Boone Central FFA Attends 2011 National Convention

The Boone Central FFA Chapter traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana to go to the 84th National FFA Convention. Eleven members, Mr. Olson, and sponsor Bonnie Wagner left from Columbus on a charter bus with six other schools on Tuesday, November 18. The trip took approximately 16 hours, during which they travelled overnight.

When the bus arrived in Indianapolis, members checked into their hotel, changed into official dress, and attended the first session of the convention in the Conseco Fieldhouse on Wednesday. They listened to keynote speaker, Dave Roever. He spoke of his experiences of being drafted to the Vietnam War and being injured. A phosphorous grenade exploded in his hand, leaving his to numerous surgeries and a slim chance of survival. Roever left a message of hope and encouragement that nothing is every as bad as it seems.

On Thursday, Boone Central members attended the career show and business exhibits in the Indiana Convention Center. Students explored colleges, agriculture-related companies, fundraising companies, U.S. Armed Services, and auto and truck manufacturers throughout the day. They then walked to the Conseco Fieldhouse to see the talent show. The talent show included young FFA members who performed various acts. Among these acts were country singers, a baton twirler, clogging, and a Native American dance. After the meal, members went to a dance, which was held in the hotel.

Friday, students went to the Fourth Sessions at the Conseco Fieldhouse. Vernice Armor was the keynote speaker. She spoke of her experiences of being a cop and a combat pilot. She was also the Marine Corps’ first African-American Female pilot, first African-American woman on the Nashville Police Department's motorcycle squad, Camp Pendleton's 2001 Female Athlete of the Year, two-time titleholder in Camp Pendleton's annual Strongest Warrior Competition, and a running back for the San Diego Sunfire women's professional football team. The chapter also went to see the Honorary American Degree ceremony. The chapter’s sponsor was Bonnie Wagner. Her brother, Dan Stehlik of Kansas received the degree. The group then went back to the Indiana Convention Center to view more exhibits and attend Leadership Workshops. The workshops were informative and put together well. Some of the names of these workshops were “What’s Wrong With These People? Don’t They Know I’m Their Leader?” and “Where Would You Be Without Ag in Your World Today?” These were among about 39 workshops in the Indiana Convention Center.

On the last day of the convention, Saturday, members of the Nebraska group went to the Eighth Session. This was held in the Lucas Oil Stadium, which is where the Indianapolis Colts Football team plays. Members saw the Stars Over America award recipients and the American Degree Ceremony. Dakota Olson, from Boone Central, was one of the recipients. After the last Nebraska recipient walked across the stage, the Nebraska group left for the bus for home. They travelled all day and returned back to Columbus around midnight.
Throughout the convention, members had to try to get a signature from every state in the US. This also included the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico. Members were able to get a signature from almost every state, including Puerto Rico.

Also on Thursday, Boone Central members went to TGI Fridays to eat. They paid for this with the money the Alumni provided them for a meal. They would like to thank the Alumni for their support.

Members who attended were Lacey Peterson, Mark Tisthammer, Aaron Hamling, Eleanor Wagner, Bailey Wagner, Montana Loeffler, Jacob Olson, Toni Rasmussen, Spencer Noble, Jessica Tisthammer, and John Wagner. These members were chosen because they had the most points out of the chapter on October 5. The convention helped members to grow in their experiences, leadership, and commitment to FFA.