Laurel County Public Schools is proud to announce that recent North Laurel High School graduate Austin Van has been elected as a Kentucky FFA State Officer for the 2026–2027 academic year. Austin will serve in the prestigious role of FFA State Secretary, representing and leading more than 25,000 FFA members across the Commonwealth.
Becoming a State Officer is an extraordinary achievement. In any given year, less than 1 percent of Kentucky FFA members are given the opportunity to hold one of the 12 officer positions. Austin’s election marks only the sixth time a student from Laurel County has achieved a state office, and he is just the second state officer in the history of North Laurel High School.
Additionally, Austin’s election as FFA State Secretary secures his place in regional history, marking the second-highest state officer position ever achieved by a student from the Kentucky River Region.
Austin is no stranger to dedication and leadership within the organization. His impressive FFA resume includes:
-Two-term Chapter President: Led the North Laurel FFA Chapter from 2024 to 2026.
-Regional Leadership: Served as the Vice President for the Kentucky River Region from 2025 to 2026.
As FFA State Secretary, Austin will spend the next year traveling across Kentucky, hosting leadership conferences, visiting local chapters, and advocating for agricultural education.
Congratulations, Austin!