Little Switzerland FFA Chapter members from Waukon High School attend 95th National FFA Convention
Attend National FFA Convention ... The 12 members of the Little Switzerland FFA Chapter at Waukon High School pictured above attended the 95th National FFA Convention held in Indianapolis, IN in October. Left to right - Front row: Sarah Stock, Olivia Marti, Alaina Gebel, Mercedes Wilkins, Mallory Berns, Natalie Byrnes, Ryan Kolsrud; Back row: John Marti, Ethan Palmer, Dalton Ellickson, Tucker Burrichter, Wyatt Baxter. Submitted photo.
by Mallory Berns, Chapter Reporter
The 95th National FFA Convention and Expo was held in Indianapolis, IN October 26-29 of this past year. During this convention more than 69,500 FFA members from all over the country descended upon the city to attend the time-honored tradition. A total of 12 students from the Little Switzerland FFA Chapter at Waukon High School traveled to be a part of this annual event.
After a full day of traveling, local members visited the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on day two of their trip, where they learned about the history of the race track, the economic importance the track plays for the city, as well as how agriculture is involved in the traditional oval raceway. Students then traveled to the Indiana State Museum where they took in the history and traditions that make the state of Indiana great. Later that night, they attended a concert where Lauren Alaina and Jimmie Allen performed to a crowd of FFA members in a private concert in Grainbridge Fieldhouse.
Day three students arrived at Lucas Oil Stadium, where they were able to hear from Tamika Catchings. Catchings is one of the most decorated athletes of all time, including four Olympic gold medals, being named a WNBA All-Star 10 times, WNBA Defensive Player of the Year five times, and a WNBA Champion. She spoke about how she had pursued her goals and how she played for the WNBA while overcoming the hearing disability that she has lived with most of her life.
During day four’s morning session, members heard from former National FFA Officer Coty Back, who talked to those in attendance about being intentional and strategic in their own growth and development. Also while at the Expo, members attended workshops, visited with more than 300 exhibitors representing various agricultural colleges and businesses throughout the country, and spent time in the FFA shopping mall, all while meeting fellow FFA members from around the country.
During the final day of the trip, members traveled to Fair Oaks, IN, where they made their last stop at Fair Oaks Farms. Members had the opportunity to tour the dairy and the pig adventure tours. On their big milking carousel, they could observe parts of the birthing to milking operation. In the pig adventure, members could observe sows farrowing as well as being fed out for market. Overall, members had a great time creating memories with fellow FFA members while in Indianapolis and are eager to return next year.
