HOWARD — Eight members of the East Knox FFA recently attended the 96th annual National FFA Convention held Nov. 1 to 4 at Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis Convention Center, and Gainbridge Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana.
The local group attended sessions, received awards, listened to motivational speakers, attended workshops, and took tours.
The opening session was highlighted by the National FFA Officers Mackenna Clifton and Ryan Williamson, who chaired the session.
The keynote speaker was Juan Bendaña who is a renowned speaker, author, and DJ, who lights up high school and university campuses worldwide, along with international conferences.
He addresses over 50,000 students, educators, and parents annually across Canada and the United States. As the Founder of The 100 Day Playbook, he guides students to forge better habits, enhance productivity, and optimize their lives.
The National FFA Officers each gave their retiring addresses at various sessions. The six new 2023-2024 National Officers were announced at the final session on Saturday, Nov. 4.
Amara Jackson from Michigan was selected National President and Morgan Anderson from Amanda Clearcreek FFA in Ohio elected as Eastern Region Vice President.
In addition to attending convention sessions and the trade show, the members attended the Cinches World’s Toughest Rodeo at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and a hypnotist show at the Indiana Convention Center.
The East Knox FFA state winning Nursery/Landscape team competed Wednesday at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and attended their awards ceremony on Thursday at the Indiana Convention Center where they learned that they placed 26th in the Nation.
The National FFA Convention had over 69,000 FFA members, parents, and guests in attendance marking the tenth time of breaking the 60,000 attendance mark.
The National FFA Convention provides FFA members the opportunity to reach the goals of the National FFA Mission Statement which is to provide premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.