Tuesday, January 06, 2009

By Katie Nelson, Centura FFA Historian 

“Watch out Indy ‘cause Centura FFA is on our way!” That’s what was running through 18 of Centura’s FFA chapter member’s minds.

This thought was soon overtaken by phrase’s like, “Are we there yet?!” and “Guys be quiet I’m trying to sleep!” The 80th Annual National FFA Convention was held in Indianapolis for the 2nd year in a row. This year Centura FFA took 18 members. They included Seniors: Trent Spiehs, Derek Vogt, Ryan Kerby, Maggie Fries, Makayla Wetzel, and Tiffany Sultenfuss; Juniors Justin Wetzel, Lorissa Sonnenfeld, Katie Nelson, Zoey Piehl, Rosh Mohanna, Erik Williams, and Dan Simmons; Sophomores Britton Hulme, Tara Spiehs, Miranda Pollock, Ashley Weber, and Brady Perrin. Rounding out the group was Kenda Pollock, Sandy Spiehs, and John Hadenfeldt as sponsors.

October 23rd, Centura FFA and the St. Paul FFA Chapters loaded the bus in Grand Island and were on their way to Indy. The next morning the chapter attended two workshops of their choice. The main goal was to teach leadership and good life skills. Thursday afternoon they toured a World Champion Appaloosa Horse Farm. There were lots of race horses and plenty of things to see. When they got back from the horse farm they went to the FFA National Talent Show. From singers, to dancers, to yodelers, there were lots of talented teenagers! Thursday night there was a dance in the hotel for the Nebraska members. Friday morning members got up bright and early to attend the opening ceremony at the Conseco Fieldhouse. After listening to a few keynote speakers, they walked over to the convention center to look around the FFA Mall and the Career Show. They ate as a group at the Hard Rock Café and T.G.I. Friday’s. Another dance was held again Friday night in the hotel. Saturday morning they packed up their things and loaded the bus for home! A 16-hour ride home with a few stops along the way, and they were home.