Vaughan Named Virginia FFA President 

James Chandler Vaughan, a 2015 graduate of Randolph-Henry High School, has been named State President of the Virginia FFA Association.

“When my name was announced this past June at the Virginia FFA State Convention, I was absolutely thrilled,” said Vaughan. “I had been preparing intensely for running for a month and really wanted the opportunity to serve the members across the State of Virginia.” According to Vaughan, the criteria for being selected as State President included an interview process in which officers were nominated by a special committee, not other FFA members. The State of Virginia boasts an astounding 8,887 FFA members and 610,240 nationally.

“I first joined FFA as a sixth grader at Central Middle School,” explained Vaughan. “Since then, I’ve served four chapter offices: President at the middle school, as well as Secretary, Vice-President, and President at Randolph-Henry High School.” Since the beginning of his FFA career, it was clear that Vaughan was dedicated to the organization and ultimately determined to reach for the stars. “He was an outstanding student,” commented Bruce Cumbie. Cumbie had the pleasure of teaching Vaughan at Central Middle School and Randolph-Henry High School throughout his FFA career. Cumbie explained that Vaughan had been steadily preparing for this day, and it is a testimony to the importance of setting goals in life.

“I’ve participated in numerous contests such as Agronomy, Farm Business Management, Forestry Field Day, Plant Science, and Extemporaneous Public Speaking,” said Vaughan. “The FFA isn’t simply an organization for middle and high school students. Instead, it’s an opportunity for members to grow their knowledge in all aspects of the agricultural industry.”

The specific mission of the FFA states, “The FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of its students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agriculture education.” Over the next year as State President, Vaughan hopes to promote growth and development throughout the Virginia FFA Association. “I plan on doing this by increasing activity in inactive chapters. Additionally, I hope to make a difference in the life of at least one FFA member.” Vaughan credits his passion for FFA to his two role models, Dani Gaulden and Rebekah Slabach.

James Chandler Vaughan is 18 years old and resides in Keysville, Virginia.