Kingfisher High School alumna Madelyn Gerken is one step closer to becoming a National FFA officer.

Gerken was informed Thursday night that she was among those advancing to the second stage of the weeklong process that will determine who holds down the six national spots.

“Kingfisher FFA is ecstatic to see Madelyn advance in the national officer selection process,” said Kingfisher FFA Co-Adviser Megan Thormodsgard.

Phase II will consist of three days, which ends Sunday, Oct. 25. It will include a second personal round, facilitating to real-life students, and round robin conversations and media interviews.

The National Officer Team will be announced Oct. 29 during the final session of the National FFA Convention, which is being held virtually this year.

Each state FFA association can nominate one person each year to vie for national office.

Gerken, a 2018 KHS graduate who is currently a junior at Oklahoma State University, was Oklahoma’s nominee and one of 38 people initially competing in Phase I.

That phase began Sunday, Oct. 18, and included a personal round, one-on-one interviews with each member of the nine-person nominating committee, a stand-and-deliver interview, a video exercise and more.

The process normally takes place at the national convention, but since this year’s convention is being held virtually, it’s being held via Zoom.

The top 50 percent of candidates after Phase I advanced to Phase II.

“Madelyn was an exceptional student and leader in our program, so we aren’t surprised she’s excelling in this environment and we are proud to see her succeed at the national level,” Thormodsgard said.

Gerken is eligible to become National FFA president or secretary or the Central Region (National FFA is split into four regions) vice president.

If chosen, Gerken would be the first Kingfisher FFA chapter member to serve national office since Danny Grellner in 1990-91.