Three AHS Students. One State. Big FFA Impact.
The Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences is proud to celebrate three NC State students who are making a statewide impact as North Carolina FFA State Officers. Lilly Russell, Josiah Saravia and Eleanor Zohn are each passionate about agricultural education, leadership, and service—and they’re using their platform this year to inspire FFA members across North Carolina.
Meet the Officers
Lilly Russell
Hometown: Hope Mills, NC
Year/Major: First-Year, Agricultural Education (Animal Science Concentration)
Future Plans: Become an agricultural educator who creates inclusive learning environments for all students
Lilly’s FFA journey began in her freshman Agriscience Applications class, where she quickly became captivated by the organization’s potential to shape students’ futures. Inspired by her teacher’s FFA story, she immersed herself in agriculture and never looked back.
Throughout high school, Lilly discovered that FFA wasn’t just an interest—it became a calling. After stepping away from the sport she’d played her whole life, she devoted her time to FFA, taking advantage of every opportunity to learn, lead, and serve.
“My busiest weeks in high school were because of FFA, but those were the weeks that created my favorite memories,” she shared. “FFA gave me experiences I will carry with me forever.”
Lilly’s heart for service is what ultimately drove her to pursue a state officer position. For her, leadership is about giving back.
“Being an officer was never about the title—it was about being able to give back to an organization that has poured so much into me.”
Her favorite experiences came through her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects, especially one where she taught agricultural lessons to the special populations classes at her high school. Watching students grow in confidence and form connections with agriculture remains one of her most cherished memories.
Josiah Saravia
Hometown: Raleigh, NC
Year/Major: First-Year, Agricultural Education (Biological & Agricultural Engineering Concentration)
Future Plans: Teach high school agricultural mechanics and animal science
Josiah’s introduction to FFA came during his sophomore year when his Animal Science advisor encouraged him to join the Poultry Judging CDE. From that first experience, he developed a passion for FFA, leadership, and especially agricultural advocacy.
Her favorite experiences came through her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects, especially one where she taught agricultural lessons to the special populations classes at her high school. Watching students grow in confidence and form connections with agriculture remains one of her most cherished memories.
But his journey wasn’t instant—Josiah shared that he initially struggled to find his place in high school, until FFA gave him a sense of belonging and purpose.
“I felt dissatisfied and disconnected early in high school. It wasn’t until I got more involved with FFA that I truly felt welcome. FFA shaped who I am today.”
Through serving at the chapter level, Josiah discovered a love for Ag Education and the meaningful impact agriculture programs have on students. That passion led him to pursue and earn a state officer position.
“Getting to hear and share the stories of members, alumni, supporters, and stakeholders is truly special. The best part is watching students grow from shy and withdrawn to confident and excited about agriculture.”
One of his favorite memories is leading his Ag Communications team at the 2024 State FFA Convention. The team of freshmen placed 2nd at state—an achievement that filled him with pride because of how far they had come together.
Eleanor Zohn
Hometown: Garner, NC
Year/Major: Sophomore, Agricultural Education (Biological & Agricultural Engineering Concentration)
Future Plans: Teach high school agricultural mechanics and agronomy
Eleanor didn’t initially seek out FFA—FFA found her. When her agriculture teacher encouraged her to compete as a freshman, she joined the Tool Identification contest and was instantly hooked. Soon, agriculture became a core part of her identity.
By her junior and senior years, every elective she took was ag-related, and the ag classroom became her home away from home. The community she found in FFA shaped her confidence, career goals, and personal growth.
“FFA changed the entire course of my life,” she said. “It shaped my high school experience, and now my college major still revolves around agriculture and FFA—I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”
Eleanor pursued a state officer role to inspire others and expand inclusivity within the organization.
“I love connecting with people and creating change. I want all members—regardless of background—to feel comfortable and accepted in FFA, even if they didn’t grow up in agriculture.”
One of her favorite memories comes from preparing for the Parliamentary Procedure competition in high school. Although her team placed last, she says the experience taught her the true meaning of family—one built on support, growth, and mutual respect.
Their Leadership Lessons
Across their different paths, these three student leaders share common themes about serving as NC FFA State Officers:
- Service matters more than titles
- Humility and authenticity make a real impact
- Showing up as your true self is the key to leadership
- FFA opens doors to growth, confidence, and lifelong connections
They agree that their biggest accomplishment as a team this year has been remaining intentional and grounded in service. Wherever they go—whether presenting workshops, speaking with legislators, or connecting with middle and high school students—they prioritize being genuine and kind.
Advice for Future FFA Leaders
Their advice for the next generation of FFA members is simple but powerful:
Lilly: “Try anything and everything—this organization has countless opportunities, and you’ll never know what you love unless you try.”
Josiah: “Show up as your true self. Authenticity builds confidence, creates real connections, and helps you serve others at your best.”
Eleanor: “Embrace every opportunity to grow. When you reflect on your growth, you become a better leader and help others grow too.”
These three AHS students are already lighting the way for future agricultural leaders across the state. With their dedication, compassion, and authentic leadership, the future of agricultural education is in inspiring hands.
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