Published: November 17, 2009 08:47 am      

Ninnekah FFA students attend 82nd National Convention

The Ninnekah FFA Chapter recently attended the 82nd National FFA Convention titled “Lead Out Loud.”

Held in Indianapolis, Indiana, over 50,000 FFA members, advisors and guest from all 50 states, including Puerto Rico, attended this year’s National Convention as well as many other members and guests who had the opportunity to watch the televised portion of the convention, thanks to RFDTV. During the convention members are able to learn new ideas and activities from both convention personnel and other participating FFA chapter members and organizations from across the nation to implement in their local chapters and communities.

During the convention sessions, members and guests were entertained with motivational speakers that included Mike Rowe, star of hit show “Dirty Jobs” and Gregg Ballard, Mayor of Indianapolis, who gave a welcome on behalf of the city during the first session. Others speakers included the National FFA Officers, who provided motivational ideas of what “Lead Out Loud” means to them. One officer, Ms. Laila Hajji from Guthrie, Oklahoma provided her take on what “Lead Out Loud” means to her and how her actions have lead her to where she is today as the Central Region Vice President, as stated during her retiring address titled “Compared to What?”

Between sessions, members and guest were entertained with the FFA Talent Shows as well as the extreme career fair that housed over 1,300 booths representing colleges, agricultural related companies, fundraising companies, U.S. Armed Services and auto and truck manufacturing which packed the exhibit hall. As one of the largest career shows in the nation, students were provided the opportunity to discover numerous agricultural careers and explore opportunities in post-secondary job training and education. After the convention sessions were completed, students were able to experience a memorable concert from Toby Keith, both an Oklahoma native and FFA Alumni.

The Ninnekah chapter officers that attended were President Amber Chaney, Vice-President Annesha Kirk, Secretary DJ Nye, Treasurer Paige Allen, Reporter Shawna Taylor, Sentinel Celia Garrett, Historian Jamie Stephens, Parliamentarian Austin Charlson, and Chaplain Dava Ballard. Accompanied by Advisor Chance Owen and chaperones Mark and Gereldene Chaney. We all had a great time at the concerts and other events in Indianapolis and look forward for State Convention, which is held Oklahoma City in the spring. The members of the Ninnekah FFA would like to thank the supporters that contributed to their trip and look forward to giving back to the community through community service projects and chapter activities through out the year.