One of the largest annual gatherings of Kansas high school students is set to begin this week as more than 2,000 FFA members, agricultural educators and supporters converge at Kansas State University for the 89th Kansas FFA Convention. The convention will open Wednesday, May 31, and run through Friday, June 2.
The convention theme, “Transform,” inspires members’ growth as future leaders in agriculture, their communities and the world. The theme also reflects the many opportunities FFA offers students to develop their potential through Career Development Events (CDE), Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs and more.
Convention guests will hear from the retiring 2016-2017 state FFA officer team and special guests including motivational speaker Tom Thelen; Dr. Michael Wesch, associate professor at Kansas State University; and Ashley Willits, Eastern Region National FFA Vice President.
Forty-two members will be awarded proficiency awards for accomplishing specific career goals in their SAE programs. The State FFA degree, the highest honor a state association can bestow, will be awarded to more than 200 of its finest members. Three of those recipients will be recognized for having the best SAE programs in the state with the Star Farmer, Star in Agricultural Placement and Star in Agribusiness awards.
“The Kansas FFA Convention continues the 88-year tradition of developing students’ potential in premier leadership, personal growth and career success,” said Elizabeth Meyer, Kansas FFA president and member of the MarionFFA Chapter. “This week we celebrate the work and achievements of Kansas FFA members and future leaders of the agriculture industry.”
Attendees also will be entertained by members from across the state performing in the Kansas FFA Band and Chorus, as well as a laser light show before each session, sponsored by the K-State College of Agriculture.
In addition to individual recognition, entire FFA chapters are recognized through National Chapter Awards and the Triple Crown Award. The coveted Triple Crown distinguishes the top state chapter in the areas of student, chapter and community development.
During the final session, six extraordinary members will be elected to the 2017-2018 state officer team to serve more than 9,000 Kansas FFA members.
View the full convention schedule at ksffa.org, where a live video stream of sessions will begin on Wednesday, May 31. Follow convention updates, including award winners, at kansasffaconvention.wordpress.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/ksffa, on Instagram at @ksffa and on Twitter at @KansasFFA and hashtag #ksffa.
To schedule an interview with a member of the 2016-2017 Kansas FFA officer team or another student leader, please call Jordan Hildebrand at (620) 200-1660 or email [email protected].
The Kansas FFA Association is a statewide organization of 9,076 agricultural education students in 186 chapters in every corner of Kansas. It is part of the National FFA Organization, a national youth organization of 649,355 student members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture with 7,859 local chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Our mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Visit www.ksffa.org for more information.