Nick Banze stood nervously among eight other students at the FFA Area V Banquet this past May.

Each student was waiting for their name to be called. When Banze’s name was finally announced, he felt a rush of emotion.

“When they announced my name I was trying to be professional and not scream, ‘I did it!’ ” he said. Banze had just been named president for the group.

The Warrenton High School senior is now charged with leading over 2,000 FFA students from 19 schools.

To become the Area V president, Banze went through an extensive application process. He first had to submit his leadership pages, or a list of activities he had completed for FFA during his high school career. He was then given a 25-question knowledge test on the history and regulations of FFA.

The final stage of the process was interviewing in front of FFA area delegates.

“The interview is pretty nervewracking,” stated Banze. “They ask you questions on the spot and you have to try to come up with the best answers possible in that short amount of time.”

The top nine students from the first interview advance to a second interview, where they were asked six more questions by past area officers. Then the waiting game began.

“We did not find out until May who got what office,” Banze said. “I was so excited since I did not get an area office last year. I was grateful that I could get one this year, and that it was president,” he said.

As president, Banze will be in charge of organizing the majority of the area events including the leadership conference, banquet, and Barnwarming.

“I am also just trying to help as many FFA members as I can to accomplish their goals and become better leaders,” said Banze.

Banze dates his interest in agriculture back to his childhood.

“Starting off it came from helping my dad on the farm and raising animals to show at the county fair,” he stated. “It helped me get an interest in agriculture.”

Once he joined FFA, Banze realized that it was much more than just agricultural experience. He recently attended an FFA leadership camp at the Lake of the Ozarks where officers from across the state had the opportunity to earn their leadership pin, which Banze has done.

He hopes to attend the University of Missouri after high school to earn a degree in agriculture business.

What is your biggest goal for your senior year?

“My biggest goal for my senior year is to become a state officer. They only take 16 out of the state, one from each area. I hope to make the most of my last year and make sure I try to leave the school a better place than it was when I came to it.”

What FFA events do you compete in?

“I compete in a variety of public speaking events, which require you to write speeches. Those are leadership development events. I also competed in agricultural mechanics this year, which is a career development event.”

Who has had the greatest influence on your life?

“My parents, just because of the way they have raised me and helped shape me into the person I am today. I know I would not have been able to accomplish anything without them.”

What is your favorite class?

“Human Biology with Doc McGuire.”

Who is your favorite teacher? “Mr. Burkemper.”

Favorite Food: “Chocolate Milk.”

Favorite Restaurant: “Bandana's.”

Favorite Movie: “Rocky II.”

Favorite Music: “Country.”