Sen. Neil Anderson (R-Moline). | Photo Courtesy of Neil Anderson
Sen. Neil Anderson (R-Moline). | Photo Courtesy of Neil Anderson
Illinois State Sen. Neil Anderson, R-Aledo, congratulated a Canton youth, Cooper Nelson, for earning a spot among Illinois Future Farmers of America (FFA) state officers in a June 20 Facebook post.
The FFA is an organization for youths from middle school to college that offers students an opportunity to learn about agricultural education and concepts of leadership. The organization isn’t limited to those who have plans to become production farmers, because the group teaches concepts that will help youths who want to be business owners, bankers, government officials and others.
"Congratulations Cooper Nelson from Canton and the 56th District on your Illinois Association FFA state officer title!" Anderson said.
In his Facebook post, Anderson shared a post from the Illinois FFA Facebook page, introducing the officers for the upcoming year.
“Illinois FFA, please welcome your 2023-2024 Major State Officers! President - Thaddeus Bergschneider, Franklin FFA Chapter (Section 14) Vice President - Eric Wisely, Nashville FFA Chapter (Section 21) Reporter - Cooper Nelson, Canton FFA Chapter (Section 12) Secretary - Riley Kessler, Staunton FFA Chapter (Section 15) Treasurer - Benjamin Bremmer, Pearl City FFA Chapter, (Section 1) The team was elected by the student delegates at the 95th Illinois FFA State Convention during the Election Session and will serve the members of Illinois FFA for the upcoming year. We're excited to see how they will spark their impact! #ElectrifyFFA” the post read.
The Illinois FFA website says, “The official name of the organization is Illinois Association FFA. The letters “FFA” stand for Future Farmers of America. These letters are part of our history and our heritage and will never change."
The organization's new officers were elected during the 2023 convention held June 13-15. It included a variety of activities and recognition for members who had achieved big things during the year. An honorary state degree ceremony was held on Wednesday, June 14, and the election of new officers was held on Thursday, June 15.
When Anderson is not in Springfield representing the 47th District and conducting legislative business, he is a firefighter and paramedic with the Moline Fire Department. He is a lifelong Illinois resident. He attended the University of Nebraska, then moved back to Illinois.
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