04/21/2026
MACKENNA WESSELN SELECTED AS A 2026 ILLINOIS FFA OFFICER CANDIDATE
Mackenna Wesseln was selected as a 2026 candidate for the 2026 - 2027 Illinois FFA Major State Officer Team. Mackenna is a member of the Pinckneyville FFA Chapter of the Illinois Association FFA. Mackenna is the Daughter of John and Tabatha Wesseln from Pinckneyville. Austin McAllister is the agriculture teacher and FFA Advisor at Pinckneyville Community High School.
Mackenna was selected by a committee of agriculture industry friends, media and collegiate leaders, past state FFA officers and current FFA members. The candidates completed a rigorous series of practicums, including a virtual round consisting of a writing exercise, a prepared speech, and a test on Illinois agricultural education and FFA, as well as an in-person round held at Lincoln Land Community College on Saturday, April 18, 2026. The in-person round included a general interview, an impromptu scenario, a facilitation exercise, and a group activity.
Earning this distinction of being named one of the ten candidates now makes Mackenna eligible to be elected one of the six Illinois FFA Major State Officer positions of President, Vice-President, Reporter, Secretary, Treasurer, or Sentinel at the 98th Annual Illinois FFA State Convention on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at the Bank of Springfield Center in Springfield, IL beginning at 7:30 a.m.
