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Kari Boettcher

Meet the National FFA Western Region Vice President.

Kari Boettcher


November 2008

Growing up, Kari Boettcher didn’t have to look far to find an interest in agriculture and FFA. Her parents operate a retail nursery in northeastern Oregon, and her dad is a landscape architect. Kari’s sister Shannon was active in FFA, so it was a natural fit for Kari to join, too. Now, their younger brother Aaron is a member, and Kari has just completed a year of service as the 2007-08 National FFA Western Region Vice President. Read more about her experiences.

Q You’ve had a really unique blog this year – with a digital scrapbook! What other hobbies do you enjoy?

A I do enjoy scrapbooking. I also love riding my horse Chance, working in the nursery, making cookies, eating ice cream at Dairy Queen, learning to surf, having long conversations in coffee shops, going shopping and trying new things.

Q What has been your favorite experience this year?

A One of my favorite memories was a week of chapter visits spent in Iowa. I had fun hanging out with Vinton members, learning about Benton Community’s impressive greenhouse, seeing Hudson’s gigantic cow, going to breakfast with Wapsie Valley’s chapter officer team and meeting each of the other chapters. There was so much production agriculture, so many good people and good times!

Q What is it like to be on the “other”
side of the convention – planning the sessions, being on the stage constantly and running from place to place?

A A rush! It’s so cool to see the 50,000 blue corduroy jackets doing what they do best – showing off their agriculture skills, attending leadership workshops and smiling. I loved getting to see many members again that I had met on the road this year and catching up on their successes.

Q What advice do you have for members interested in pursuing careers in agricultural education?

A We need you! Keep going – there are so many fabulous people to support you along the way and such a rewarding, fulfilling career ahead of you!




Web Extra

National Officer Q & A

Q Why did you choose agricultural education as your desired career field?
A In my FFA experience I am beginning to see just how broad the agriculture industry is. It’s all about the business, science and technology of the agriculture industry. There is a career for every person in the agriculture industry, and we need to continue to spread that message.  My agriculture teachers – Mr. Miller, Mr. Nelson, Mrs. Kirwan, Mr. Spoo and Mr. Smith – have taught me about these careers and even snuck in a few life lessons along the way. They exemplify the tremendous difference agriculture educators make!

Q If FFA members remember nothing else from your year of service, what one thing do you hope they’ll remember about you?
A That I told lame jokes. No I’m just kidding! I hope that they will remember that I am a chapter member from a small town in Eastern Oregon…you could be a national officer!

FFA Timeline:
14 Joined Hermiston FFA Chapter
14 Lost Chapter Creed Speaking Competition
14 Earned Greenhand Degree
15 Lost District Officer Election
15 Earned Chapter Degree
15 Was on 1st Place District Soil Judging Team
16 Elected District Sentinel
17 Lost State Sheep Proficiency CDE
17 Elected District and Chapter President
17 Earned State FFA Degree
17 Lost State Ag Sales CDE
18 First Place National Prepared Public Speaking CDE
18 Elected Oregon State FFA Secretary
19 Earned American FFA Degree
19 Elected Western Region FFA Vice-President



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The National FFA Organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Visit ffa.org