FFA National Convention a fun time for WH students
Members after visiting Boo at the Zoo: Mia Spencer, left, Cassidy Holasek, Jarrett Schafer, Shane Lorentz, Jenna Sheldon, Gabby Yates, Garrett Fowler, Claire Drzazga, Rowan Holasek and Wyatt Troyer.
The West Holmes FFA chapter traveled to the 97th annual National Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana Oct. 23-26.
Ten FFA members attended the convention including Claire Drzazga, Garrett Fowler, Rowan Holasek, Cassidy Holasek, Shane Lorentz, Jarrett Schafer, Jenna Sheldon, Mia Spencer, Wyatt Troyer and Gabby Yates.
On Wednesday the chapter departed from the school and had lunch at Cracker Barrel before listening to the opening session speaker at convention, Kevin Wanzer, a motivational comedian that empowers student leaders to create inclusive, productive, supportive environments in their lives, schools and communities. They ended the night by visiting Boo at the Zoo and having dinner at Bubba’s 33.
On Thursday the chapter enjoyed a day of travel, starting with Fair Oaks Farms, the No. 1 agritourism destination in the Midwest. They have 36,000 dairy cows on their operating dairy and educational farm, as well as 27,000 hogs they raise and feed out. The chapter toured the hog and dairy facilities and a few interactive museums and ate lunch in their cafe.
After lunch the chapter went to Hunter’s Honey Farm, where they learned about all the products that come from bees and got to try delicious honey products. Hunter’s has been making life sweeter for over 100 years. They produce 30 different flavors of honey, many other bee products, Christmas trees and hardwood trees and rent out bee hives for pollination across Indiana and Florida.
On Friday members attended the first session where they heard keynote speaker Temple Grandin, who talked about the importance of proper education for all types of people and thinking outside the box. Later, members were able to shop and visit the trade show after lunch at Weber Grill.
Following the trade show, they had dinner from Chick-fil-A and went to the next session, where they watched all the National Finalist Proficiencies go across the stage including graduate Garrett Houin’s proficiency in Environmental Resource and Natural Resource Management.
On Saturday the members watched seven West Holmes FFA members receive their American Degree. The members receiving their degree were Olivia Gerber, Garrett Houin, Jess Miller, Pacee Miller, Alysa Pringle, Dakotah Ringwalt and Becca Schuch.
The American Degree is the most prestigious award given to anyone in FFA. It is a very challenging degree to achieve, but its rewards are worth it.
In order to get this degree, applicants must have obtained the Greenhand Degree, Chapter Degree and State Degree. They also must have been involved in FFA for at least three years, must have graduated at least one year prior to the National Convention, must have invested a total of $7,500, must have good leadership skills, must have been involved in a large number of community service activities, and must have maintained a “C” or higher.
They represent 1% of the FFA membership. Congratulations to all members who received their American Degrees. After the session the chapter went on their safe journey home.