The 97th National FFA Convention is the largest event hosted by the National FFA. 23 members of the Miami East-MVCTC FFA chapter were in attendance at the convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. Those members included were Haley Barnes, Shelby Buck, Wyatt Black, Blake Boggess, Kinsley Courtright, Adrien Comer, Alexa Deaton, Lydia Durst, Rhylee Eichhorn, Alek Fine, Addison Havenar, Ella Hershberger, Cora Hildebrand, Kaci Manns, Cora Moore, Charlotte Norman, Alivia Palivec, Cooper Palivec, Gunner Palivec, Savannah Pellman, Wesley Penny, Audrey Ponchillia, and Kyle Wright. Also joining the members during the trip was the Arcanum-MVCTC FFA Chapter and its members.
Over 75,000 members, parents, and guests were in attendance at the National FFA Convention. Previous conventions were held in Kansas City, Missouri and Louisville, Kentucky.
Convention activities included attending several convention sessions where members were inspired by motivational speakers such as the 2023-24 National FFA Officers and keynote speakers Dr. Temple Grandin and Kevin Wanzer. Attendees enjoyed attending the Buckeye Bash at the Barn, Three Hills Rodeo, the FFA Shopping Mall and Career Show and Expo, and a tour of the Abbott’s Candies in Hagerstown, Indiana and the National FFA Center in Indianapolis.
Fletcher Harris and Braden Zekas were recognized as a Top 4 in the National FFA Proficiency Awards. Zekas excelled in the area of Agricultural Processing. Harris was recognized in the area of Turf Grass Management. Both received a special medallion for their accomplishment.
Mr. Bill Mote was recognized as recipient of the 2024 Honorary American FFA Degree for his support of agricultural education and FFA at the local, state, and national levels.
The Miami East-MVCTC FFA 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 growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture.
Miami East Schools graduates Isaac Beal, Sydney Brittain, Luke Brunke, Ethan Fine, Keira Kirby, Jillian Niswonger, Matthew Osting, Dustin Winner, and Braden Zekas received the American FFA Degree. The American FFA Degree is the highest degree awarded by the National FFA Organization and recognizes members’ ability to demonstrate leadership abilities and outstanding achievements in agricultural business, production, processing, and service programs. Recipients received gold American FFA Degree key and a certificate to commemorate the achievement.