Walrath Selected as NYS FFA Treasurer; Hughes Advances in District 2 President Selection
Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School District is proud to announce that senior and C-R FFA Chapter Officer Benjamin Walrath has been selected as the 2026–2027 New York State FFA Treasurer.
Ben was chosen following an extensive and highly competitive selection process that began in February and included more than 32 candidates from across New York State. The initial phase required candidates to complete a comprehensive application and submit an 11-minute video featuring interview responses and a mock speech. From that pool, 20 candidates advanced to the final round, including C-RCS students Danielle Hughes and Andrew Hughes.
The final selection process took place during a three-day, in-person interview event at Camp Oswegatchie. Candidates participated in 10 one-on-one interviews, three stakeholder interviews with leaders including a New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Deputy Director, a local Board of Education member, and a New York State Senator on the State Education Committee, as well as a stand-and-deliver speech. Following careful deliberation, six students were selected to serve as New York State FFA Officers.
Ben will officially be sworn in during the 101st New York State FFA Convention in Buffalo. In his role as State Treasurer, he will undergo extensive training, lead workshops for FFA members during summer camp, and represent New York at the State Leaders Summit in Washington, D.C. Over the course of the year, he will represent more than 16,000 FFA members, traveling throughout the state to visit local chapters, industry partners, and elected officials.
As Ben prepares for this exciting opportunity, he also looks ahead to beginning his freshman year at SUNY Cobleskill.
In addition, C-RCS junior Andrew Hughes has been selected as one of the top two candidates in the district to advance in the process for District 2 President. He will now be considered by District 2 delegates at the New York State FFA Convention. If selected, he would succeed Olivia VanEvera as District 2 President and serve alongside Ben on this year’s team.
C-RCS congratulates Ben and Andrew on their outstanding achievements and leadership, and looks forward to their continued success!