ENGLEWOOD — The Miami Valley Career Technology Center (MVCTC) FFA sent 12 students to the National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky, Oct. 28-31.
This year’s theme was “Amplify,” to show FFA members that they should amplify their goals, their life and their voice. The students visited the Newport Aquarium and the Kentucky Motor Speedway on their way to Louisville. The first night of the convention included a concert at the KFC Yum! Center by Jake Owen and Maddie & Tae. Over 60,000 FFA members and guests were expected at the 88th annual convention.
Nine general sessions brought FFA members together at the Kentucky Exposition Center. Students could engage exhibitors from more than 450 corporations, organizations and colleges at the center. Other events were held at venues downtown, in the suburbs and beyond.
This year marked the 85th anniversary of the National FFA Creed as well as the 50th anniversary of the merger of New Farmers of America, an agricultural organization for African-American students, with the National FFA Organization.
The convention kicked off with keynote speaker Rick Rigsby. On Friday afternoon students attended the National Chapter Session and watched as fellow MVCTC Ag program at Miami East High School won a 3-star and Model of Innovation in Student Development Award.
Throughout the week, students attended more than 70 leadership and personal growth workshops. FFA members toured industry destinations, including Ford’s Louisville assembly plant, Churchill Downs, and more. Students also attended the World’s Toughest Rodeo and the Louisville Mega Caverns.
The National FFA Organization is a national youth organization of 610,240 student members as part of 7,665 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at FFA.org, on Facebook, Twitter and the official National FFA Organization blog.
MVCTC provideds career technical education for 27 partner school districts encompassing five counties in Southwest Ohio.
MVCTC FFA members attending the convention were Olivia Mt. Castle (Tri-Village), Dakota Cox (Tri-County North), Abigail Nealeigh (Arcanum), Zak Peele (Franklin Monroe), Cheyenne Johnson (Dixie), David Grant (Northmont), Nick Wheeler (Milton-Union), Mikhala Martin (Northmont), Lyndsey Carmack (Miamisburg), Lauren Muncy (Eaton), Makayla Reeder (Valley View) and Brianna Ellish (Bethel).
