Horse Judging Team Earns Silver Award
On October 25-28th, fourteen FFA members traveled to the 95th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. Those that attended all four days included our horse judging team: TarahHilt, Libby Shaffer, Kassidy Tackett, and Cheyenne Hanlin. Other members that attended were: Isabelle Forrest, Brooke Rogers, Brandon Wood, Reed Naughton, Rylee Robb, McKenna Lally, Nora Collins, Kyler Simpson, Carter Lynch, and Chase Ragar. The following members attended on Wednesday only as Dr. Jodlowski drove and supervised our 1st official “Day Trip” to the convention: Braxton Apel, Sarah Larkin, Palmer Scheets, Camryn Hilt, Kaitlynn Whitecotton, Ava Daniels, Chloe Oliviero, Keith Birdsell, Cooper Phillips, Logan Demling, Karleigh Rhodes, and Kailey Johnson. At this convention, FFA members attended two general sessions, a student workshop that interested them, explored the career and college fair, visited the FFA shopping mall, and took in some of the sites of Indianapolis.
Wednesday morning our horse judging team started a long day of judging eight horse classes and giving four sets of oral reasons. In the afternoon, the members attended the opening session where they heard from speakers like the United States Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack, and key-note speaker and former WNBA star, Tamika Catchings. Each day FFA members got the opportunity to learn about businesses and were able to talk to colleges with good agriculture programs at the career and college fair. On Wednesday evening, the group enjoyed a steak dinner at Indy’s famous St. Elmo’s Steakhouse.
FFA members not only learned about agriculture and leadership but also about Indianapolis itself. Thursday morning the group was able to attend workshops. Workshops are one-hour sessions that are focused on more specific ideas like motivation or how to become a veterinarian. Thursday afternoon, FFA members were able to explore the Indianapolis Zoo and learn about many animals and their habitats. Highlights from the zoo included petting the sharks and watching the dolphin show. Thursday night, the members were able to explore a little of downtown Indy, including the Circle Center Mall.
Friday morning the group went to their final session where they heard from Mallory White, Eastern Region Vice President. The keynote speaker was a former National Officer, Coty Back. His inspirational message was about dreaming big and working hard to accomplish your goals. After the Friday session, the group had another chance to talk to colleges and businesses of their interest, then loaded up to head home. The National FFA Convention is an awesome experience for FFA members to grow as leaders and bring these messages from the speakers back to their chapter. Thank you, Mr. Hoffman and Dr. Jodlowski for making this trip possible!