Two Ridgewater Ag Students Become National Officers

Five Ridgewater Agriculture students recently placed in the top three at the National Professional Agriculture Students (PAS) conference held March 16-19 in Bloomington. 

In addition, two students were elected to top PAS officer positions. 

Twenty-four Ridgewater students competed in 16 different areas with about 400 other participants. 

Bryce Thompson (Buffalo) will serve the next year as National PAS President. He is a December 2021 graduate of the Agri Business and Precision Agriculture programs and a current Professional Photography student. 

Makayla Breth will share the experience as she performs National Vice President duties. In addition to her third-place award in Career Progress, she is also Ridgewater’s Student Senate president. 

“Being selected as the National PAS President is super cool!” Thompson said. He feels well prepared after holding several leadership roles in Ridgewater and Minnesota PAS chapters, high school FFA, Boy Scouts, church youth, and more. 

“I’m just excited for students to take advantage of all that PAS has to offer. There are so many different areas and ways to get involved and prepare for the workforce to be career-ready.” 

“We’re proud of how our students took their state champion success to the national level and excited to have Bryce and Makayla serving as the National PAS President and Vice President,” said Ridgewater PAS advisor Doug Lind. 

In addition to the contests, students heard presentations on topics including mental health, livestock drug rules, career leadership, LinkedIn, and many more.