Alabama student named to 2012-13 National FFA Officer team as Southern Region vice president
2012 - 2013 Southern Region Vice President Wiley Bailey
INDIANAPOLIS (Saturday, Oct. 27, 2012/National FFA Organization) – Ten years ago, Alabama native Wiley Bailey learned to play the banjo.
“Each time I pick up my banjo, I remember what it takes to make beautiful music and discover more about how I can use these principles to better every other aspect of my life,” he said. “When I play in public, children run to me and tell me that they’d love to learn how to play. I always give them my number and encourage them to take lessons.”
For years, he and his family have toured northern Alabama churches and played as “The Baileys.”
“When I play, I never think about my imperfections or how big the audience is,” Bailey said. “I simply love playing the music and I put everything I have into each moment on stage.”
He plans to set aside his struggles, remember his purpose and live each moment with power and conviction during the next year as a national FFA officer.
Today, to conclude the 85th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, Bailey was elected National FFA Southern Region vice president for 2012-13.
Joining Bailey on the 2012-13 National FFA Officer team are president Clay Sapp of Florida, Kalie Hall of Georgia as national secretary, Joenelle Futrell of Kentucky as Eastern Region vice president, Lindsey Anderson of California as Western Region vice president and Brennan Costello of Nebraska as Central Region vice president.
For the next year, the group will travel more than 100,000 miles across the country to engage top leaders in business, government and education. The national officers will lead personal growth and leadership training seminars for FFA members. The team will help set policies that will guide the future of FFA and promote agricultural literacy.
Bailey is a member of the Sand Rock High School FFA chapter in Sand Rock, Alabama, led by advisors Barry Bailey and Christina Richardson. In high school, he held FFA titles including state secretary, North District president, North District treasurer and chapter president. He was an Alabama delegate to the National FFA Convention & Expo. And Bailey was a member of his high school’s varsity basketball and track teams and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.
He is currently attending Auburn University studying agricultural communications and involved in the university’s Freshmen Leadership Program, High School Leadership Counselor program, the Miss Homecoming Campaign staff and a member and officer of Legacy Brotherhood.
“If I am able to accomplish my goals as a national FFA officer, I will have to take time to listen to others and genuinely care about their concerns,” Bailey said. “I will advocate for the agriculture industry and educate others on the importance of the farm. But more importantly, I will have to live every moment to the fullest and play my heart out.”
He is the son of Barry and Jill Bailey.
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