Students attend FFA convention
Seven members of the Marion/Florence FFA Chapter traveled to Indianapolis, Ind., Oct. 22-25 to attend the 79th annual National FFA Convention.
Alycia Pontious, Alan Overton, Levi Carpenter, Roxann Ross, Sam Ehrlich, Adam Hett, and Ryan Jones joined more than 50,000 students, parents and advisers for the multi-day "Blue Jackets, Gold Standards" themed event.
The Marion/Florence contingent agreed the primary motivation for attending was the opportunity to meet people from around the country, and to learn more about FFA by participating in activities and educational sessions.
The convention featured numerous large-session keynote addresses, and the students were unanimous in naming their favorites — FOX Sports football analyst and former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw, and CBS Sports basketball analyst Clark Kellogg.
Bradshaw endeared himself to all the attendees at the outset of his speech when he put out a call for a 52 extra-long FFA jacket. After several attempts, a Wisconsin FFA member provided a perfect fit, and Bradshaw wore the coat for the remainder of his speech.
Bradshaw encouraged conferees to "find your smile early in life," and emphasized the importance of family connections and personal values.
Kellogg made an equally strong impression on the Marion/Florence students.
"We don't get mad at people, we become angry with ourselves," said Carpenter, when recalling Kellogg's comments, which emphasized attitude and effort as two ways students can take control of their lives.
The convention offered smaller workshops for students, emphasizing leadership, personal growth, and career success, in addition to the latest information pertaining to agriculture.
Pontious, the only member of the group who attended the convention last year, noted one difference in this year's experience.
"Last year we went to a few sessions and had a lot of free time," she observed. "This one was all planned out, and we hardly had any free time."
That observation was confirmed by chapter adviser Mark Meyer, who supervised the students on the trip, with assistance from Kathy Ehrlich.
"If we're going to go that far, we might as well pack in as many things as we can," Meyer said.
The students stepped away from the main convention venue for a trip to Poe Hampshires sheep farm, considered to be a national leader in purebred Hampshire genetics, and one of the few sheep breeders utilizing artificial insemination.
A side trip to tour the Indianapolis Motor Speedway was a hit with the students as well.
Hett echoed the sentiments of his fellow conferees when asked what lessons they came home with.
"Get involved in everything you can," said Hett. "Take advantage of every opportunity you get."
Meyer deemed the trip a success, and gave credit for that to the students.
"They were paying attention, they were well behaved, and they represented us well," said Meyer.
"It makes it a fun trip if you have a fun group," he continued.
After a moment's hesitation, he smiled and concluded "They were extremely entertaining.'
