Midlakes FFA Chapter has been selected to host a regional leadership event during the NY FFA State Officer Tour. The event is scheduled for Wednesday at 4 p.m. at Midlakes High School.
The New York FFA Association serves 9,000 students in nearly 140 districts, teaching agricultural education. Each year, six students are elected to represent the association as a whole. These State FFA Officers represent FFA members, member schools, and agricultural education programs in a variety of settings.
The state officers go “on tour” at the beginning of every school year, hosting leadership events at select schools throughout New York.
“This is a big deal to Midlakes FFA, and for Midlakes Schools,” said Marina Bartolotta-O’Brien, one of Midlakes Agricultural Education Teachers and co-advisor of the Midlakes FFA Chapter with Jessica Spence. Spence also teaches Agriculture and Business courses at Midlakes High School.
“Hosting a State Officer Tour regional event is a great segue into hosting more NY FFA events in the future,” Bartolotta-O’Brien added.
The 2025-26 New York FFA Officer Team includes President Zoe Valencia (John Browne FFA; Flushing, Queens County) and Vice-President Leah Figary (Sidney FFA; Sidney, Delaware County). Secretary Kaylee Heroth is from Mohawk Valley FFA at the Oppenheim-Ephratah-St. Johnsville Central School District in St. Johnsville, Montgomery County. Treasurer Mark Hoffman Jr. represents Vernon-Verona-Sherrill FFA in Vernon, Oneida County. Reporter Dylan LaFave is from Stockbridge Valley FFA in Munnsville, Madison County. This year’s Sentinel is Matthew Mulligan, representing John Jay FFA in Hopewell Junction, Dutchess County.
Last year, the 2024-25 Officer team visited Midlakes for the Charter Ceremony, officially establishing Midlakes as a member of the FFA chapter. The event opened the door, and following standout performances and growth at the regional and state competitions, Midlakes earned a spot on the tour. In all, Midlakes will welcome members attending from FFA chapters across the region. Events like this can welcome up to 100 members.
The FFA State Officers, as part of their duties, travel around New York, across the United States, and are even invited to tour internationally. The goal is to help the elected students network with agribusiness professionals, educators, and the New York State government. The student leaders play a key role in securing partnerships and funding for the New York FFA Association. Successful State Officers rely on strong interpersonal and communication skills, self-management, organization, and a strong behind-the-scenes work ethic to prepare for large events and activities. Many of these skills are practiced and evaluated during regional and state-level competitions.
This event is a precursor to the new Midlakes Harvest Festival, scheduled for 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on September 27. The festival will feature several local vendors, a farmer’s market, and community groups involved in agriculture. Small local businesses will also participate.
The headline attraction will be the NYACC Mobile Dairy Experience, which provides an immersive, multi-sensory look at dairy farming and dairy products. The 1,000-square-foot trailer includes state-of-the-art technology, captivating imagery, and hands-on learning opportunities. Classes from both the Elementary and Secondary schools will tour the Mobile Dairy Experience on September 25 and 26.
Visitors to the Harvest Festival can also learn about the featured produce program at Midlakes High School. This monthly program is a partnership between local cash crop farmers, Midlakes FFA, agricultural education teachers, and the Food Service department at Midlakes High School. Each month, fresh, locally sourced produce is used in meals served on the school lunch lines.
The Regional State Officers attending the Regional State Officer Tour, which is not open to the public, will pay a $13 ticket cost. Their ticket includes dinner, provided by Talk of the Town Cafe, with subs, a Finger Lakes-inspired side and chips, and a vegetable appetizer.
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