AFR Announces 2017-18 Youth Advisory Council

American Farmers & Ranchers announced its 2017-18 Youth Advisory Council at the organization's annual Senior Leadership Summit Reception July 28.  The reception was held at the conclusion of the annual AFR Leadership Summit.

The Council consists of high school juniors and seniors representing AFR youth from across the state. Members of the 2017-18 Council are:  Cade Leonard, Sequoyah; Rylee Detrick, Ringwood; Drew Hardaway, Battiest; Rayli Cunningham, Laverne; and Tyler Wilkinson, Calumet.

Council members participate in agriculture-based service projects throughout the year and assist in planning many AFR Youth Program activities. They also facilitate AFR events and act as mentors for younger Oklahoma youth.

"AFR is proud to invest in the future of Oklahoma through these young people," said Terry Detrick, AFR president. "Our leadership summit and the AFR Youth Advisory Council demonstrate that investment across Oklahoma."

The selection process includes a written application, an interview conducted by a panel of AFR members and leadership professionals and a speech given in front of the candidates' peers. In addition to interview and application scores, a vote is cast by students attending Summit, allowing all attendees to be involved in the selection process.

AFR Leadership Summit develops leadership skills in junior high and high school youth that will prepare them for future educational and professional experiences. Attendees learn such skills as setting and achieving short- and long-term goals and working in teams. They also learn the value of personal responsibility, respect for their peers and many other positive attributes.

"The AFR Leadership Summit is an excellent way for the youth of Oklahoma to learn skills that will benefit them in their futures," said Micaela Danker, AFR youth development coordinator.

AFR provides Oklahoma youth many opportunities to develop into the leaders of tomorrow. Leadership Summit is just one of several exciting AFR Youth Program traditions. The organization also hosts a poster contest, an agricultural achievement contest, fall speech contests, statewide scholarships, livestock handling and skills contests, livestock judging and grading competitions and many other leadership opportunities.

For more information on the Summit or other AFR youth opportunities, contact AFR Youth Development Coordinator Micaela Danker at (405) 218-5561, or mdanker@afrmic.com.

PHOTO CAPTION: (L to R) Members of the 2017-18 AFR Youth Advisory Council are: Cade Leonard, Sequoyah; Rylee Detrick, Ringwood; Drew Hardaway, Battiest; Rayli Cunningham, Laverne; and Tyler Wilkinson, Calumet.