FFA Attends National Convention
Launch the media gallery 1 playerFor the second year in a row, the Leigh FFA chapter made their way to Indianapolis, Indiana for the 98th National FFA Convention and Expo. The convention trip the members made was from October 28-31. 18 of the chapter members attended the trip. The route consisted of the states, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa.
Junior Blake Loseke commented, “I thought it was a cool thing to go to. We got to take a few interesting stops along the way, as well as attend the National Convention. It was cool to see almost 70,000 kids there all for FFA. It was definitely something I will remember”.
On day one, taking a different route this year to get some new tours and sites to see, the members made their first stop in Mound City, Missouri for the R/Farm Distillery. There the members learned lots about what it takes to run and operate a distillery, also learning the history and background of the distillery.
Next up was the city Columbia. Here, the members toured the Tiger Ice facility. Tiger Ice was an ice company where the members learned the history of the company, the making, bagging, and shipping process of the plant. They also got to see some dry ice in action with a special ice sculpture that stated “FFA”. After visiting the facility, the members made their way to their last stop for the day, St. Louis, Missouri. After arriving in the city, the members had their supper at the Cheesecake Factory, and later followed by checking into their hotel just a few blocks away from the St. Louis Arch.
On day two bright and early, the St. Louis Arch was the first stop. Even with a little sprinkle of rain, the members toured, and got to go up to the top of the arch and look down through the windows. It was a great experience for all and an incredibly high view of the city and the Missouri River. After spending some time at the arch, the members made their way to Indianapolis. Once arriving there and after checking into the hotel, the boys made their way over to the rodeo being hosted while the girls attended the Ella Langley concert, which was opened by Ernest.
For their final full day in Indianapolis, the members began with waking up to attend the first session of the convention. There they listened to a few wonderful speakers and listened to the national band and choir. After the session the members had most of the day to go over to the expo hall, meet with colleges, companies, and of course shop! After having a blast at the expo hall, meeting new friends, and seeing some even from back home, the members made their way back to their hotel.
After changing out of their official dress, the members got ready for the chapter dinner, where on the trip they decide on a place to eat that the chapter pays for instead of them. Just the same as last year, the members picked Texas Roadhouse. After their meal, the members loaded into their van and headed down to a haunted house. The haunted house was called “Nightmare on Edgewood”. After having a blast at the haunted house, the members were exhausted and ready for bed.
Early in the morning on Friday October 31, the members finally made their way back home. Stopping only a few times, they made their way to the “World’s Largest Truck Stop” in Iowa. Overall, the FFA members attending had a blast on this trip!
Leigh FFA advisor Mrs. Went stated, “It’s always an honor to take our students to the National FFA Convention. Seeing them connect with members from across the country and grow in confidence reminds me why we do what we do. Our students were able to grow as leaders, make life long connections, and bring new ideas back to our chapter.”