For a video recap, please click here.

The first day of the 88th 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.

Allison Dale, South Central FFA, is this year’s FFA Creed Public Speaking winner and received a plaque and cash award. After being announced as the winner, she presented the FFA Creed to members and guests in attendance.

The Louisburg was recognized as the top chapter in the Career Development Events (CDE) Sweepstakes. Labette County was second, followed by Buhler FFA in third,.

Clay Center FFA was awarded first place in the Parliamentary Procedure CDE. Following Clay Center, in second place was Marysville FFA, the Girard FFA received third and the Mission Valley FFA chapter placed fourth.

Buhler FFA was awarded first place in the Leadership Quiz Bowl CDE. Following Buhler , placing second was Girard FFA, Norton FFA received third and Jayhawk-Linn FFA placed fourth.

Labette County FFA was awarded first place in the Ritual Demonstration CDE. Following Labette County , Buhler  chapter placed second, Girard  received third and Sabetha placed fourth.

All members in attendance were challenged by the message to continue to seek personal growth delivered by kick-off speaker Scott Greenburg. Scott received his bachelor’s degree from UCLA in 1992 and was awarded a scholarship to attend graduate film school at New York University. He was diagnosed with cancer after only one semester and returned to California for treatment. After successfully beating the disease, he celebrated by running the Los Angeles Marathon to raise money for cancer research. Tonight Scott discussed both skill set and mindset in how to be an efficient leader and inspired students to focus on the ideas and action that matter the most.

State FFA Treasurer Lane Coberly gave his retiring address after reflecting on his year of service.

Following the session, members enjoyed the FFA Night at Manhattan Town Center with dancing.

Earlier in the day, members attended the 15th 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. The 2015 American FFA Degree recipients will also be recognized.