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On Wednesday, October 29th the Olympia
FFA chapter drove to the 98th National FFA Convention, in
Indianapolis. There were three buses taken, all leaving at 6:50 a.m.
The trip took about three hours, with only one pit stop. Once
arriving in Indianapolis, everyone ate lunch on their buses.
After lunch, everyone trekked off their buses and made their way
into the Indiana Convention Center. The center held a shopping mall
and college and career expo. The FFA members were allowed to browse
the convention center for about two hours. This allowed members to
shop, meet with college and career representatives, and learn more
information about different Ag careers.
The FFA members then walked to Lucas Oil Stadium, also known as the
Indianapolis Colts Stadium. The members listened to the opening
session of the 98th National FFA Convention. The opening session
included a keynote speaker, A’ric Jackson, the 2024-2025 National
FFA Officer team was announced, and the FFA band and chorus held a
performance.
After the opening session the Olympia FFA Chapter split ways. The
FFA members only attending one day of the National Convention, ate
dinner at the Beef House and drove home. Whereas the members
attending the three day trip ate dinner at Bynum’s Steakhouse and
checked into a hotel to get some rest.
Thursday, October 30th consisted of the FFA members traveling to
Huber’s Orchard, where the FFA members took a tour of the large
orchard. The members then drove to Louisville, Kentucky. There they
saw Churchill Downs, the famous racecourse. Churchill Downs is where
the Kentucky Derby is held. The FFA members observed the Kentucky
Derby Museum, toured Churchill Downs, watched an informational video
on the Kentucky Derby, and then watched four races. After the
exciting adventure to Churchill Downs, the FFA members drove back to
Indianapolis. They ended the night at Hanna’s Haunted Acres, a park
with different haunted themed attractions.
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L-R :Graham Walters, Calvin Fonger, Chase Meyers, Braxton Apel, Lily
Walsh, Summer Berlin, Kennadi Ballenger, Kynlee Miller, Kennadie
Finchum, Kinley Steinkamp, Anna Gordon, Reese Hurley, Brenna Doyle,
Kamryn Rader, Morgan Buatte, Sarah Larkin, Lauryn Snider, Anna
Johnson, Madyson Bridgeforth, Finley Hoffman - Photo courtesy of
Bryce A. Hoffman
Friday, October 31st was the last day
the Olympia FFA members attended the FFA National Convention. They
started the morning at the fourth session of the National
Convention. The fourth session consisted of announcing Proficiency
Award winners, honorary American Degree winners, and Agriscience
Fair Award winners. The session also included the retiring address
of the 2024-2025 National FFA Secretary, Luke Jennings. He gave an
inspiring speech on
how to find the light in the darkness.
The FFA members also heard from Coach Kiah. She spoke on how to
enjoy the journey more than the destination. After the session the
members made their way back to the Indianapolis convention center.
There, the students did more shopping and spoke to more colleges and
career employees. The Olympia FFA chapter then traveled the long
three hours home.
The National FFA Convention is a lot more than FFA members earning
awards, it gives FFA members a chance to meet new people and
discover new opportunities!
[Bryce A. Hoffman
Ag Teacher/FFA Advisor
Olympia High School]
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