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Newkirk FFA students attend National Convention

By Makenna Morgan

Chapter Reporter

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind.  — Saturday, Oct. 23 – Saturday, Oct. 30, 2021 the Newkirk FFA Chapter had members present at the 94th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis.

Each year, the National FFA Convention is attended by more than 65,000 members and guests from across the country.

Emalee Kelly and Matthew Mayse were the first students from Newkirk to arrive at the convention, because they were selected as members of the National FFA Band prior to the convention. They were two of the six band members selected for the band from the state of Oklahoma. Nation-wide, there were 53 students selected as members of the National FFA Band. Kelly plays the bass clarinet, and Mayse plays the French horn.

The Newkirk FFA Chapter was also represented by five members at the convention. Those members were Logan Rhea, Carly Ballagh, Makenna Morgan, Teegin Washington, and Allison Schneeberger.  Other attendees in the group were FFA Advisor, Mrs. Reinart, parents/family members Shawn, Sarah and Ross Kelly, Denys Mayse and Jimmy Rhea.

On the way to the convention, the group stopped at Lambert’s Cafe as well as Bass Pro Shops in Springfield, Mo.

While at the convention, FFA members attended convention sessions and personal growth and leadership workshops, as well as a trade show and career fair. The group also enjoyed listening to this year’s keynote speaker, “Fancy Lady Cowgirl” Courtenay DeHoff.

The group also enjoyed agricultural tours in Martinsville, Ind. on Friday of convention week.

The first tour was of the Ozark Fisheries. Students and parents who attended were able to learn about the production and distribution of goldfish and koi. The second tour was at Hunter’s Honey Farm where attendees were able to learn about honey production and they were even able to bottle their own honey from the farm.

Saturday morning was spent at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Speedway, where students and parents were able to take a tour of the race track, spend some time in the track garages, walk through the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum and even watch race cars taking practice runs.

Newkirk FFA members had a great time at the 94th National FFA Convention & Expo and look forward to attending the convention again in the future.

 

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