This past week, seven students from the Surry Central FFA Officer team traveled along with Davie County, West Iredell, and Bandys High Schools to Indianapolis, Indiana to attend the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis. Over 73,000 members and guests descended into a sea of blue jackets from all across the United States.
Andrew Fulk, Cheyenne Rippey, Grayson Collins, Kathie Galiana-Cahmu, Miles Payne, Kyndal Smith, and Joe Frank Seal traveled along with their chapter FFA Advisor, Sarah Johnson, and Assistant Principal Jonathan Carpenter. Students had a great week of team building, agriculture industry tours, shopping, leadership workshops, sightseeing, and fun! Our students became closer as a team and made many new friends along the way! While at the convention members visited numerous agricultural businesses, exhibitors, and colleges. Students were able to learn about career opportunities and products along with learning about possible majors from colleges and universities from across the United States. This expo featured industry leaders in all areas of agriculture, food science, natural resources, and education. Members also had the opportunity to attend leadership and personal growth workshops. Students worked as a team to find solutions, solve riddles, and solve problems in order to escape their challenge rooms.
Umbarger Show Feeds, Franklin, IN – Umbarger Show Feeds is also a 4th generation family-owned and operated business and has been in business for over 75 years. Umbarger Show Feeds has been specially formulated by showmen for showmen. The members learned about the mill operation and enjoyed watching the robots that were working in the facilities.
Poe Hampshire Farm, Franklin, IN - Poe Hamps Farm is a family-run and operated farm that specializes in selectively choosing, AI breeding, and sale of show lambs to be raised and sold all across the country.
Tuttle Orchards, Greenfield, IN - WE toured the fourth-generation family-owned and operated farm that holds a patent on the Stayman-Winesap apple and enjoyed dinner crafted by their chef. Tuttle Orchards also serve their community as a local agribusiness, family-friendly farm that offers fresh quality, local produce and real agricultural experiences since 1928.
Our students were commended multiple times for their behavior, attentiveness, and respect from multiple advisors on the trip. One quoted that “Some people have the integrity of motive, patience of effort and vision of ends to do great things. I see these traits in all of you. I am impressed with your wit, energy, and positive mental attitudes…”
Thank You to our trip sponsors Ms. Betty Foster, Surry Central High School FFA Alumni and Supporters, and Surry County Farm Bureau for helping to make this week possible! Thank you, Indy, Dr. Travis Park National FFA Advisor, from NCSU, and the National FFA Organization for another great Convention experience. We cannot wait for next year!