CASSTOWN — “Just One” was the theme of this year’s National FFA Convention, which 34 members of the Miami East-MVCTC and Milton-Union-MVCTC FFA chapters recently attended in Indianapolis.
Members from Miami East-MVCTC FFA included Elizabeth Bair, Ethin Bendickson, Kylie Blair, Makayla Brittain, Jayden Gates, Carter Gilbert, Luke Gilliland, Chloe Gump, Savannah Holzen, Maci Krites, Paige Pence, Rylee Puthoff, Summer Sizemore, Emma Sutherly, Jarrett Winner, and Lauren Wright.
From Milton-Union-MVCTC FFA were Allie Bohse, Emmie Bohse, Kayden Crabtree, Joel Cress, Taylor Falb, Jacob Hornberger, Jessica Leffew, Tyler Leffew, Malia Johns,Tyler Kress, Webb Kress, Erica Pratt, Madison Silveira, Justin Thomas, Kelsie Tomlinson, Nick Walters, and Darby Welbaum.
Also joining the members during the trip was the Arcanum-MVCTC FFA Chapter and its members.
Almost 70,000 members, parents, and guests attended the National FFA Convention. Previous conventions were held in Kansas Cityand Louisville.
Activities included attending several convention sessions where members where inspired by motivational speakers such as the 2018-19 National FFA Officers and motivational speakers Kyle Scheele and Mary Lapp. Attendees enjoyed attending the Garth Brooks concert, Hypnotist Show by Dr. Jim Wand, Buckeye Bash Dance, and attending the FFA Shopping Mall and Career Show.
The Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter was recognized as a Top 10 Chapter in the National in the area of Growing Leaders Division. Additionally, the chapter received a Three-Star National Chapter Award, the highest award bestowed to an FFA Chapter. The chapter was selected for this honor based on its activities during the previous school year, in the areas of student, chapter and community development.
Milton Union-MVCTC FFA Member Abigail Hissong was named a National Proficiency Winner in the area of Agriscience Research Plant Division. Her research named her a Top 4 in the Nation before being the National Winner. She was interviewed and recognized on stage with a plaque and cash prize.
Miami East FFA alumni member Les Kinder, was named a 2018 Recipient of the Honorary American FFA Degree. Kinder has been an enthusiastic supporter of FFA and Agricultural Education for many years. He was recognized on stage and received a plaque.
Thanks to Laurie Grube, Dr. Todd Rappold, and Brenna Loxley for chaperoning the trip. Additional appreciation goes to the administration at Miami East Local Schools, Milton-Union Schools, Arcanum Schools, and the Miami Valley Career Technology Center.