Chelan graduate, state FFA officer preparing for international leadership trip

CHELAN — Chelan High School graduate and Washington FFA State Treasurer Ava Haase is preparing to represent Washington agriculture on the international stage.

Haase, a 2025 graduate of Chelan High School, has been selected to take part in the International Leadership Seminar for State Officers (ILSSO), a program that brings together about 75 state FFA officers nationwide each year to study agriculture abroad. This January, the seminar will take delegates to Spain and Portugal, where participants will explore agricultural practices, international trade and sustainability from a global perspective.

“As a Washington FFA State officer, I hope to learn how other countries approach agricultural challenges and sustainability, then bring those lessons back to my state to share with members and communities,” Haase said. “This experience will not only strengthen my leadership skills but also give me a broader perspective on agriculture’s role in connecting people and feeding the world.”

For Haase, being chosen for ILSSO is both an honor and a responsibility.

“Being chosen for ILSSO is truly an honor because it represents the chance to step beyond my own community and see agriculture from a global perspective,” Haase said. “It means I’ve been entrusted to not only grow personally as a leader but also to bring back knowledge, experiences, and ideas that can benefit Washington FFA and the agricultural community at home. It’s more than just a trip—it’s an opportunity to represent our state, learn from some of the best in international agriculture, and gain insights that will shape how I serve as a leader both now and in the future.”

Haase joined Chelan FFA in 2022 and has held a variety of leadership roles, including two years as a chapter officer and as District 7 president. In June, she was elected to serve as Washington FFA State Treasurer for the 2025–26 term.

During her time in FFA, she has competed in leadership development events such as Prepared Public Speaking and Employment Skills, and gained hands-on experience raising livestock for the Chelan and Douglas County Fair. Those experiences, she said, have been deeply meaningful.

“FFA is important to me because it has brought so many valuable experiences and life lessons,” Haase said. “FFA quickly became like a second family to me, and provided me with friendships that will last a lifetime. It’s important to me to continue to provide that safe space to other students and continue advocating for the future of agriculture and FFA.”

To make the international seminar possible, Haase is raising funds to cover about $6,000 in travel and program costs. She has turned to her community and supporters through outreach and fundraising. Contributions can be made through her GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/68128987 or by contacting her directly at ava@washingtonffa.org.

“Every contribution, big or small, brings me one step closer to this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to represent Washington FFA internationally,” she said. “I’m so grateful for the encouragement and generosity I’ve received along the way. It’s a reminder of how supportive our agricultural and hometown community truly is.”

After completing her year of state service, Haase plans to attend Colorado State University to study agriculture policy, with a minor in fish and wildlife conservation and biology.

“Thank you for believing in agricultural education, global citizenship, and the future of young leaders like me,” Haase said on her GoFundMe page.

Quinn Propst: 206-923-8706 or quinn@ward.media