FFA Members At National Convention

by Sam Hudson
Trenton FFA
Just last week, from Oct. 20-23, 18 Trenton FFA members joined 50,000 other FFA members ranging from Alaska to Puerto Rico, and Maine to Hawaii at the 83rd National FFA Convention.

The National FFA Convention was held in Indianapolis, IN. The theme for this year’s 83rd Convention was “Infinite Potential,” in which FFA members strived for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success. The convention was held in the Conseco Fieldhouse, Lucas Oil Stadium,and the Indianapolis Convention Center. Members attended convention sessions and took part in listening to motivational speakers such as Josh Shipp and Kevin Carroll. Members toured Conner Prairie Farm, a 19th Century-themed working farm, complete with actors and farm animals. Members also attended a hypnotist show, and explored the FFA Mall and Career Show.
At the Career Show, students had the opportunity to learn more from displays by nationwide colleges and agriculture related companies. Students even had the chance to watch a horse race at the Indiana Downs racetrack.
Senior Jessica Gannon gained the highly sought after opportunity to play her instrument, a clarinet, in the National FFA Band.
Trenton members attending the convention were Alex Anderson, Shania Anderson, Shelby Chaney, Loren Fox, Sam Hudson, Leah Husong, Katie Ireland, Nathan Koon, Courtney Leeper, Kate Lowrey, Shelby Lowrey, Haley Purkapile, Abby Saul, Becky Schroeder, Philip Slater, Magie Steinhoff, Monica Weaver and Alexis Whitney.
Local members receiving the American Farmer Degree were David Chaney, Paige DeVorss, Aaron Lowrey and Sarah Schroeder. Other area FFA members receiving the American Farmer Degree were Heather Vivone, Grundy R-5; Katie Buckler, Abby Henke, Heather Johnson, Troy Meinke, Rachel Pollard, Nathan Wilson and Mace Ormsby, Princeton; and Bailey Huston, Beau Wells, Gib Wray and RaeAnne Eckert, Tri-County of Jamesport.
The Princeton Horse Evaluation Team earned a silver embley in the CDE competition.