From October 31 through November 4, five West Perry FFA members traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana, for the 96th annual National FFA Convention. The following members attended: Rylee Fuller, Ty Keller, Dale Pfiel, Hunter Brennan, and Lila Kretzing, along with their advisors, Mr. John Hines and Mrs. Ayla Miller.
One highlight of the trip was seeing Sadie Innerst and Lila Kretzing´s Agriscience Fair Project place at the national level. Throughout the past year, Sadie and Lila have dedicated countless hours to conducting their research and putting together a quality research paper. Additionally, they attended several virtual interviews to determine further placings. At the 2023 FFA State Convention, their project placed first in the animal system category and then advanced to nationals, where it placed 7th, taking home a silver medal. Also at the National Convention, former West Perry FFA member and officer Emma O´Toole received her American Degree. The American Degree is the highest award that an FFA member can receive. The West Perry FFA Chapter was also recognized with a National Chapter Award, which only eight other Pennsylvania FFA chapters received this year.
While in Indianapolis, the West Perry FFA members had the opportunity to attend several sessions, which included keynote speaker Juan Bendana, an award-winning speaker and author, and the retiring speech of national FFA officer Jess Herr. Herr is the first national FFA officer from Pennsylvania since 2001. Additionally, the attending students were able to interact with over 330 exhibitors from colleges and agricultural businesses to discuss potential job and education opportunities.
While attending the National FFA Convention, the group also had the opportunity to tour two different agricultural production operations. Members visited Dickinson Cattle Ranch, a world-renowned ranch in Barnesville, Ohio. There, they learned about the management of the nearly 1,500 beef cattle and the history of the Longhorn Cattle breed in America. FFA members also visited Ozark Fisheries in Martinsville, Indiana. There, the students learned about raising ornamental fish such as Goldfish and Koi. They were able to tour the facilities and interact with the fish.
Photo Caption: West Perry FFA members who attended the 2023 National FFA Convention.
(L-R): Ty Keller, Lila Kretzing, Rylee Fuller, Hunter Brennan, Dale Pfile