Minneapolis FFA Attend 80th National Convention
Cory Kiser Receives Award
by Jerry Schmidt
November 07, 2007
The Minneapolis FFA Chapter attended the 80th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. From October 24th to October 27th, the FFA members’ schedule was packed with fun and exciting events. The theme this year was “Blue Jackets Bright Futures.” This year’s keynote speakers were Rick Rigsby and Henry Winkler. The convention included leadership and personal growth workshops, an agricultural career show with over 600 vendors and college booths, educational tours of local businesses, selection and recognition of national awards, sponsors, and the selection of the new national officer team. On Saturday, Cory Kiser received the American FFA Degree. Joining Cory for the degree ceremony were Tim and Karen Kiser, Trisha Kiser, and Dee and Dewayne Kiser. FFA members attending were Alyson McCall, Analena Simmons, Katie Nichols, Trevor Girard, Cameron Mullen, Johnathan Reid, and sponsors Alice McCall and advisor Jerry Schmidt.
At the pre-convention session, Alyson McCall was selected to be on stage to participate in the activities. The Minneapolis FFA attended a country music concert featuring Montgomery Gentry in the evening after spending the afternoon at the career show. The Minneapolis FFA members also took part in tours of Hoosier Horse Park, the National FFA Center, the NCAA Hall of Champions, the Indianapolis 500 Speedway, and a civil war museum. On Friday, the members participated in a Day of Service project in helping with the restoration of the Maplelawn Farmstead. Six schools make the trip together each year in a charter bus from Prestige Transportation Systems in Wichita.
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Cory Kiser Receives American FFA Degree
Cory Kiser, past member of the Minneapolis FFA Chapter and the son of Karen and Tim Kiser, was honored on October 27, 2007, with the American FFA Degree at the 80th National FFA Convention held in Indianapolis, Indiana. Earning the degree means being one of a select group of individuals to be recognized for years of service and achievements in agriculture.
Cory is the ninth member of the Minneapolis FFA Chapter to achieve this honor. He joins Alan Windhorst 1946, Lon Dean Crosson 1949, Laddie E. Merryfield 1951, David Crosson 1980, Cade Rensink 2000, Paul Carver 2005, Drew Crosson 2006, and Jonathan Schmidt 2006.
The American FFA Degree recognizes demonstrated leadership ability and outstanding achievements in agricultural business, production, processing, or service programs. To be eligible, members must have earned and productively invested $7,500 through a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program. Recipients must also make it their mission to demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement.
Each award recipient receives a gold American FFA Degree key, certificate and a wallet ID card. The degree recognition program is sponsored by Case IH, The Farm Credit System Foundation, and Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.
