Mississinawa Valley-MVCTC FFA Attends National FFA Convention

by Shaiann Livingston, Reporter

Mississinawa Valley – MVCTC FFA Senior Officers met National FFA Secretary, Nick Baker at the 89th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. (L-R) Shaiann Livingston, Tom Schmitz, Nick Baker, Kelsie Hunt, and Shelby Manning.

On Wednesday, October 19, 2016 ten members of the Mississinawa Valley- MVCTC FFA chapter and students from the Franklin Monroe and Tri County North chapters boarded a bus and headed to the 89th National FFA Convention held in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Mississinawa Valley- MVCTC FFA members who attended were Madison Stachler, Taylor Stachler, Darin Miller, Justin Miller, Shelby Manning, Thomas Schmitz, Emily Schmitz, Shaiann Livingston, Kelsie Hunt, and Sidnie Hunt. Advisors were Carmen Hartzell (Mississinawa Valley), Katie Hart (Mississinawa Valley student teacher), along with students and adviosors from Tri County North and Franklin Monroe.

The students’ day started out by boarding the bus and picking up Franklin Monroe and Tri County North. When the students arrived in Indianapolis, they attended the 2016 Opening Session where Diana Nyad, keynote speaker, shared her story of how she swam all the way from Cuba to Florida! The theme of the convention this year was “Transform: Purpose to Action.”

After the opening session the students got the opportunity to walk around the career show. The students were able to buy souvenirs, experience different agricultural careers, and visit with different college and university representatives. When the students were done eating lunch, they attended the second general session.

The students finished the day by attending the Cole Swindell and Chris Young concert. They shared a lot of memories from the evening.

On Thursday, the students participated in a tour of Reynolds Farm Equipment. They learned a lot about John Deere equipment and integrating technology. They also received excellent advice about college and career exploration. Later that day, senior officers, Shelby Manning, Kelsie Hunt, Shaiann Livingston, and Thomas Schmitz were interviewed by Thomas Shaw for FFA Today because of their leadership in Mississinawa Valley- MVCTC FFA chapter’s new activity, Meals on Wheels. The students also all attended the third general session with keynote speaker, Jason Brown. Mr. Brown inspired the students with his actions of service. The students ended their day with a delicious meal at Buca di Beppo and live entertainment at the World’s Toughest Rodeo.

The students were sad to say goodbye to Indianapolis, but the cornfields of Ohio were calling them home. The senior members said they made the most of their last convention and filled it with memories that will stay with them forever. As for the younger members, they’re already eager for next year’s national convention. Mississinawa Valley- MVCTC Agriculture Program is a satellite of Miami Valley Career Technology Center.