About Our Advisor
From a young age, Ms. Patricia Hebenstreit demonstrated a passion for agriculture and leadership that has shaped her career. Growing up in Olivet, Ms. Hebenstreit became an active member of the FFA for six years, holding various leadership roles including President, Student Advisor, and Reporter. Her dedication and drive were recognized early on when she won the Junior High Conduct of Meetings contest in 2014 and the state FFA quiz bowl contest in 2015. Throughout her FFA journey, Ms. Hebenstreit earned multiple degrees, including the Greenhand, Chapter, State, and American degrees, a testament to her dedication and achievements in agricultural education.
In 2020, Ms. Hebenstreit graduated from high school in Olivet and set her sights on furthering her education at Michigan State University. There, she studied Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Education, a field that perfectly aligned with her commitment to fostering the next generation of agricultural leaders. She graduated with a Bachelor's degree in 2023.
Her commitment to leadership development was further demonstrated through participation in the Washington Leadership Conference in the summer of 2018, where she honed her skills in advocacy and community building. Additionally, Ms. Hebenstreit had the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica with the National FFA on the International Leadership Seminar for State Officers (ILSSO), gaining valuable insights into global agriculture and leadership in 2023. While at Michigan State, Ms. Hebenstreit's involvement in FFA continued to grow. She represented the state as the Region 6 State Vice President from 2021 to 2022, a role that allowed her to advocate for agricultural education and mentor younger members.Â
After completing her degree, Ms. Hebenstreit embarked on a student teaching year at Maple Valley High School in 2024, where she made a significant impact by helping 15 students advance to the regional level in various contests. This experience solidified her passion for teaching and mentoring students in agricultural science. With a wealth of experience in leadership, education, and agriculture, Ms. Patricia Hebenstreit is committed to inspiring and guiding the next generation of agricultural professionals. Her journey from Olivet to a career in agricultural education reflects a deep-rooted passion for agriculture and a dedication to shaping the future of the industry.
Listen to Ms. Hebenstreit's Retiring Address from her year of service for Michigan's FFA Association
