Five FFA Members Attend National Convention
by Tony Jensen
November 01, 2005
Upon arrival on Wednesday, the FFA members went to the first general session, which included performances by the National FFA Band and Chorus, the National FFA Advisor's challenge, and reflections by this year's National Officers.
On Thursday, half of the students went on a tour of Louisville Slugger, and the other half of the students went to Huber Orchard and Winery in southern Indiana. On the Louisville Slugger tour, students got to observe the bat making process and the difference between minor league, commemorative, and major league bats. On the Huber Orchard tour, students observed the importance of agrotourism in a non-traditional agriculture area and learned about the process of winemaking and science behind the process.
Other events for the students included shopping at the FFA mall, attending a large career show, and watching sessions at the convention center.
On Friday, the group watched national contestants participate in speaking contests, attended leadership workshops, and watched sessions at the convention center. Early Friday evening, the students also watched and listed to the National FFA Band and Chorus, as they performed selections during their annual concert. Freeman had the honor of having two participants in the National FFA Band and Choir. Melissa Hottovy, a junior, was a participant in the National FFA Band, and Megan Milke, a sophomore, was a participant in the National FFA Chorus.
On Saturday morning, the group watched the American Degree ceremony before loading up the buses and heading home. The group returned home early Sunday morning.
"National Convention is a great opportunity to learn about the FFA organization and all of its opportunities," said Mr. Jensen. "Students walk away from convention with a new sense of belonging in the organization and a greater motivation to lead and succeed."
