Washington High School FFA students attended the 96th Annual National FFA Convention November 1-4 in Indianapolis, Ind.
The students attended a number of events and participated in many activities during the convention.
On the opening day, Washington FFA members volunteered over two hours hours of their personal time to help at the FFA Mega Mall at the Expo.
The second day of the convention (November 2) was a busy day.
FFA members attended the opening session of the convention. They listened to guest speaker Juan Bendana motivate them to be themselves, overcome their fear of failure, face their challenges and fears head on, and write their own story. He told the students to take those chances that make them uncomfortable because that’s what makes them who you are.
FFA members also learned about the history and traditions of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway by taking a lap on the track and getting a chance to kiss the bricks of the finish line. They also toured the museum.
The students then traveled to Kelsay Farms, locate just south of Indianapolis. Kelsay Farms was a working dairy and crop farm. Now it is a crop farm and an agriculture education/tourism location. The FFA members were able to solve a corn maze, climb around on large square straw bales, learn about and pet some local farm animals, and enjoy a homemade milkshake.
On the third day (November 3), FFA members attended the Career Show and Expo, where there were hundreds of colleges and universities there to talk to about furthering their education. Students were also able to talk to fundraising companies and other agricultural businesses to learn about careers that they may pursue in the future.
The students then toured Ozark Fisheries and learned how they raise gold fish, koi fish, catfish, crayfish, tadpoles, and several other aquatic animals. They are one of the largest suppliers of specialty fish in the country, shipping live fish to all 50 states. The students got to hold some of the crayfish and tadpoles.
On the fourth day (November 4), four recent Washington FFA graduates received their American FFA Degree. This is the highest honor that any member can receive from the National FFA. Abby Loesing, Jack Sullentrup, Colton Moritz and Cady Koch received their American FFA Degrees.
Washington FFA members attending the convention were Cayden Banderman, Evie Boevingloh, Sam Busch, Grant Cottrell, Alyssa Deppe, Madison Diener, Jack Gerdiman, Rose Gerdiman, Ella Girardier, Alex Gleeson, Cody Gleeson, Adam Johnston, Darcy Koch, Danyka Lonsberry, Allison Nadler, Ryleigh Rehmeier, Bailie Reigel, Amelia Sahm, Emily Schindler, Trenton Tobben and Will Straatmann.
Photos from the FFA National Convention are below.
Four recent Washington FFA graduates received their American FFA Degree. This is the highest honor that any member can receive from the National FFA. Abby Loesing, Jack Sullentrup, Colton Moritz and Cady Koch received their American FFA Degrees.
