Red Bay FFA goes to convention
By Brandi Miller / For the FCT
One of the most anticipated events each school year for the FFA chapter of Red Bay High School is attending the FFA convention.
This year, the convention was held Oct. 24-27 in Indianapolis, Ind. Eleven RBHS FFA attended, as well as RBHS FFA alumnus Ethan Mobley.
All officers automatically get to attend the competition each year, and remaining spots are chosen based on students who are highly involved with the chapter.
“National convention provides an atmosphere unlike any other,” said RBHS FFA president senior Anna Jackson. “Everywhere you look, you are surrounded by people in the same renowned blue jacket from every corner of the U.S. You walk with a purpose and with pride into each and every location because it’s only at nationals that you really get to see the full picture of the National FFA organization.”
While at the convention, members attended sessions, and those who had competition roles spent their times at various competitions. Sessions are held early in the morning or late in the evening and feature guest speakers, award ceremonies and FFA news and activities.
Students attending the convention also have time to go see the sights around Indianapolis, including a huge shopping mall, and this year they had the opportunity to go to a go-cart track for some extra fun time.
“What I enjoyed most (about the convention) was the incredible diversity you get to experience while you are there,” said Chaplain officer senior Ethan Ray. “Every person you meet is so incredibly friendly and ready to start a conversation.”
Lots of fundraising takes place in order for this ambitious group of students to attend the convention each year. FFA students visited the community in official dress throughout the year asking for donations to make the experience possible.
“FFA is not only ‘cows, plows and sows,’” said Jackson. “It is learning to be a good leader, improving your community and yourself, and standing by our creed: ‘I believe in the future of agriculture.’”
Other students attending the convention were freshmen Isaac Weilman (sentinel), Alexis Tabbs (reporter), Miranda Brewer and Holly McKinney; sophomores Brady Collum and Briley Mills (treasurer); juniors Matthew Williams (vice president) and Jacob Davis; senior Mary Moore (secretary); Andrew and Addie Massey; and FFA sponsor Jarod Massey.
