Two members selected as state FFA officers
- Lennox Independent Staff
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
Two Lennox Sundstrom FFA members joined the list of 13 other chapter members who have served as state FFA officers in the past 97 years after their election at the South Dakota FFA State Convention held in Brookings April 3-5.
Lennox High School seniors Tyler Strasser and Skyler Plucker achieved their goals of becoming state FFA officers this past weekend. Lennox Sundstrom FFA Chapter adviser Kasey Trocke said having two members accomplish this feat in the same year is rare.
“Tyler and Skyler both being selected is a tremendous opportunity and I know the chapter and myself are excited to see what they accomplish. While it is not unheard of, having two state officers in the same year from the same chapter is pretty uncommon. I am excited to see what the entire state officer team is able to accomplish this upcoming year,” Trocke said.
Strasser and Plucker ran against 12 other FFA members from around the state. The process included filling out an application, a recommendation from their adviser and a two-day interview process that was held a couple of weeks before state convention.
Leading up to the announcement on Saturday, both of them were nervous and stressed waiting to find out if one, both or neither of them made it. Plucker’s name was called first as state sentinel.
“This was a very real moment for us. I got the honor of standing next to Tyler Strasser, a fellow member of my chapter and our chapter president. We had a special bond between us because we’ve done everything in FFA together,” Plucker said. “It was a very emotional moment with all the members with me.”
Strasser had to wait for the final announcement to find out he was named state president.
“Right before me and Skyler were sitting next to each other and looked at each other and said we’ve got to Lennox Sundstrom up there. When I heard his name, I was absolutely ecstatic and just happy to hear our chapter. And then I heard his name and went well there it is. They don’t do two from the same chapter. It’s a special occasion they do that,” Strasser said. “Then I heard Lennox Sundstrom for the second time and everything blurred after that.”
Both Strasser and Plucker joined FFA in seventh grade but started getting more involved in eighth grade. Plucker has served as parliamentarian, treasurer and vice president of the chapter, secretary and treasurer for District III and now the 2025-2026 state sentinel.
Strasser has served as parliamentarian and president of the chapter, sentinel for District III and now the 2025-2026 state president.
Their experiences through the FFA have helped them prepare for these statewide leadership roles.
“Tyler and Skyler both have several qualities that make them good state officers. These include their passion for agriculture, hard-working nature, ability to work with a variety of people and their ability to problem solve,” Trocke said.
Plucker’s passion for FFA and helping others drove his desire to run for state office.
“I wanted to run for state office because I had a huge passion for FFA and I wanted to help others gain the passion I have, help other members, help other adults. I think FFA is very crucial in developing young leaders in our state and nation and I wanted to show others why FFA is important,” Plucker said.
Strasser said the last couple of years have pushed him in developing his leadership skills and wanted to run to help members.
“I really just enjoy leading people and teaching people and helping them when I can. It’s a good way to help a whole bunch of people and help get more members into FFA and teach them the things I learned,” Strasser said.
Strasser and Plucker will begin their year of service with some trainings after high school graduation then summer FFA camps then state fair followed by chapter and industry visits and much more. Both will be attending South Dakota State University this fall with Strasser majoring in construction management and Plucker majoring in agribusiness and either dairy science or animal science.
Both are looking forward to serving the members across the state and making new connections. Trocke is looking forward to see how they grow over the next year.
“I am looking forward for them to continue making those industry connections, leaving an impact on other members across the state and pushing themselves even more than they have. This opportunity is special and I am excited to see how much they grow this next year,” Trocke said.
State Convention Results
Plucker was also named the Star in Agribusiness and received first place in dairy production entrepreneurship. He placed 12th in dairy cattle evaluation and was also a member of the sixth place dairy cattle evaluation team, which included Braylon Plucker who placed 10th, Sutton Plucker and Jaelyn Fergen.
The meat evaluation team placed fifth overall, which included Bode Sweeter, who placed sixth, Ryan Luden, who place 17th, and Kenna Schilling and Jovie Wirt.
The veterinary science team placed 15th, which included Emersen Lee, who placed eighth, Amelya Meier, Madelyn Lund and Maddigan Van Sickle.
Adah Perry placed 12th in the floriculture career development event (CDE).
The horse evaluation team placed 12th. Team members included Payden Brue, Abbie Wildeboer, Cade Maxfield and Carson Maxfield.
Four senior members received the State FFA Degree - Megan Luvaas, Skyler Plucker, Faith Poppens and Tyler Strasser.
Plucker received a Blue & Gold Scholarship and Strasser received the Mary Hansen Scholarship.