Thirteen members of the West Central FFA Chapter recently attended the 83rd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN.
Pictured from left to right are:
Front row: Linda Petersen; WCFFA Advisor, Austin Taylor, Sydnie Howey, Ashley Fritz, Stephanie Howey, Melissa VanDerWerff, Spencer Kurtz and Jeremy Nettifee.
Back row: Anthony Even, Joe Schartz, Brooke Pearson, Liz Renner, Melinda Knuth and BreeAnn Albers
West Central FFA members were among more than 54,000 in attendance at the annual event. Members attended convention sessions, listened to several keynote speakers, watched the finals of the Extemp Speaking, Prepared Public Speaking, Market Plan, Agricultural Issues and Parliamentary Procedure Career Development Events. Members also viewed exhibits at the National AgriScience Fair. Students got the opportunity to visit with professionals in a host of agricultural careers at the Agricultural Career Show as well as checking out numerous colleges and universities each offering degrees and education in the field of agriculture. Students also have the chance to attend leadership and educational workshops sponsored by industry, the National FFA Alumni Association and the National FFA Organization.
A highlight of convention for South Dakota FFA members was witnessing the election of Wyatt Dejong of Winner, SD as National Central Region Vice President. Wyatt is the fourth South Dakota FFA member to be elected to serve as a National FFA Officer in the past 83 years. During his year of service, Wyatt will travel more than 100,000 miles and spend 305-330 days traveling and meeting FFA members and sponsors from across the country.
The team of 6 national officers are elected through an interview process by a nominating committee of 9 state officers from around the country. The week-long process is grueling and delves into the personality traits, agricultural knowledge and speaking ability of each candidate.
FFA members from all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands were in attendance in Indianapolis.
