged.

The organization's newly elected officers were chosen during the convention of 2023, which took place from June 13 to 15. The convention featured a range of activities and acknowledgments for members who had achieved significant accomplishments throughout the year. On Wednesday, June 14, an honorary state degree ceremony was held, followed by the election of new officers on Thursday, June 15.

 Anderson represents the 47th District. When not engaged in legislative matters in Springfield, Anderson serves as a firefighter and paramedic in the Moline Fire Department. Having spent his entire life in Illinois, he initially attended the University of Nebraska before returning to his home state.