By: Paulding FFA Reporter, Addison Hunt
From October 22nd through October 26th, thousands of FFA chapters from across the nation, including 11 Paulding FFA members, traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana for the 97th 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 22nd, members departed Paulding HS and stopped to tour Timber Ridge Wind Farm in Payne, OH. The members learned about the inside of a windmill as well as the work involved with the wind farm. They were also able to see a fan blade from a windmill up close and handle some of the equipment used to work on the windmills.
After the tour, students went to the Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park in Noblesville, Indiana. After the trampoline park they went to Texas Roadhouse for dinner, then went to the Airbnb to rest for the next day.
On October 23rd, the members started their day with a tour of Beasly’s Orchard in Danville, IN. At the orchard members were able to pick apples and learn about the different farming practices used in the orchard. They were then able to have down-time at the airbnb until dinner from Spaghetti Warehouse came in. Then the members all went to an escape room to finish the night off.
On October 24th they woke up bright and early to attend the opening session of the FFA convention. They listened to Kevin Wanzer talk about important points of leadership. He mentioned that they are not just the future leaders, but also current leaders. Between sessions, the members had time to visit the convention expo center and get lunch. Then at 1:00pm they returned to the convention center for Session 2. During Session 2, the Paulding FFA was recognized as a 3-Star National Chapter, a long-time goal for our chapter, this is the 4th year the chapter has been Nationally recognized. Later that evening, the chapter went to a game show battle room to have a fun bonding experience.
On October 25, they traveled to Traders Point Creamery in Zionsville, IN for a very hands-on tour of showing how their cattle are raised organically and the milking process. After students were done at the creamery, they went to get lunch and headed back to the air bnb for some down time. 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, October 26th, the members and advisors attended the American Degree ceremony, where they watched 4 Paulding FFA members receive their American FFA Degrees. The members were Carter Manz, Mason Schlatter, Paige Jones, and Katie Beckman who received the highest degree possible in FFA. The Paulding FFA Chapter is very proud of these four members and their accomplishments.
After the ceremony, the Paulding FFA headed back to Paulding after a fun-filled week. 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.
