National FFA Annual Convention Held
The National FFA convention is held every year and attracts FFA members from every state, including Alaska and Hawaii. The 95th National FFA Convention was held in Indianapolis, Indiana, from October 26-October 29. While at the convention, 18 Catoctin FFA members joined over 60,700 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. 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. They visited the Corning Glass Museum in Corning, NY; Niagara Falls in NY; the Columbus Zoo in Columbus, OH; United States Air Force Museum in Dayton, OH; and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
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 state convention. Every state gets to send one winning team per CDE/LDE to advance to nationals. This year, Catoctin FFA’s Agricultural Issues, Agricultural Sales, Livestock Evaluation, Marketing Plan teams advanced to nationals. We also had a member participate in the Extemporaneous Speaking LDE. Two teams had to complete a portion of their contest virtually before going to Indianapolis.
A special thanks to the chaperones: Mary Ellen Clark, Ann Costa, Matt Dellinger, Robert and Stephanie (Moreland) Hahn, Michael Poffenberger, and Carrie Wolf.
Five chapters in Maryland were recognized at this year’s convention. This is based on an application the chapter completes to showcase some of their activities throughout the year. To qualify for the award, your chapter must complete at least 15 activities—one for each of the five quality standards in each of the three divisions. Catoctin was one of five eligible chapters from Maryland and was recognized nationally as a 2-star chapter.
Less than one percent of FFA members receive the prestigious American FFA 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 two members receive this highest honor: Abby Kinnaird and Sierra Weatherly.
Catoctin FFA would like to thank everyone for all of the support in helping them to participate in the 95th National FFA Convention. The students have gained skills and memories that will last a lifetime.
