Nine teenagers with blue jackets standing in a field
Pictured above is the Plymouth FFA leadership team for the 2024-25 school year.

EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was authored by Nicole Beverage.

In the spring of 2024, the Plymouth FFA Chapter elected the 2024-2025 officer team.

Candidates went through a series of requirements in order to be put on the ballot. First, they had to fill out an application that explained how they would make our chapter and community better.

Then, they completed an in person interview with alumni members. During the interview, the alumni members graded their responses, confidence, and how well they thought the candidate would assist in running the chapter.

Finally, the candidates explained to their classmates why they aspire to become an officer. After explaining, the chapter members cast their vote on who the new officers would be. 

Plymouth FFA Officers

President- Katelyn Swingle

Vice President- Kristen Swingle

Secretary- Ava Stine

Treasurer- Kansas Huston

Reporter- Nicole Beverage

Parliamentarian – Addy Vorhees

Sentinel- Isaiah Miller

Student Advisor- Dallas Thompson

Historian- Matthew Gillum

Throughout the year, the chapter officer team spends time planning events, making decisions, and setting up chapter meetings. Each officer puts a lot of work and time into the FFA chapter. Here, you can find biographies of each officer to get to know them better.

President

Hello, my name is Katelyn Swingle. I am the daughter of George and Sherri Lewis. I am a senior at Plymouth High School. This is my third year as an officer as I was the vice president last year and the secretary before that. I have been in FFA since 8th grade which makes 5 years in FFA.

Being an officer is an amazing opportunity. I love to oversee our chapter and be able to push people out of their comfort zones. I want to make our chapter the best that it can absolutely be. My favorite things to do in FFA are Career Development Events like food science and poultry. I also love to show animals at the Richland County Fair for my SAE.

Vice President

Hi, I’m Kristen Swingle, the daughter of George and Sherri Lewis. I am currently the chapter vice president helping guide my twin sister who is the president. I have been in FFA for five years with this last being my last to be a Plymouth FFA member. Going into my senior year is bittersweet to me because it means my time as an officer and member is winding down.

FFA has been an important topic in my life since I first walked in as an 8th grader not knowing how big the impact would be on my life. It has given me more confidence in public speaking, gotten me more involved in many activities, and has gotten me out of my comfort zone. A big part is that FFA has opened up so many opportunities for me that I’m eternally grateful for. I would recommend to younger members to get involved in FFA and try to do things because you never know where it might take you.

Secretary

Hey, my name is Ava Stine, I am a senior and serving as our chapters secretary. This will be my third year serving as an FFA officer and fifth year in FFA. I love being in FFA as it has given me so many opportunities, getting to step out of my comfort zone, and being able to experience so many amazing things, such as going to leadership conferences to better my skills in being a great leader.

I will never forget my journey in FFA with this being my last year! I’m so excited to see what this year brings.

Treasurer

Hello, I am Kansas Huston. I am a senior as well as our treasurer. This is my third year being an officer, and fifth year being in FFA. FFA has brought me so many experiences and brought me out of my comfort zone.

I’m so glad to have been a part of my chapter; and although I am saddened that this is my last year, I am excited to see what happens this year.

Reporter

I’m Nicole Beverage, the daughter of Keith and Jenny Beverage. I am currently a junior at Plymouth High School and serving as the chapter reporter. This is my 4th year being involved in FFA and my 3rd year serving as an officer. I am beyond grateful for all the opportunities FFA has given me.

I enjoy working with my SAE, a market steer, and participating in livestock judging in the spring. FFA has pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and helped me to strengthen my confidence in public speaking as well as other areas. Being a part of this organization has had a big impact on my life, in ways I never would have expected. I’ve attended some incredible trips and met some of my closest friends through this incredible organization.

Sentinel

Hi, I am Isaiah Miller, I’m currently serving as the sentinel for the current Plymouth FFA officer team, I have been in FFA for 2 years. I am also currently a sophomore at Plymouth High School and plan on taking college credit plus classes my junior and senior years.

FFA is a great way for kids to grow and learn new ways to do things, it pushes them out of their comfort zone to do more for the better. FFA has helped me become a better person by helping me be able to publicly speak and be open about different things. FFA has a lot more opportunities to give me and I am ready to take them on.

Student Advisor

My name is Dallas  Thompson, I am the son of Sam Phillips and Renae Reading. I am going on my third year in FFA and if I have learned anything while I have been in the FFA is to include yourself and go beyond your comfort zone.

It has helped me learn so many new things about myself and has given me so many more opportunities that have helped me through life. A fun fact about me is I run track and cross country, I also really enjoy fishing and reading. I would also like to thank my family, Mrs. Ringler, and all of my friends for helping me get to this point and for continuing to push me to be a better person.

Historian

My name is Matthew Gillum. I am a senior and this is my 5th year in FFA. I serve as our chapter historian. I have attended previous events such as National Convention, State Convention and Washington Leadership Conference.

I play football, run cross country and track, and play basketball. I am also involved in my school’s student council. I have found FFA through many experiences to be truly enlightening and something I wouldn’t regret.