Rockford FFA Makes the Big Stage at National FFA Convention

By: Danika deBuhr, Rockford FFA Reporter

Indianapolis, Indiana. Rockford FFA received a 2 star Gold National Chapter award. Grace Muller and Kynsie Lyman walked across the National stage to receive their plaque. The National Chapter Award Program is designed to recognize FFA chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. These chapters improve chapter operations using the National Quality Chapter Standards (NQCS) and a Program of Activities (POA) that emphasize growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture. Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership. By receiving this award they are in the top 10% of chapters in the Nation.

The rest of their trip to the National convention included the following.

On Tuesday October 31st the Rockford FFA took 9 members to the 96th annual National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. These members included; Kynsie Lyman, Grace Muller, Wyatt Ritter, Maggie Buseman, Corbin Harris, Emma Pearson, Danika deBuhr, Hannah Hillman, and Ava Koenigsfeld.

On Wednesday they started off by visiting Ozarks Fisheries and learned about how the fisheries work. After Ozarks Fisheries, they went to the Convention Center and Expo. They went to the opening session where there were over 66,000 FFA members in attendance. They listened to keynote speaker, Juan Bendaña, and listened to the National Officers speak. Later that night they had a great time singing karaoke with one another.

On Thursday these members spent lots of time at the expo talking to different colleges about agriculture and visiting all the vendors. Colleges including; SDSU, Ohio State, Tennessee, Mississippi State, Iowa State University, and more. These students talked to different vendors and brands to learn more about what they do. Some of these vendors included; John Deere, Ariat, Wrangler, Culver’s, Tractor Supply, and much more! Later on at the 2nd general session, Kynsie Lyman and Grace Muller walked across the stage to receive a plaque for their 2-star Gold National Chapter Award.

When Friday came it was packed with fun activities! They started off driving down to Louisville, Kentucky to go to the Louisville Slugger factory and museum. After that they made a quick stop at Cracker Barrel and went up to the Indianapolis Zoo. That night they went to the rodeo at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. These students met other FFA members from all around the country!

Amber Reams was also rewarded with her American degree. This is the highest degree one can get. Less than 1% of all FFA members achieve this award. Way to go Amber!

Other news

Rockford FFA sold just over $21,000 worth of fruit, meat, cheese, and sweet treats! 9 members will be inducted into the $1,000 club for selling $1,000 or more. We are so Thankful for all of our supporters that ordered or made donations! Orders will be delivered the first week of December.

Alumni Supper is set to be on November 14th at 6:30 pm. It will be in the High School Cafeteria. This is for any member of the community that has supported us in anyway. You do not need to have graduated from Rockford or been a member of the Rockford FFA. This is a free meal of spaghetti and meatballs or chicken alfredo, breadstick, salad, milk or water. The officers will give a small presentation to let everyone know what we have been up to and what we will be doing. To RSVP and reserve your meal please fill out the following link: RSVP for Alumni Supper

Upcoming Events

• November 14th- Alumni and Supporters supper. 6:30 pm in the Cafeteria

• November 20th- November Chapter Meeting, 6:30 pm in Cafeteria. Potluck, Making Tie Blankets, playing volleyball.

• December 9th-Rockford’s Rock’n Light Show 5-8pm

• December 11th- Toys 4 Tots Shopping-6:30pm Fleet Farm, Mason City

• December 19th- December Chapter meeting, 6:30pm Bring a gift valued at $10 to participate in a gift exchange.

• January 18th- January Meeting, 6:30 pm-Cafeteria, making care packages for troops overseas.

• January 30th-Legislative Symposium

• February 2nd- Chili Heat

• February 7th- District FFA Officer Interviews in Nashua

• February 15th- Chapter meeting 6:30pm, Cafeteria

• February 19th- WE HOST! Subdistrict contest. If interested in judging, contact Mrs. Jenkins!