Story by Dawsyn McDonald
Eleven members of the Geneseo FFA chapter traveled to Indianapolis to attend the 97th National FFA Convention from October 22-25. Throughout the week, the attendees were able to participate in numerous events and opportunities and were recognized for multiple awards.
On the first day, they toured Hummel Livestock where they learned about the breeding and care of savannah cats, met exotic pets, and heard about the breeding processes of high-level cattle and goats. Later that evening, they enjoyed a delicious meal at St. Elmo's Steakhouse to finish the day.
The attendees began the second day of the trip with a tour of Hunter's Honey Farm where they had the opportunity to taste different variations of honey, bottle their own honey, and learn about the honey-making process.
After lunch, the group traveled to the convention center. Here they could shop at the numerous vendors or learn about the opportunities for college and future jobs in the Expo Center's Career Fair.
Then, the members attended the opening session of the convention which featured keynote speaker Kevin Wanzer. To end the day, the group was able to attend the Megan Moroney concert at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
On the third day of the National FFA Convention, the Geneseo FFA Marketing Plan team, consisting of Joseph Venneberg, Austin Pearce, and Ayden Kane, competed in the National contest, where they advanced to the semifinals and ended with a silver ranking!
While the team competed, the rest of the members in attendance enjoyed workshops and some free time in the convention center. In the workshops, they were able to meet new people from across the country, grow their own leadership and communication skills, and learn about all of the opportunities that the FFA and the agriculture industry hold for them.
The Geneseo FFA Chapter was then recognized at the fourth general session for being ranked as a Three Star Chapter! To end this eventful day, the Marketing Plan Team attended an award ceremony while the other attendees watched a hypnotist show.
For the final day of the convention, the Geneseo FFA chapter volunteered through the National FFA Living to Serve Day at St Vincent's. Here they helped to sort clothes into sizes, hang up clothes for sale, move decorations, and organize the items.
After their morning of service, the group stopped at Culver's for lunch before heading home. The 97th National FFA Convention was a wonderful experience for all in attendance!
