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Officers for the Colorado Future Farmers of America Association, above, were selected during a convention that took place in Sterling June 3 to 5. Eric Wellman, pictured far right in the front row, a 2006 Moffat County High School graduate and six-year FFA member, was elected state sentinel.

Craig — After three tries, Eric Wellman got his wish.

Wellman, a 2006 Moffat County High School graduate and six-year Future Farmers of America member, tried his hand twice before at becoming a leader in the state FFA Association.

Although Wellman graduated high school two years ago, FFA rules allow him to retain his membership at the association's Moffat County chapter four years after high school graduation.

Twice Wellman applied for a state leadership position at FFA, which is designed to prepare students for agricultural careers.

Twice he failed to get elected.

A zero-for-two record didn't stop Wellman.

"The reason I kept on running was because when I was in high school, FFA meant a lot to me," he said. "It was a big part of my life."

Finally, at an annual FFA convention June 3 to 5 in Sterling, Wellman reached the goal. He was named the Association's state sentinel for the 2008-09 year, making him one of 10 newly elected student leaders.

As state sentinel, Wellman will be responsible for various tasks including maintaining the organization's meeting room and helping the group's president preserve order during meetings. He also will spend between 175 and 200 days traveling to trainings and meetings within and beyond the state, said Jeri Mattics Omernik, Colorado FFA Foundation executive director.

Wellman recently graduated from the Sterling-based Northeastern Junior College. He said he is planning to postpone for one year his entry to Colorado State University, where he plans to finish his degree in agricultural education.

"It's going to be a lot of traveling, and a lot of time for the members and not a whole lot for myself," he said.

Nonetheless, a position with the Association's upper echelons could have lasting benefits for Wellman.

Omernik, who works primarily in the agricultural business public relations field, once served as a state reporter when she was a student, she said.

"It's amazing to me, looking back, how many contacts I made and how that impacts what I do today," she said.

Nearly all the agricultural business leaders she works with also have served as FFA officers at the district, state or national levels, she said.

Wellman's election garnered praise from John Haddan, Moffat County FFA advisor.

"It showed a lot of courage and determination to run a third time," he said. "It was really exciting to see him get elected."