Watch the video recap here!
FFA members returned for the jam-packed second day of the 88th Kansas FFA Convention where members heard remarks from three of the 2015-2016 state officers, awaited the results from several CDEs, celebrated proficiency award winners and more.
Second Session
During the second session, members heard from State Secretary Dean Klahr as he delivered his retiring address, “Believe“. National FFA Vice President Abrah Meyer 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 2015 American FFA Degree recipients.
Third Session
The third session opened with a rousing first performance from the State FFA Convention Chorus. After the performance, Kyler Langvardt, State FFA Reporter, gave his retiring address “A Story Worth Telling“.
The 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.
Taylor Doner of the Valley Heights 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. After taking home win, Doner is eligible to compete in the National Job Interview CDE at the National FFA Convention in fall 2016.
State Officers had the opportunity to thank their school administrators and advisors for their support during their FFA Careers. Dr. Frank Tracz shared his views on leadership and excellence with his experience as the director of the award winning K-State Marching Band.
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. Bailey Peterson, Kansas FFA vice president gave her retiring address, “An Empty Room”
Honorary State FFA Degrees were presented to NAMES . Each Honorary Degree recipient has made outstanding contributions to the FFA, agriculture and agriculture education. Dr. NAMES received a VIP Award, honoring his/her many years of service to the organization.
Elizabeth Meyer, from the Marion-Florence FFA chapter, 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. Mia Pentz, Winfield FFA, placed second; Wyatt Krehbiel, Pretty Prairie FFA, placed third; and Joel Nelson, Jackson Heights FFA, placed 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. Morgan Houk, Girard FFA, was awarded first place with her speech, “From Field to Fork: How 40% of U.S. Food is Wasted.” Other finalists include: Andrea Chestnut, Clay Center, placing second; Natalie Harris, Chapman, placing third; and SaRae Roberts, Hillsboro, placing fourth.
National Chapter Awards were recognized in the area of Chapter Development.
Wrapping up the evening, Amberly Snyder, the fourth session’s keynote speaker, gave FFA members motivation and inspiration.
The fifth session of the 88th Kansas FFA Convention will begin at 9 a.m., Friday, June 3 in McCain Auditorium.
