O'Neill Public Schools

National FFA Convention

November 08, 2012

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Eight members recently had the opportunity to travel to Indianapolis, Indiana for the 85^th National FFA Convention. They departed from Norfolk on October 23^rd and started the 16 hour bus ride to Indianapolis. When they arrived they attended opening session where they had the opportunity to listen to National Officers and the new National Advisor. Later in the evening the members went to Lucas Oil Stadium for the Brantley Gilbert and The Band Perry concert where Jacob Goldfuss received a VIP pass to meet The Band Perry before the concert. Over the course of four days the students went to the Indianapolis Speedway and an Indiana Mounted Patrol horse farm on educational tours. The theme of the convention was Grow FFA where the emphasis was placed on members growing as leaders and individuals. Sessions throughout the convention motivated members to move out of their comfort zone and grow in various aspects of their lives. The convention also hosts the nations largest indoor career and college expo. Members explored career options with various companies as well as majors offered with colleges from across the country. On Saturday morning before leaving they watched Nebraska FFA members receive their American Degree. Later in the afternoon members learned that last years Nebraska State President, Brennan Costello of Gothenburg, was named National FFA Central Region Vice President. During the summer a group of FFA members and chapter advisor, Krystl Knabe, took a picture on the shamrock located at 4th and Douglas. This picture was submitted to the National FFA Organization by the chapter officers and was then used in the National Convention Theme video. The picture was viewed by over 55,000 people at the convention and even more across the country through RFD TV. The members were very excited to see the Shamrock City on the big screen. State FFA President, Alex Mashino of Spencer, posted the picture on Facebook in excitement of seeing Nebraska on the convention video.

Written by Chapter Reporter Breanna Jakubowski