On October 25-30th, eight West Perry FFA members traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana, for the 95th annual National FFA Convention. The following members attended: Rylee Fuller, Vera Innerst, Sadie Innerst, Ty Keller, Gavin Neff, Levi Jones, Dale Pfiel, and Katelynn Leber, along with their advisor Mr. John Hines.
A major highlight of the trip was that West Perry had a Milk Quality and Products Career Development Event team that won the state competition and had the opportunity to compete at the national level. This team consisted of Fuller, Leber, Jones, and V. Innerst. In the competition, Fuller and V. Innerst earned a silver medal individually, and Leber and Jones earned a bronze medal individually. These placings led the team to place bronze overall.
While attending the convention, members had the opportunity to attend the general sessions hosted by the National FFA Officers, listen to a keynote address by Tamika Catchings, who was a basketball Olympic athlete, interact with over 300 agricultural businesses and colleges to discuss career opportunities, and participate in leadership activities. The members also enjoyed the entertainment of a rodeo. While attending the Convention, members were able to witness the election of the new 2022/2023 National FFA Officers, in which Jessica Herr, a Pennsylvania FFA member, was elected to be the National Secretary.
While attending the National FFA Convention, the group also had the opportunity to tour two different agricultural production operations. The members visited Beasley’s Orchard, where they had an owner’s talk to learn about the management and production at the Orchard. They also toured the Waterman Dairy Center at The Ohio State University, which is a working dairy farm on the college campus.
Photo Caption: West Perry Members attend National Convention
Back row (L-R): Mr. Hines, Ty Keller, Dale Pfeil, Gavin Neff, Levi Jones
Front Row (L-R): Sadie Innerst, Vera Innerst, Rylee Fuller, Katelynn Leber