MEEKER | Under the bright lights of the Pueblo Convention Center stage, Meeker High School’s FFA chapter stood tall among hundreds of members from across Colorado at the 97th Colorado FFA State Convention, held June 3–6. This year’s theme, “Lead Unconditionally,” resonated deeply with the Meeker group after the hardships they’ve endured in recent years.
“Our chapter truly connected with this concept because of the hardship we’ve faced,” said ag teacher and FFA advisor Dene’e Dinwiddie. “We’ve learned to step back and remember it’s the people in agriculture that matter—and that we must lead without reservations.”
Recent graduate Aimee Shults* served as the Colorado State FFA Nominating Committee Chair, arriving a week early to interview and evaluate candidates for the 2025–26 state officer team.
“All nine of us worked as a team to evaluate candidates through a series of rounds,” said Shults. “The hardest part was knowing every candidate was qualified, but we had to pick the top 10.”
Shults also advanced to the state finals in the Agriculture Education Leadership Development Event (LDE). Her lesson on the agricultural supply chain highlighted how a disruption in any link—from farming to trucking—can create food shortages. She placed bronze in the event.
She and sophomore Braylin Peña also earned silver in the Agriscience Fair, where they presented research on mental health awareness among male agriculturalists. Their project included surveys, research analysis, and interviews with former ag teachers.
Graduating senior Charlie Rogers won the district Employment Skills LDE and placed bronze at state. This competition required a resume, cover letter, job application, and a mock interview.
Senior Hayden Garcia served as a Delegate Committee Chair, leading a committee on the Program of Activities thanks to her background in parliamentary procedure.
Shults, Rogers, and Garcia all received their Colorado FFA State Degree, the highest honor at the state level. Requirements include completing two years of ag education, a significant investment of time or money in a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE), leadership roles, public speaking, and at least 25 hours of community service.
Their SAEs included:
Garcia: Photography (Ag Services Entrepreneurship) and Market Rabbit Production
Shults: Shults Ranches (Beef Placement)
Rogers: Russell Ranch (Beef Placement), Breeding and Market Cattle (Entrepreneurship)
Sophomore Ellie Ford also represented Meeker in the State FFA Talent competition, hoping for selection to the national stage.
Dinwiddie praised the students’ motivation: “So many realized the caliber of our FFA program and started talking about new LDEs to try, applications for the National Chapter Award, and improving their SAEs.”
Students attended workshops like “Building and Sustaining Resiliency” with four-time Olympic triathlete Hunter Kemper, “Leadership: People, Passion, Purpose” with California State Officer Camille Zavala, and “Different by Design” with National FFA VP Abigale Jacobsen.
“State Convention fills my cup as an advisor,” Dinwiddie said. “Many of these kids may not shine in sports, but their leadership, work ethic, and dedication are admirable. It was rewarding to bring students who are now inspired to fully engage in FFA. We’re ready to put Meeker on the map.”
Dinwiddie noted how many students are already planning for next year. “My phone’s been blowing up with students wanting to get involved. I hope to report next year on a state-winning National Chapter Award, Quiz Bowl champions, and more.”
Shults, who spent four years in FFA, reflected on what it meant to her.
“My biggest accomplishment isn’t a medal—it’s introducing kids to this family. FFA is more than an organization; it’s a home. You can make FFA what you need it to be,” she said.
Shults shared how her family came to understand her passion. “Three years ago, my parents didn’t get it. But after attending state and national conventions, they saw the impact FFA has—not just in Meeker, but on the over 1 million members in the U.S.
Aurora Stallings (Junior): “I’ve learned leadership isn’t about being the loudest. It’s about being real and showing up for others. It’s about leading with love, humility, and purpose.”
Brooklynn Kirkpatrick (Junior): “FFA has become a home for me. It’s helped me think about what I want from high school and beyond.”
Eli Rundberg (Sophomore): “Seeing the impact of state officers made me realize what I want to do after high school.”
Dinwiddie closed with pride in her students: “They’ve done this work outside of school, sports, and social life—on their own time. Their determination and grit are admirable. Meeker’s vision is ‘Excellence in All We Do,’ and these students truly exemplify that.”
With new goals ahead and fires lit, the Meeker FFA chapter is already looking forward to another year of growth, service, and leadership—in their blue jackets with gold standards.
