Vale’s Addie Saunders named 2026-2027 Oregon FFA State Reporter
By Garrett Christensen on Tuesday, March 24th, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
VALE – The 2026 FFA State Convention has come to a close, and with it, the final selection of the Oregon FFA’s next state officer team. Representing Eastern Oregon and Malheur County for the coming school year, Vale FFA’s own Addie Saunders was officially named the 2026-2027 Oregon FFA State Reporter.
Addie was one of ten Eastern Oregon FFA members to be considered for the state officer team this year (out of a total pool of 26 candidates) and the only one to make the final cut. Prior to this new appointment, she served as both the Vale FFA Chapter President and the Snake River FFA District President.
Addie is joined on the state officer team by president Anna Kliewer (Lost River FFA), Vice President Braelyn Marino (Forest Grove FFA), Secretary Tucker VanDyke (Yamhill-Carlton FFA), Treasurer Dylan Orr (Henley FFA) and Sentinel Callie Kostman (Crater FFA).
Addie’s letter can be read in full below:
“Dear Oregon FFA,
From kindergarten to freshman year I read as many books as possible, content to live through the lives of fictional characters. When I entered high school my life changed focus. Not to a new library, but to the very people walking beside me.
Coming from a smaller school where the average class size was ten kids, high school was a shock. Hundreds of kids rushing through the halls, each going their own ways. I had been told that this was supposed to be the best four years of my life. Surely, there was some secret they had forgotten to tell me. I desperately searched my first week to find the answer. After all, that’s what a good heroine would do. The answer came in a brief five second interaction with a classmate. It all started with, “Hi! What’s your name?” The instant smile we both shared was more than enough encourage me to continue this newfound skill. This small conversation turned into another and then another. By the end of the day, I had met so many kids. By using my words, I connected to my high school student body. This was the secret to a joyful life.
Now, adventures aren’t found on paper but in the people I know. Everytime we greet each other by name, we strengthen our friendship. Bringing what I had learned about connection to FFA, made my world so much bigger. With name tags already stitched onto individual jackets the new goal was to connect with the people wearing them. Each activity turned into a quest: to know every person competing, helping, or watching. Just like those little talks I had experienced in my high school, these moments made the difference. I truly believe that every person no matter who they are, has a story to tell. We just have to start the conversation. Anytime and anywhere being recognized and acknowledged by name matters.
As FFA members, we can use our words for good. We can invite everyone to have a seat at the table. We can be the ones to take the first step and say, “Hi! What’s your name?”
With a passion for knowing each member of Oregon FFA, I am honored to announce my candidacy for the 2026-2027 Oregon FFA State Officer Team. As state convention approaches, may we have the courage to see, connect, and communicate with fellow FFA members as we each share our part in the adventure of becoming future leaders.
Sincerely,
Addie Saunders”
**The list of the original 10 Eastern Oregon candidates can be found in our previous article here. Congratulations Addie!
