Meridian senior Raeann Bouwman aims for WSU after FFA competition

Raeann Bouwman is weighing a move to Washington State University to study education. The Meridian High School senior wants to teach agricultural courses after years of competing in Future Farmers of America events across the state.

Bouwman, 17, did not start in FFA by choice. A hip disability discovered in the early grades ended her participation in basketball and wrestling. An FFA advisor who had known Bouwman since infancy suggested the switch. Bouwman said the push was necessary for her to join the organization.

She rose quickly within the group. By her junior year, she served as treasurer. The transition required an academic shift. Sports relied on athletic ability, while FFA demands math and science. Bouwman described the work as using her brain rather than her body.

Her background supports her interest in the field. Her family competes in tractor pull competitions each year. Bouwman has helped her grandfather restore an old Oliver tractor and is currently working on restoring a pulling tractor of her own.

Ag sales was her favorite competitive event. Participants receive a product and must present it to a panel. Bouwman said the event comes easily to her. She has competed in every FFA event except creed, which is restricted to freshmen. She noted that new advisors have reduced the number of offerings this year, removing ag sales from her schedule.

She plans to compete in veterinary science and floriculture this season. Bouwman also enjoys academic classes like ag mechanics and ag power and tech. She said she prefers the hands-on nature of those courses, where students move around and build things.

Bouwman has considered other paths. She thought about working as a NASCAR technician in North Carolina. She also considered applying to become a state FFA officer. She has also looked at a career in ag sales because of her competition record. For now, she is taking an advanced floral class to prepare for her upcoming floriculture competition.