Words of Gratitude and Commitment
by Arizona Association FFA Board Chair, Sharon Metzger
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I hope this newsletter finds you well-rested, rejuvenated, and eager to embark on a new school year filled with boundless potential. July marks the start of a new school year across the state, bringing with it all the excitement of what will be accomplished this year.
First, on behalf of Arizona FFA, I want to thank our generous sponsors and donors for the incredible support of our students that wear the blue jackets. Thanks to you, our organization will be able to continue to increase our efforts to provide leadership opportunities to all our students across this great state. As we begin our preparations to kick off another school year, it is important to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we have embarked upon together so far. With the lifelong support of donors and sponsors, students will continue to have the chance to grow in their knowledge of the agriculture industry and to develop their leadership skills.
Second, I am very excited to welcome a new team of Arizona FFA State Officers to continue the tradition of advocating for Arizona Agriculture, inspiring FFA members, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. As an agriculture teacher, I am honored to be a part of a group that prides itself on the growth and development of young minds and providing many learning events for students.
As we embark on another year, I want to assure you that the Arizona FFA Board’s commitment to providing the best possible experience remains unwavering. We have been diligently preparing for the upcoming year, creating new opportunities for growth, and refining our strategies to ensure an even more enriching experience for agriculture students and FFA members.
Thank you once again for your enduring support. It is an honor and privilege to be a part of this vibrant and caring community. I wish you all a wonderful year filled with continuous learning, and endless possibilities.
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Sharon Metzger
AZFFA Board of Directors Chair
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Sponsorships Opportunities Available |
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It is the vision of the Foundation to secure resources to support, enhance, and strengthen the educational and leadership effectiveness of the Arizona Association FFA, the Arizona FFA Alumni Association, the Department of Agricultural Education, Technology and Innovation at The University of Arizona, and the Arizona Agriculture Teachers' Association while maintaining positive relationships with students, teachers, business and industry representatives, and the community.
The Foundation could not accomplish the vision without the tremendous support of donors. Below is a link to the full list of sponsorship opportunities available. Here are just a few of the opportunities available to consider supporting.
- Food Science and Technology Career Development Event
- Marketing Plan Leadership Development Event
- Agriculture Teachers Ideas Unlimited Program
- State FFA Camp Bus from Yuma
- Foundation Technology Sponsor
- FFA Membership Cards
- Newsletter Sponsor
- Scholarships
If you are interested in supporting one of the programs or would like additional information, please contact Rochell Planty at Rochell@azffafoundation.org
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New Member of the Foundation Team |
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The Arizona Agricultural Education/FFA Foundation is thrilled to welcome Shelby Naber as the new Event Coordinator to the team!
Shelby is a Phoenix native, who recently graduated from Grand Canyon University with a degree in Hospitality Management and a certificate in Meeting and Event Management.
Throughout her collegiate career, she was a part of both NJCAA and NCVF national championship volleyball teams. Along with coaching for Arizona Sky Volleyball Academy. She also enjoyed planning events for the organizations and focusing on celebrating female athletes.
Shelby shared " I fully support the mission of this organization and am excited get started in my new role with the Arizona FFA Foundation."
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Congratulations to the Newly Elected
AATA Officers
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The Foundation congratulates the new Board Members recently elected by the Arizona Agriculture Teachers Association.
President-Elect - Melissa Veo
Strategic Planning Coordinator - Sarah McNall
Member Services Chair - Lexi Robinson
Teacher Development Chair - Jennifer Cervantes
ACTE AZ Representative - Jim Kaltenbach
Community College Representative - Mike Gaspar
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Agriculture Education Weaves
through Many Generations
By Meagan Kimmerle
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The Zamudio family is deeply rooted in FFA and agriculture education in Arizona. We had the opportunity to connect with Michael Zamudio, one of several Zamudio’s involved with agricultural education and FFA, in Arizona. Michael began his FFA journey in 1998 as a Benson FFA Chapter member. He conducted his Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) in livestock production and competed in Career Development Events (CDE) that included Creed and Public Speaking, and Livestock Evaluation. In 2008 he began his agriculture teaching career at San Simon High School. Michael grew up in Elfrida, Arizona on a small family farm. He reflected on the impact his FFA involvement shaped his life, “It was a huge portion of who I am today. It began my livestock judging career which aided me in attending Connors State College on a livestock judging scholarship. It also taught me valuable leadership experiences through serving as a chapter, district, and State Officer.”
Michael’s family involvement contributed greatly to his involvement in agriculture education and FFA. His father and uncles were all agriculture teachers, and FFA helped guide him in that direction, as well. Michael’s grandfather also served as a volunteer and a paraprofessional for over 30 years in agriculture education. He attributes FFA and agriculture education to be the main influence that molded his family into who they are today. Click here to read more.
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Congratulations to the Newly Elected
Arizona Association FFA State Officers
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Foundation Welcomes
Newly Elected Board Member
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The Arizona Agricultural Education/FFA Foundation welcomes the newest Board Member, Matthew Roeder.
Matthew moved to Phoenix in 1986 when his family relocated from the Denver area. Graduating high school in 1995 then attending college for a brief time, he has worked in the waterworks wholesale distribution industry for 27 years, the last 21 of those dedicated to Dana Kepner Company. His responsibilities as AMR/AMI Specialist are broad and include sales leadership, account development strategies, project management, public speaking, and presentations. Matt prides himself on developing strong personal and professional relationships with customers, vendors, and the communities he serves, as well as being a contributing part of Dana Kepner’s leadership team.
He and his family were introduced to FFA in December 2016 by the Richland FFA and Stoutland FFA chapters of Missouri. Since then, his FFA support and participation has grown to attend multiple FFA galas, serving as a gala committee member and receiving his Honorary State Degree during the 2022 State Leadership Conference. Matt looks forward to growing his presence in AZ FFA and expanding his knowledge of Arizona agriculture.
At home, he enjoys spending time with his family, coaching his son’s youth sports teams, doing CrossFit, and hunting wildlife in Arizona and Kansas.
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You worked hard to achieve what you have, and you deserve the right to say what happens to it. A will gives you that control. When you write your will, we hope you will consider including a planned gift to us. It’s a simple and meaningful way to make a final investment in our mission. To learn more about planned giving visit https://azffafoundation.planned.gifts
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