Minneapolis FFA Members Travel to the 82nd National Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana
by Jerry Schmidt
October 27, 2009
The Minneapolis FFA Chapter attended the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. From October 20th to October 24th, the FFA members’ schedule was packed with fun and exciting events. The theme this year was “Lead out Loud”. This year’s keynote speaker was Mike Rowe, host of the TV show Dirty Jobs. 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. Alyson McCall received the American FFA Degree. FFA members attending were Garrett Pounds, Daryl Simmons, Rex Trahan, Connor Flegler, Tanner Davis, Danny Scharplaz, Dan Sweeney (Student Intern) and Advisor Jerry Schmidt.
Highlights of the first day of convention included going to the Career Show, Opening Session and attending a country music concert featuring Toby Keith. The Minneapolis FFA members also took part in tours of the NCAA Hall of Champions and Indianapolis 500 Speedway. In Louisville, they toured Churchill Downs, Louisville Slugger Bat Factory and the Frazier International History Museum. Five other schools make the trip together each year in a charter bus from Prestige Transportation Systems from Wichita.
