From FFA Advisor Greg Curlin;
Ryan Hughes and Levi Curlin made the top ten as national finalist in the agricultural fair competition. They were one place from being a gold medalist team. They received the silver medals. They were quick to say “It will happen next year”. They were selected based upon a written science report, state interview scores, a national committee review of state scores and written report, review of poster project display and in depth research data and abstract, presented a 45 minute interview with a panel of three judges, and a summary question and answer session. Their topic was comparing the economic value and healthy choice when selecting store brand vs. Name brand. They used cake products due to the additives and several types available. It was a 3 day process.
We want to thank all primary and secondary teachers and staff. As they developed the project, it required previous and current skills taught in the classroom to excel as they did leading to the convention. Their endurance was amazing to observe with a positive attitude. As Ms. Wehner and I introduced the concepts, it was amazing to watch them research, write, collect data, and summarize their research. The concept of STEM was practiced to develop their outcome. This experience does not happen over a short time span to gain the results they earned. It was exciting to see them respond to questions in the public viewing of the national projects.
As we concluded on Saturday, 2018 graduate Melissa Furnish earned her American Degree based upon her work and leadership experience. “The American FFA Degree is awarded at the National FFA Convention & Expo each year to less than one percent of FFA members, making it one of the organization’s highest honors. Requirements to earn the honor are lengthy.” (ffanewhorizons.org)
Recipients were honored at Lucus Oil Stadium. We were entertained by Garth Brooks and the national officers presented motivational speeches and retiring addresses based upon the theme “Just One”. We also listened to our U.S. Secretary of Education discuss career pathways, as well as our U.S. Secretary of Agriculture discuss the jobs needed in agriculture by 2030. During the final session, President Trump addressed the focus needed in agriculture production, research and business.
The members walked away with a real experience. Besides sessions, workshops and career shows, hands on activities were conducted. Nearly 72,000 members attended from across the United States. Many of the keynote addresses can be found at www.ffa.org.
