|
FFA teams getting lots of travel time |
|
|
|
|
Wednesday, 29 November 2006 |
Although it’s been nearly a month since seven students, their teacher, Joylynn Kauffman, and a parent Vickie Ophus, departed the Great Falls Airport and headed for Minneapolis.
The travels of the Conrad FFA Chapter always provide an interesting read.
After years in Kansas City, Mo., the National FFA Convention made a move to Louisville, Ky. In 1999, seven years later, the location changed once again, this time back to the downtown atmosphere of Indianapolis, Ind. The year 2013 could bring yet another travel destination for FFA members looking to be a part of the largest youth gathering in the U.S. each year. Although the place may change, the students, teachers, parents, and guests in attendance will always be models of “Blue Jackets and Gold Standards.”
That was the theme at this year’s convention: Blue Jackets, Gold Standards.
While it indicates high expectations and the drive to achieve, the traditions of the blue FFA jacket is still the foundation of that success.
Since 1928, FFA has been a positive influence in the lives of students across the U.S. As 55,000 members and guests for the National FFA Organization competed in Career Development Events, celebrated accomplishments, and met other members from across the nation, the impact of this organization was quite apparent.
While seven high school students made the trip to Indianapolis, three college students did the same. Erin Gernaat, Andrew Fowler, and Alanna Schlosser each walked across the stage to accept their American FFA Degree, the highest honor in the FFA Organization. Madison Knox also received her American FFA Degree.
Chet Ophus and Karl Bjelland participated in the National Agriscience competition, gaining an inside look at top-notch research projects conducted by high school students.
Along with attending general convention sessions, checking out the trade show, and taking part in many FFA activities, the group took in some of the local attractions. Evan Pearson and Shannon Elings found the NCAA Hall of Champions to be the “best $2 I spent on this trip.”
Not only did watching Superman Returns at the IMAX Theater rank high on Jason Silvernale’s new-experience list, the popcorn was tasty.
Dusty Jones kissed the bricks at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, just like each driver does after winning a race.
While paintballing, Bryce Gernaat decided that aiming for the teacher was a useful tactic, although teacher does not agree.
“The week was long, but filled with memories not soon to be forgotten,” says Joylynn Kauffman, FFA instructor at CHS. She went on to add, “The opportunity to meet people, learn about agriculture in other states, travel across the country, participate in national-level contests, and spend time building relationships with classmates is an in-valuable experience.”
After just a few days back in Conrad, another group of students headed to Bozeman for the annual MSU-Ag Days contests put on by the MSU College of Agriculture.
From Livestock judging to Parliamentary Procedure and Ag Sales to Agronomy, 27 members took on competitors from across the state.
Conrad FFA placed in the top half in nearly all events with the following in the top 10:
Senior Agronomy 2nd place individual – Evan Pearson. Senior Agronomy 3rd place, team.
Junior Ag Sales 2nd place individual – Whitney Bliss, Junior Ag Sales 2nd place team.
Junior Mechanics 6th place individual, Cody Newbury. Senior Livestock 7th place individual, Jaren VanDyke. Senior Extemporaneous Speaking, 2nd place Bryce Gernaat. Senior Quiz Bowl, 4th place team. Parliamentary Procedure, 2nd place team. Senior Debate, 4th place team.
With one weekend off, members hit the road again.
The State FFA Floriculture contest took place Nov. 18 in Billings.
Kelsey Ostrom, Georgia Lamb, Kesha Blockheel, and Sara Hohman worked individually and as a team to place seventh in the state. Lynn Ostrom at Country Charm helped the team prepare for the meet.
Upcoming events include the Montana Leadership conference Dec. 12 in Helena and the Teton County livestock contest in Choteau.
There is a FFA Alumni meeting Dec. 5 and a Chapter meeting Dec. 12, both in the Ag-room at CHS. For more information, contact Kauffman at 278-3285 for more information. |
|
