FFA members returned for the jam-packed second day of the 87th Kansas FFA Convention where members heard remarks from three of the 2014-2015 state officers, awaited the results from several CDEs, celebrated proficiency award winners and more.

Second Session
During the second session, members heard from State Reporter Kyle Apley as he delivered his retiring address, “Living with Purpose“. Kyle inspired members to live each moment to the fullest and to be filled with undoubted purpose. National FFA Vice President Ruth Ann Myers also traveled to Kansas to share her views on leadership with Kansas FFa.

Members also celebrated the accomplishments of half of this year’s state Proficiency Award Winners and recognized the 2014 American FFA Degree recipients.

Third Session
The third session opened with a rousing first performance from the State FFA Convention Chorus. After the performance, Jeffrey Hadachek, State FFA Reporter, gave his retiring address “But I Cashed It“. He encouraged members to share their story, serve as role models and show pride in what they do.

Cherryvale FFA chapter won first place in the state scrapbook competition. The scrapbook competition gives FFA members a chance to showcase their chapter’s accomplishments throughout the last year. Cherryvale FFA was awarded first place in the contest, exhibiting the most quality scrapbook complete with member activities and media documentation.

Lane Coberly of the Chapman FFA Chapter earned earned first place in the Job Interview Career Development Event (CDE). The Job Interview CDE challenges members to prepare a detailed resume and professional application and to participate in mock interviews. With his win, he is eligible to compete in the National Job Interview CDE at the National FFA Convention in fall 2015.

State Officers had the opportunity to thank their school administrators and advisors for their support during their FFA Careers. Former K-State football player and current coach Collin Klein addressed the members and spoke about the leadership skills he has gained through his athletic experiences.

Members of Kansas FFA received recognition for their academic achievements through scholarships from Kansas FFA Alumni, Orscheln, Midwest Ford and the National FFA Association.

The second half of proficiency award winners were also celebrated for their accomplishments for their SAEs.

Fourth Session
Shortly after laser lights and music filled McCain Auditorium, the fourth session of the Kansas FFA Convention kicked off. Bethany Schifferdecker, Kansas FFA vice president gave her retiring address, “Good Investments.”

Honorary State FFA Degrees were presented to Dr. Kelly Getty, Dr. Terry Houser, Zach Malcolm and Danny Rice. Each Honorary Degree recipient has made outstanding contributions to the FFA, agriculture and agriculture education. Dr. Steve Harbstreit received a VIP Award, honoring his many years of service to the organization.

Lanessa Aurand, from Republic County FFA, was announced as the winner of the Kansas FFA Extemporaneous Speaking Career Development Event. This CDE challenges members to present on a current agricultural issue after only 30 minutes of preparation. Aurand’s speech focused on the impacts of climate change on agriculture production. Placing second was Elizabeth Meyer of Marion FFA. Meyer was followed by Karl Wilhelm of Holton FFA in third and Jacob Brubaker of Cheylin FFA in fourth.

After submitting  a manuscript and bibliography, FFA members competing in the Prepared Public Speaking CDE present a 6- to 8-minute speech and answer questions about their selected speech topic. Clara Wicolf, Iola FFA, was awarded first place with her speech, “Three Wishes to End World Hunger.” Following Wicolf were: Danielle Comstock, Fredonia FFA, placing second; Bailey Corwine, West Franklin FFA, placing third; and Elizabeth Meyer, Marion FFA, placing fourth.

National Chapter Awards were recognized in the area of Chapter Development.

Wrapping up the evening, Grant Baldwin, the fourth session’s keynote speaker, gave FFA members motivation and inspiration.

The fifth session of the 87th Kansas FFA Convention will begin at 9 a.m., Friday, May 29 in McCain Auditorium.