Guthrie FFA Officers attend leadership training in Enid

Special to Guthrie News Page
By: Abigayle Lanoy, FFA Chapter Reporter

ENID, Okla. – Officers of the Guthrie FFA Chapter took part in the 2025 Oklahoma FFA Chapter Officer Leadership Training (COLT) Conference on September 23 at the Enid Events Center.

The conference, hosted by the eight Oklahoma State FFA Officers, carried the theme “On Target: Take Aim.” Training sessions focused on anticipatory leadership, encouraging chapter officers to plan ahead, prepare for challenges, and lead with purpose.

More than 60 Northwest-area chapters were represented at the event. Each chapter’s elected officers participated in interactive workshops designed to strengthen leadership skills and prepare them for the year ahead.

Kelly Barnes of Edmond, a former state FFA president and accomplished leadership coach, served as keynote speaker. Barnes, who was recently named Executive Director of Tulakogee youth camp in Wagoner, Oklahoma, shared his experiences in leadership and encouraged students to embrace their opportunities to serve.

“It’s truly an honor to play a role in officer development through COLT Conference,” said State FFA President Cooper Kline. “Our theme this year is On Target: Take Aim. This facilitation will play a major role in equipping officers with the crucial skills needed to overcome adversity during their year of service.”

The Guthrie FFA officers who attended were:

• Colten Stevens, President
  
• Ridge Garrett, Vice President
  
• Piper Gann, Secretary
  
• Kaden Berry, Treasurer
  
• Abigayle Lanoy, Reporter
  
• Laney Sasser, Sentinel
  

Advisors Dusty Oldenburg, Clay Drake, and Savahanna Rennick also attended with the team.

COLT Conference is made possible through sponsorship from Public Service Company of Oklahoma, as a special project of the Oklahoma FFA Foundation. FFA is a key component of agricultural education in Oklahoma, with more than 29,500 members across 370 high schools statewide.