The Fredericktown Local Schools FFA Chapter hosted Mallory White, Eastern Region vice president, during a stop in Knox County last Friday.

White, in town as part of National FFA Week, was joined by another National FFA staff member, Celya Glowacki. Also attending were State President Jake Zajkowski and State Manager Katy Endsley.

According Debra Burden, the school's FFA adviser, it is usually a “once in a lifetime opportunity for students to have this experience" because hosting a national officer is so rare.

"To our knowledge, this is the first time a national officer has visited Fredericktown High School students for such an event," she told the Mount Vernon News.

White, a Sturgis, Ky., native, is one of six student members elected at the national convention in October. According to a school press release, she hopes to diminish the stigma of competition and reignite excitement among members.

“I want to remind our members of the educational value of our events so they truly get the most out of our organization,” she said in the release. “I will work every day to leave everyone I encounter this year feeling excited about the direction our industry is headed.”

While visiting Fredericktown High School and Middle School, White conducted a variety of leadership workshops for current and potential FFA members. A catered lunch was provided courtesy of the Fredericktown FFA Alumni.

FFA senior Makayla Scott enjoyed White’s encouragement to “do positive things out of your comfort zone to help you build character.” Another FFA senior, Andrea Smith, was inspired “that there are always new ways to grow and prosper and you can find your way in this big world.”