Congratulations to Connecticut Agriscience educator William Davenport, who has been named to the National FFA Organization’s board of directors.

Mr. Davenport has taught agriscience at Nonnewaug High School in Woodbury since 1986 and has served as director of the Ellis Clark Regional Agriscience and Technology Program since 2004.  For more than 22 years, he has led the 328 member Woodbury High School FFA chapter as its advisor.

Bill has achieved an array of honors throughout his career, including being named 2004 Connecticut State Teacher of the Year and one of the top 20 teachers of the year by USA Today in 2005.

He earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in animal science from the University of Connecticut and received a sixth year diploma in administration and supervision from Southern Connecticut State University.

Mr. Davenport was guest speaker at the 2004 Connecticut State Grange Session at the Sheraton Hartford Hotel.

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We are happy to announce Bryan Marchefsky as the new Public Policy and Communications Fellow for the National Grange. Born and raised in Pottsville, Pa., Bryan is passionate about the advancement of rural community values and the collaborative, teamwork culture that it promotes. He holds a B.A. in History with a secondary education teaching certification from West Chester University of Pennsylvania, and is a military veteran, having served as a combat engineer in the US Army.

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Vicki Huff was installed as Master of the Maine State Grange on Saturday, June 1 to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Patrick Brewer. The ceremony was led by Arthur Merrill, past voting delegate for New Hampshire State Grange.

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On Friday, Sept. 20, Lynette Schaeffer was elected President of the Illinois State Grange during their 142nd Annual Convention, held in Rockford.

Schaeffer, of Lebanon, Ill., has been a member of the Grange “since I can first remember,” noting that her parents were active in the Grange before she was born and remain members today.

She has held several offices at the Subordinate and Pomona levels and most recently served as Historian of the Illinois State Grange.