The first day of the 87th Kansas FFA Convention featured an opportunity for high school students to explore potential careers; recognition of student success in the FFA creed speaking, agricultural issues, ritual demonstration and parliamentary procedure career development events; and a challenge to members from a retiring state FFA officer.
The opening session welcomed Kansas FFA members, advisors and guests to Manhattan and announced the first of many individual and team honors that will be granted to members during the week.
Brandon Carp, Maize FFA, is this year’s FFA Creed Public Speaking winner and received a plaque and cash award. After being announced as the winner, he presented the FFA Creed to members and guests in attendance at the opening session of the Kansas FFA Convention Wednesday.
The Washington County FFA was recognized as the top chapter in the Career Development Events (CDE) Sweepstakes. Buhler FFA was second, followed by Paola FFA in third, Marysville FFA taking fourth and Louisburg FFA fifth.
Marysville FFA was awarded first place in the Parliamentary Procedure CDE. Following Marysville, in second place was Clay Center FFA, the Mission Valley FFA received third and the Winfield FFA chapter placed fourth.
Buhler FFA was awarded first place in the Leadership Quiz Bowl CDE. Following Buhler, placing second was Girard FFA, Anderson County FFA received third and Hill City FFA placed fourth.
Caney Valley FFA was awarded first place in the Ritual Demonstration CDE. Following Caney Valley, Wamego FFA chapter placed second, Labette County FFA received third and Clay Center FFA placed fourth.
All members in attendance were challenged by the message to continue to seek personal growth delivered by kick-off speaker Patty Hendrickson. As a high school student she was an athlete, class officer and national president of Future Business Leaders of America. In these roles she experienced the power of involvement and leadership skill development. In her personal and professional responsibilities Patty knows the power of involvement and the need for continuous learning.
State FFA Treasurer Chantelle Simon gave her retiring address after reflecting on her year of service. You can view her address here.
Following the session, members enjoyed either the FFA Night at Manhattan Town Center with dancing or the FFA Alumni Talent Show.
Earlier in the day, members attended the 14th Annual Convention Career Show and interacted with agribusinesses and other professionals to learn more about their future opportunities after high school graduation.
Convention continues tomorrow with recognition of the 39 proficiency award winners who were selected for accomplishing specific career goals in their supervised agricultural experience programs. The top individuals in the prepared and extemporaneous speaking career development events will be announced and the recipients of the honorary degree and distinguished service award will be recognized. Also the 2014 American FFA Degree recipients will be recognized.
