First-Time Attendee- MidWinter FFA Convention

Wow, what an exciting event hosted by the PA FFA! Because I did not have the opportunity to be a member of the FFA as a high school student, I have been pursuing my own type of 'FFA crash-course' to help me to fully grasp the excitement and involvement around FFA at the chapter, state, and national levels. It has been exciting as I continually learn more and more about the FFA and the pride and work involved by the members, supporters, sponsors, and parents, and the MidWinter Convention at the 2014 PA Farm Show was no exception!!

As I joined the Oley Valley group, the day began with a banquet recognizing the PA teams' achievements at this year's National Convention. It was wonderful seeing members of the Oley Valley Food Science CDE team that I had spent so much time with at National Convention, and who placed an impressive 3rd place overall, and also had the top placed individual! Awesome job ladies!!

Member ready to zip up their jackets for the first time

Among the busy students filling the Farm Show Complex throughout the day,  volunteers worked hard to prepare the large arena for the MidWinter Convention in the afternoon. The attendance and impressive amount of energy that the convention brought is something I find incredibly impressive about the FFA. With dedicated members awaiting their Keystone Degrees (Oley had 6 members) and new members eagerly waiting to see how their new jackets fit, it was a great experience for everyone.

Two things moved me in particular: 

1.) It was really powerful seeing all the new members circle the arena and zip their jacket all at one time, remembering that someday they may outgrow the jacket but they will never outgrow the experience!  

2.) It was amazing to see the parents who supported three or more of their children as they achieved their Keystone Degrees. It goes to show how important parents are and as an FFA advisor, the necessity of gaining the support and getting to know the parents!