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Experiencing unlimited potential at FFA convention

Representatives of the Manawa FFA attended the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Oct. 19-22.

Six senior girls – Caryn Frazier, Laura Sedlar, Miranda Moede, Aurora May, Marihya Lunde and Katie Heschke – attended the convention with their FFA advisor Sandy Cordes.

On Tuesday, the group visited Growing Power, an organic farm located in the suburbs of Milwaukee. The company utilizes sustainable agricultural practices and raises fresh produce, fish, goats and energy.

The FFA members continued their charter bus trip and stopped at the Albanese Candy Factory in Merrillville, Ind. The candy factory is known for their gummy bears and gummy worms. The girls weren’t the only ones who attended. Members from the Waupaca, Weyauwega and Winneconne FFA chapters were also on the charter bus. On Wednesday, the four chapters toured the Southside Landfill and Greenhouse Inc. in Indianapolis.

During the convention, FFA members heard speakers ranging from Josh Shipp, from MTV, to the Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.

During the convention, the Manawa FFA chapter was recognized on the national stage for receiving a two-star Gold award, honoring the FFA’s Program of Activities in community, chapter and student development.

Manawa FFA advisor Cordes was honored to serve as a judge in the National Prepared Speaking Contest. The speaking contest is designed to develop agricultural leadership by providing for member participation in agricultural public speaking activities, while developing leadership and citizenship.

The National FFA Convention is held each October with nearly 55,000 FFA members and guests from across the country in attendance. Members participate in general sessions, competitive events, educational tours, leadership workshops, a career show and expo, volunteer activities and much more. It is one of the largest annual student conventions in the country.

The National FFA Organization, formerly known as Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 523,309 student members as part of 7,487 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The FFA 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.

For more information about FFA, call Cordes at 920-596-2524.

Student comments

“It was so much fun and I loved bonding with FFA people from all over the U.S. I met many people and made a ton of memories that I will never forget. The Lady Antebellum concert was awesome! I love FFA and learning new things every time I go places.” – Aurora May

“This was my first year going and being there made me wish I had gone previous years. It was a great experience and for me it seemed like an opportunity of a lifetime. I made so many memories and met so many new people from other states, and became good friends with a few. The concert was amazing! I hope that next year’s officers take this opportunity when they get it.” – Katie Heschke

“This was an amazing experience that I would recommend to anybody. I learned so much, since it was my first year, and met tons of new people from Wisconsin and other states. The tours were also very informational and interesting. It was neat staying in a big city, especially in another state, since we are from a small town. Becoming an FFA member is something I’ll never regret.” – Miranda Moede

“This week was one of the best weeks of my life. It was spent making new friends, reuniting with friends made in previous years, and mostly making memories that will last a lifetime. I learned so many new things and did so many great things. It was amazing!” – Laura Sedlar

“National FFA Convention is filled with so much such as memories, knowledge, laughter, excitement and so much more! I am so glad that I went because it is a remarkable experience. Same as joining the FFA when I came to high school, I didn’t even know what FFA was but I joined anyway, and it is something I will never regret because it has changed me so much as a person! There is so much you can do in our world and FFA will help you accomplish anything. Going to Nationals will fill you with lots of ideas which you can make happen in our community. I love FFA!” – Marihya Lunde

“Going to National Convention really helped me see the world in a different view. I realized that joining FFA I can do anything that I set my mind to. This was my first year going and I wish I would’ve gone previous years. The tours and the Lady Antebellum concert were awesome, and I loved going to the career fair that was full of informational things. I met so many new people and even formed friendships for a lifetime. I would advise anyone who is looking for a great time to go to convention because I’ll never forget it.” – Caryn Frazier

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