Take Action, Target Sucess -- 2015-16 FFA State Convention

Following weeks of preparation by both members and advisors, the Big Foot FFA chapter was on their way to compete in a variety of events. FFA State Convention is held every year in the month of June and functions as an opportunity for youth from across the state to not only compete and further increase their potential, but also to learn how to better serve their communities.

Day 1: Day of Service

Each year, the kickoff to state convention involves chapters from around the state participating in community service dealing with various issues in the community. The members of the Big Foot FFA went to River Food Pantry, where they learned about the pantry's impact on the surrounding community and helped to organize the food that would be given out. Afterwards, the chapter participated in the Rally to Fight Hunger, where they packaged bags of beans and rice. The evening concluded with setting up the talent show, which the chapter organizes every year.

Members of the Big Foot FFA chapter volunteered at the River Food Pantry during the Day of Service

Day 2: Speaking Contests and Proficiencies
Speaking contests took place the next morning. Speaking contests allow FFA members to further their speaking skills by participating in one of the following categories: prepared speaking, extemporaneous speaking, creed, discussion, job interview, quiz bowl team, and parliamentary procedure team. Big Foot had a member (Carlie O'Donnell) compete at state in discussion and prepared speaking and their parliamentary procedure team also advanced. Big Foot FFA members placed fourth in both prepared and parliamentary procedure! Carlie O'Donnell for prepared public speaking, and the parliamentary procedure team consisted of: Devon Malone, Carlie O'Donnell, Peyton O'Donnell, Faith Carpenter, Amelia Hayden, Katy Vacula, and Chris Walter. Later that day, Faith Carpenter, Carlie O'Donnell, Emma Brost, and Katy Vacula were recognized for their work on their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) through proficiency awards.

Day 3: Agriscience Fair and State Degrees
On the third day of convention, the Agriscience fair interviews took place. 16 members, with a total of 12 projects, competed in the state Agriscience fair. Of these, 10 members, competing in 8 projects won their division at the state level and have qualified for nationals. Amelia Hayden, Aaron Carpenter/Julia Cvicker (team), Dani Wrzesinki, Carlie O'Donnell, Melissa Konkel, Katy Vacula/Miriam Smith (team), Rosa Spooner, and Mikayla Grinnell have all qualified to apply for consideration to compete at nationals. In addition, Emma Brost, Shannon Carpenter, Malachi Gerhardt, Citlaly Leon, Devon Malone, Carlie O'Donnell, and Katy Vacula all received their state degrees, the highest degree which a state may award to an FFA member. Also, Rachel Vanderstappen won the talent show which took place during convention and Carlie O'Donnell placed first in the Agriscience Stars.

Seven members of the Big Foot FFA received their state degrees this year

Day 4

After a week of seeing the fruits of their efforts and setting new goals for themselves, the members of the Big Foot FFA chapter headed back home.

Written by: Amelia Hayden
Big Foot FFA Reporter