Victoria Harris is making a name for herself in the FFA world. In October, she was named the National FFA Secretary for 2016-2017.
By Thais Leon-Miller | Staff Intern
When Victoria Harris started at Strawberry Crest High School, her accessory of choice was a string instrument — not the blue Future Farmers of America jacket she regularly sports.
“When she came to us, she was an orchestra kid,” Principal David Brown said. “She played the viola.”
But during an open house at the school, the FFA table caught the attention of both Harris and her brother. She quickly made the transition from playing notes to selling livestock, a passion she carried through her graduation from Strawberry Crest in 2014.
It’s a passion she continues to have today. In October, Harris was named the National FFA Secretary for the 2016-2017 year — a first for her alma mater.
“Before I became a national officer, I got involved with the junior chapter office,” Harris said. “They really allowed me to see my own potential, and taught me and others the leadership skills you need to get ahead and do well.”
Prior to being elected a national officer, Harris served as the FFA state secretary for Florida. After graduating from Crest, she enrolled at the University of Florida. She currently takes biology classes and is working toward her degree in veterinary medicine.
As a national officer, Harris will join six other students from schools across the nation to help manage 650,000 association members. As secretary, she will help facilitate workshops and leadership training for students.
The new title requires regular travel. During her yearlong tenure, Harris will visit 35 states and give close to 100 speeches.
Harris attributes her ability to maintain the busy schedule to her prior experience in FFA during her days as a Charger.
“The school provided a lot of opportunity,” she said. “It wasn’t established yet, so there was a lot of room for the school to get involved in a lot of different programs. Everyone was so supportive and willing to help.”
As Harris knows, school participation at Crest is widely encouraged. Brown wanted his students to excel academically while participating in student-led organizations.
It’s a vision that’s putting Strawberry Crest on the map for students across Hillsborough County, as enrollment has nearly doubled since the school opened.
It’s also one that Brown hopes will continue to produce top students — students like Harris.
