By: Paulding FFA Reporter, Grace Goyings
From October 31st through November 4th, thousands of FFA chapters from across the nation, including 12 Paulding FFA members, traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana for the 96th Annual National FFA Convention.
Our members had a busy schedule full of educational and leadership experiences that allowed them to learn more about agriculture and FFA. On October 31st, members departed Paulding HS and stopped to tour Agricor Grain Millers in Marion, Indiana on their trip down.
The members learned about the dry milling of corn for food-grade products. Afterward, they stopped at Indy Scream Park for Halloween scares before checking into the hotel.
On November 1st, the members started their busy day with some free time to explore the expo and convention center. Then they headed to Franklin, Indiana to tour Umbarger Show Feeds where they learned about the behind-the-scenes process it takes to make feed.
Later that evening the chapter attended the Lainey Wilson for a great end to their day. On November 2nd, they woke up bright and early to attend the opening session of the FFA convention where Juan Bendana was the amazing keynote speaker. He delivered a very inspirational speech about how he faced his fears and overcame obstacles.
During Session 2 the Paulding FFA was recognized as a 3-Star National Chapter, a long-time goal for our chapter, this is the 3rd year the chapter has been Nationally recognized. Later that evening, the chapter went to have some fun duck pin bowling for a great bonding experience.
On November 3rd they traveled to Ozark fisheries for a very hands-on tour of how raising fish works. The members then had some downtime to explore the expo more and got the opportunity to talk to many colleges and agricultural-based companies. Then later that evening members attended the World’s Toughest Rodeo finals and enjoyed the wonderful show.
On the last day of the National Convention, November 4th, the members and advisors attended the American Degree ceremony, where they watched 3 Paulding FFA members receive their American FFA Degrees. The members were Kyle Mobley, Janae Pease, and Sam Woods who received the highest degree possible in FFA. The Paulding FFA Chapter is very proud of these three members and their accomplishments.
The Paulding FFA members would like to say a special thanks to the Paulding FFA Alumni for their support to the Paulding FFA Chapter and its members.
