RMFU announces 2004-05 Senior Youth Council

DENVER, COLO.—Three young people have been elected to serve as Rocky Mountain Farmers Union’s (RMFU) 2004-05 Senior Youth Advisory Council. The three council members were elected by their peers this summer during RMFU’s Senior Youth Camp.

The Senior Youth Advisory Council represents the concerns and viewpoint of youth during RMFU’s annual development of its organizational policy. Council members also assist at RMFU events and activities, speak on behalf of the RMFU youth, plan youth education programs and provide leadership at RMFU’s youth camps and other events. The year of service enables council members to develop their leadership, public speaking and personal organizational skills.

“I am very pleased with the individuals elected to the 2004-05 Senior Youth Advisory Council. RMFU will benefit from their input, and I expect to see a lot of personal growth as the council members learn more about agricultural policy and how to be an effective leader,” said Amy Meyer, RMFU Education Director.

2004-05 RMFU Senior Youth Advisory Council members include:

From Eckley, Colo., is Michael Brophy, son of Marty Brophy. He will be a senior this fall at Lone Star School, where he is active in the Future Business Leaders of America and a member of the yearbook staff. Brophy and his family have been active members of Farmers Union for many years. He has attended many of the organization’s county and state meetings and other activities.

“I first became interest in serving on council from watching my sister participate,” said Brophy. “I think being on council will be a lot of fun, and I am very enthusiastic about making camp enjoyable and a good experience for every camper.”

From New Raymer, Colo., is Vanessa Mae Farnik, daughter of Steve and Lanette Farnik. She is active in FFA, Future Business Leaders of America, volleyball, basetball, baseball, track and the National Honor Society at Prairie High School, where she will be a senior this fall. Farnik was winner of the Weld County Farmers Union speech contest, advancing to the state competition, where she placed second.

“I hope to learn more about Farmers Union and to improve my leadership, speaking and planning skills by being a member of council. I also look forward to traveling and meeting new people,” said Farnik.

From Peetz, Colo., is Jessica Schumacher, daughter of Gary & Kristy Schumacher. She will be a senior at Peetz High School this fall and is active in the National Honor Society, the Future Business Leaders of America and Student Council. She has competed in the RMFU speech contest program for three consecutive years, qualifying to for the state contest the last two years. She also is active in county meetings and the RMFU camping program.

“I want to use my ideas creatively to make camp fun for (next year’s) campers,” said Schumacher. “Serving on the Senior Youth Advisory Council is a great opportunity for me to become more involved with Farmers Union and to help others learn about the organization and its programs for young people.”

For more information on RMFU’s youth development opportunities, please contact Meyer at 303-283-3550.