Catoctin FFA Members “Engage” at the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo
Amy Poffenberger, Catoctin FFA Advisor
The National FFA Convention is held every year and attracts FFA members from every state, including Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The 97th National FFA Convention was held in Indianapolis, Indiana, on October 23 through October 26.
While at the convention, 20 Catoctin FFA members joined over 71,000 other FFA members and guests from across our nation. The National FFA Convention and Expo is one of the largest student conventions in the world, with a mission to develop, educate, and inspire. This year’s convention theme was ENGAGE!
Throughout the week, members were able to participate in sessions, contests, workshops, and a career expo.
The chapter made several industry stops on the way to Indianapolis, including the New River Gorge National Park, KESMARC (Kentucky Equine Sports Medicine & Rehab Center), the greenhouses at the Kentucky Derby, the Kentucky Derby Museum, the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, and Poe’s Hamp Farm.
Members competed in Career Development Events/Leadership Development Events, more often referred to as CDEs and LDEs. To complete a CDE/LDE, each team, or individual contestant, extensively learned their subject and rehearsed their task in preparation for the state convention. Every state gets to send one winning team per CDE/LDE to advance to nationals. This year, Catoctin FFA’s Conduct of Chapter Meetings, Farm Business Management, and Marketing Plan teams advanced to nationals. We also had a member participate in the creed speaking LDE.
The Conduct of Chapter Meetings introduces FFA members to parliamentary procedure as they learn how to conduct efficient meetings and build their communication skills. Team members included Gabby Brauning, Simon Burrier, Makayla Comer, Kaleb Krantz, Lizzie Schubel, Blake Smith, and Emily Wetzel. The team earned a bronze placing. This team was coached by Amy Jo Poffenberger.
Creed participants had to memorize The FFA Creed by E.M. Tiffany. They recited The FFA Creed and answered three extensive random questions pertaining to it and how it reflects on agriculture life. Faith May earned a silver placing. Sarah Shriner coached Faith in the creed contest.
Farm and Agribusiness Management helps the students to learn business skills and economic principles to agricultural businesses. Students were given a real-life business that they analyzed and answered questions. Catoctin’s team placed bronze at the national convention. Individual standing included: Kaitlynn Bentz earning a bronze placing. Annalise Abruzzese, Alyssa Costa, and Carly Ridenour earned silver placings. The team was coached by Stephanie Hahn and Michael Poffenberger.
Marketing Plan: Participants in this event develop practical marketing skills while creating and presenting a marketing plan for a local agribusiness. The team earned a bronze placing at this year’s convention. Team members were Owen Cook, Madison Ohler, and Anessa Stauffer. The team was coached by Stephanie Hahn and Amy Jo and Michael Poffenberger.
FFA Members Leah Morgan, Ryleigh Ruch, Trinity Spidle, and Quamari Willard attended the convention as Chapter Delegates. They participated in activities, including workshops, sessions, and the expo. They networked with other FFA members from across the nation to gain new ideas and possibilities for our chapter.
American FFA Degree recipients: Less than 1 percent of FFA members receive this prestigious degree. To be eligible to receive the American FFA Degree, members must meet qualifications such as receiving a State FFA Degree, holding active membership for the past three years, completing secondary instruction in an agricultural education program, and operating an outstanding supervised agricultural experience program. This year, Catoctin FFA had one member receive this highest honor: Kendall Abruzzese.
Honorary American FFA Degree: Teachers who have created high-quality agricultural education programs, which inspire and motivate their students to strive for success, are eligible for the Honorary American FFA Degree. Nominations are first submitted to the individual’s state FFA association for approval before being forwarded to the national level. Maryland is allowed to submit one nomination per year for a teacher to receive their honorary degree. Amy Jo Poffenberger received her Honorary American FFA Degree this year. Thank you to everyone for all of the support in helping us to participate in the 97th National FFA Convention. These students have gained skills and memories that will last a lifetime.
