State officer applauds club that's not just about farming, and not just for boys

By LYNN MONTGOMERY | East Texas Edition

Meggan Pridemore State FFA Officer

February 20, 2003 -- With the message, "FFA is not all about cows, sows and plows anymore," State FFA Vice President Meggan Pridemore, along with nine other state officers, gives motivational speeches to FFA members about all the possibilities offered through the organization.

"We let kids know what all FFA is about. There is something for everyone - whether it is public speaking, talent, or recordkeeping. They can do anything they want to. It's not just about showing livestock," Pridemore said, who represents Area VI (Northeast Texas).

Pridemore, who was elected to her office this time last year, actually took office at the 74th Annual Texas State convention in Fort Worth in July 2002.

"It has been very rewarding. I get to travel the whole state and meet a lot of kids. The members have access to my email address and many email me every day with questions," the vice president said.

Even though the position is rewarding, Pridemore stressed the responsibility of holding the position and what it takes.

"A lot of time, you are running on straight adrenaline. If someone wants to run for a state office, I would tell them to have faith in God, have your priorities straight, and make time to study," she cited.

Pridemore became involved in FFA as a junior member in the sixth grade. During her FFA years, she showed Simmental, Simbrah, and Maine Anjou cattle, and was elected the chapter's secretary during her sophomore year, and president, her junior and senior year. She was also a district officer, and an area officer, before winning her current state position.

"I enjoyed showing and if someone calls needing help showing, I will do whatever I can," Pridemore stated. "If my brother, a member of the Prairieland FFA show team, and/or I hear of anyone who needs a show animal, we tell my Poppa Joe (Joe Pridemore) who will help get the kid an animal to show."

The 2002 North Lamar graduate is attending Paris Junior College and plans to attend Oklahoma State University in the fall. She is majoring in Ag Communications and would like to go into the field of pharmaceutical sales.

"It has been fun, and I will miss seeing all the other officers when my term is up. We (the officer team) have come together as a big family," she concluded.