MANHATTAN, Kan. – Leadership, excellence and student success will take center stage May 27-29 at the 81st Kansas FFA Convention. This annual event brings together more than 1,500 FFA members, agricultural educators and supporters from across the state of Kansas to Kansas State University honoring outstanding young leaders in the Kansas FFA Association.

The convention theme, “Step Up, Stand Out” reflects FFA’s ability to build leaders through agricultural education, who stand out in their communities. The theme will come to life as guests listen to the inspiring retiring addresses of the state FFA officer team and motivational speakers from across the country. Forty-one members will be awarded proficiency awards for accomplishing specific career goals in their supervised agricultural experience (SAE) programs. The highest honor a state association can bestow, the State FFA Degree, will be awarded to 172 members. From the state degree recipients, a Star Farmer, a Star in Agricultural Placement and a Star in Agribusiness will be named – thus recognizing the best three SAE programs in the state.

“Kansas FFA Convention brings together the future leaders of our state and the agricultural industry,” said Emily Surdez, Kansas FFA president. “It not only motivates the students to continue developing their skills and knowledge, but also inspires parents, agribusiness leaders, advisors and all attendees as they witness the talent and drive of our members.”

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. The final session of the convention marks the beginning of an exciting year for six extraordinary members who will be selected to serve the more than 7,400 Kansas FFA members as 2009-2010 state officers.

FFA is a national youth organization of 507,763 student members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture with 7,439 local chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. FFA strives 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.