Matthew waite President

Chapter: Melba FFA

While not being overly involved in agriculture in his youth, Matthew has found a second home through FFA. He found passion and fulfillment through his first CDE, Entomology, and has never looked back since. His love of agriculture stems from his lifelong SAE project of raising hens for egg production and his new love of being an ag educational assistant. He is also very excited to coach his chapter’s forestry team this year in preparation for state CDE’s. His guiding principle that leads him through life and FFA is, “to me, I work to find purpose through people”. This belief has led him into leadership positions in his home chapter and community. He’s served as both Vice-President and President for Melba FFA, as well as Student Body President for his high school. Additionally, he’s served as his BPA chapter’s Treasurer and the Region 4 Vice-President. He will continue his education this fall at the University of Idaho’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. This upcoming year will be an exciting year for Matthew with this opportunity to advocate for agriculture!

lizzie mueller Vice President

Chapter: Salmon FFA 

From Idaho’s River of No Return, Lizzie Mueller proudly represents the Salmon FFA Chapter as the 2025–2026 Idaho FFA State Vice President. A proud product of rural roots, Lizzie has dedicated herself to leadership and service through both FFA and 4-H. Her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE)—managing a breeding and market hog business—has taught her the value of grit, responsibility, and meaningful work.

Throughout her FFA journey, Lizzie has served as a chapter officer, district officer, FFA foundation ambassador, participated in state and national conferences, and led her community in acts of gratitude—like her senior project recognizing the local farmers and ranchers who keep her small town thriving. Whether she’s serving as a camp counselor, working with kids, or leading in ministry, she stays grounded in her belief that leadership is about lifting others up. “I never want to become too full of myself or too far away for someone to reach out,” she shares. “No matter the position, I’ll always be someone you can come to for advice or encouragement.”

Lizzie plans to attend the University of Idaho to pursue a degree in Agricultural Education, with hopes of returning to the classroom to pour into the next generation—just as others did for her.

For Lizzie, FFA is more than a chapter in her story—it’s the place she discovered her calling. One quote she lives by: “Life’s a dance you learn as you go, sometimes you lead and sometimes you follow”, Garth Brooks. And with a heart full of faith, purpose, and a little country grit, she’s ready to help Idaho FFA members believe in themselves, too.

emily sorensen Secretary

Chapter: Preston FFA

Emily’s agriscience research project explored the relationship between music and plant growth, studying how sound can influence agricultural production. In addition to her research, Emily also participates in a placement SAE, volunteering at her uncle’s seeding company. There, she takes on a variety of responsibilities including bagging, sampling, and retagging seed bags—gaining valuable hands-on experience in the agricultural industry. 

Emily has proudly represented her state at the National level three times in Milk Quality and Products, Soils and Land Evaluation, and Poultry Evaluation, sharpening her technical and leadership skills. FFA has played a major role in shaping her confidence, work ethic, and ability to connect with others—especially through Prepared Public Speaking. “FFA has made me who I am today,” Emily says. 

Her passion for education began while coaching clogging classes, where she discovered the joy of helping others grow. Planning to attend Brigham Young University, Emily is pursuing a career as an elementary school teacher. When asked her why for teaching she responds, “there is something special about being able to teach and inspire the rising generation.” 

Gabe kitamura Treasurer

Chapter: Meridian FFA

The Milk Quality and Products and Food science career development events have been standout events in FFA for Gabe, allowing him to explore the behind-the-scenes aspects of food production. Competing in Ag Issues helped shine the light on hidden problems that face all aspects of agricultural production in Idaho, creating a deepened appreciation for the ag community. After a gap year dedicated to serving Idaho FFA and working on his family’s farm, he plans to attend Oregon State University to major in animal science and pursue a career in veterinary medicine. His Supervised Agricultural Experience includes a self-started beekeeping business, which taught him the value of responsibility, entrepreneurship, and how to roll with the punches when things don’t go as planned. Gabe shares, “FFA gave me the necessary confidence to become a better leader and provided me with the community I never knew I needed.”

anna hernandez Reporter

Chapter: American Falls FFA

“My journey with FFA has not only shaped who I am but has encouraged a lifelong passion for agriculture.” This perfectly reflects Anna’s experience in the FFA. From the moment she joined, Anna dove into a variety of Career Development Events including Floriculture, Entomology, Soils, and Agricultural Communications. Her passion for learning and growing continued in Leadership Development Events like Parliamentary Procedure and Agricultural Issues. Through these, she’s discovered the power of teamwork, communication, and advocacy. Anna’s Supervised Agricultural Experience as a greenhouse manager allowed her to gain hands-on experience in greenhouse production, further deepening her love for agriculture. Through this work, she developed valuable skills in plant care, time management, and responsibility. Anna plans to attend the University of Idaho in the fall of 2025 to major in Entomology. Inspired by her time in FFA, she hopes to combine her love for insects, science, and education into a career. Motivated by her time in FFA, Anna is determined to use her passion and skills to make a positive impact. She looks ahead with excitement, ready to keep learning, leading, and serving.

alie misenheimer Sentinel

Chapter: Meridian FFA

Agronomy, Agricultural Mechanics, and Agricultural Sales are just a few of Alie’s favorite competitive events in FFA. Her experience competing on the mechanics team and serving as a shop teacher’s aide has inspired her to become a shop-focused ag teacher. She plans to study Agricultural Education at the University of Idaho in the Fall of 2025. Through her time in the FFA and ag programs, Alie has developed a love for learning and tackling challenges, and become more confident in speaking and leadership roles. She loves to use her experiences to help anyone she can and make close friendships with members. In serving as her home chapter’s Alumni Representative, Alie has learned the value of gratitude. She truly believes, “without those who support us, whether that be advisors, alumni, or family, we wouldn’t be where we are today”. Her SAE consists of a job welding for a fabrication shop and working as a ranch maintenance worker, both of which have deepened her love for agriculture and FFA programs. She refers to FFA as “a passion, purpose, and a blessing”, and is honored and overjoyed to serve this next year.