FFA members traveled to Indianapolis Indiana to attend the 96th annual National FFA Convention, along with over 63,000 FFA members from around the country. While attending the convention sessions, expo, and shopping mall students were able to meet people from all 50 states, plus Porto Rico and the Virgin Islands. They developed communication and leadership skills by networking and discussing the diversity in agriculture across the states. Members were able to meet with colleges and businesses from all over the country and explore potential career options. 

Students were given hands-on experiences in many different areas of agriculture through workshops, expo booths, public speaking events, and more. FFA members participated in a service project while at convection. They worked with other members to build scenery toys for local shelters and hospitals.

While in Indianapolis, FFA members also visited the National FFA headquarters, hiked 330 stairs inside the Soldier and Sailors monument, and got to take a lap around the track and kiss the brick at the Indy 500 speedway. 

Later that week we traveled south to Louisville, Kentucky. While in Kentucky we toured the horse track at Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby Museum. We learned the process of having trees from forests and crafted them into unique baseball bats for the MLB. We then learned about Caverns and some deep Kentucky history while zip-lining through one of the largest caverns in Louisville.

We then traveled south to Nashville, Tennessee where we continued to learn about history. We visited the Belle Meade Plantation and Vineyard, this is where we learned about some of the oldest structures and important infrastructure of Nashville. As we walked the grounds of the plantation, we identified many horticulture plants and made connections with production agriculture.

While we were there, we visited the Country Music Hall of Fame and toured Studio B. Studio B is where Dolly Parton and Elvis Presley recorded some of their biggest hits. To continue our music tour, we visited Grand Ole Opry. We got a backstage tour and were able to walk across the stage and stand where many music ledges have stood. We learned about the traditions and history of becoming an official member of the Opry. To finish off the trip by visiting the Gaylord Opryland Hotel, where one of the largest indoor botanical gardens is located. 

Malad FFA is growing and we want to encourage everyone to follow us on social media and keep up with the great things happening in the classroom and the FFA chapter. 

Attending the convention and representing Oneida County and Malad were Emma Lloyd, Sabrina Nipko, Whitnee Waldron, Alivia Waldron, Caleb Roe, Ryelur Jensen, Jaezie Jensen, Tatum Hess, Jenetta Jacaway, Lexie Evans- Advisor, Sarah England- Chaperone.