KEN REED of Versailles was awarded the Honorary State FFA Degree at a special ceremony during the 97th FFA State Convention, held June 9-11 in Lexington. Reed is pictured with his wife, Barbara. (Kentucky FFA photo)

CAROLINA RHEA was elected vice president of Kentucky FFA at its annual convention, held June 9-11 in Lexington. (Kentucky FFA photo)

 

By Scott White

Woodford Sun Staff

This year’s 97th Kentucky FFA annual convention, held June 9-11 in Lexington, was particularly special for Woodford Countians Carolina Rhea and Ken Reed.

Carolina was elected to serve as the 2026-2027 Kentucky FFA vice president. Carolina, the daughter of Robin and Brittany Rhea of Versailles, is a member of the Woodford County FFA chapter. Carolina was one of 23 candidates who ran for state office from across Kentucky. 

“Carolina is the first state FFA officer from Woodford County in 25+ years! We can’t wait to watch you be a CHAMPION for KY FFA members across the state this year!” FFA said on its Facebook page. 

Carolina completed an application and interview process on June 7 and 8 and was selected by the nominating committee made up of graduating senior FFA members. She was then elected unanimously by the delegate body.

As a state FFA officer, Carolina has committed to a year of service, which includes going through an extensive training program following the election. FFA officers travel several thousand miles each year representing the state association at local and regional FFA events, agricultural meetings and various other functions across the state.

According to a press release, Kentucky FFA is an organization of over 25,000 middle and high school students enrolled in Agricultural Education courses, with 195 chapters in 115 of Kentucky’s 120 counties. FFA’s mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

Ken Reed, a well-known and beloved Woodford County farmer, was awarded the Honorary State FFA Degree at a special ceremony during the convention. 

The Honorary Degree is awarded to adults who have made a significant contribution to the state association. Past recipients of the award have included several Kentucky governors, various leaders in agriculture and education, and numerous individuals who have provided service to the organization over the course of multiple years.

Reed has been a long-time judge of the State Star Farmer contest. He has also supported agricultural education and FFA at the local level and provides sponsorship for the Ag Teachers Change Lives Award.

FFA Executive Secretary Matt Chaliff said, “Mr. Reed has used the lessons he learned in FFA throughout his life. He has chosen to pay it forward by providing opportunities for FFA members and advisors now and in the years to come.”

Woodford FFA also brought home several other honors.

Four members received their State FFA Degree as a result of their hard work and dedication to leadership and service: Faith Davis, Rhea, Logan Rudd and Emma Roberts.

Woodford FFA was also recognized as a Gold Emblem-rated chapter. Tracy Probst, an ag sciences teacher at Woodford County High School and one of the chapter’s faculty advisors, said this designation would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of all of its members, especially past chapter Secretary Emma Roberts and Junior Secretary Sarah Bradley.