This year, Amherst FFA sent 20 students to the 97th Annual National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana. The adventure launched on Tuesday, October 22, and upon their return, several students were excited to talk about their experiences and how the convention impacted them in different ways.
Nora Lewis is a junior who is also a second-year member of the Amherst FFA chapter. When asked what pushed her to be a part of the FFA, she did not hesitate to remind the author of this report: “Faith, you told me to.”
Nora was very excited that she met some members from Atlanta, Georgia. The most memorable part of the convention for Nora was the farm tour in Fair Oaks, Indiana.
Natalie Carlson, a fourth-year member of FFA, said in seventh grade her friends wanted to join so she figured it would be a good opportunity to join a club with friends. Unfortunately, Natalie was a little under the weather during the national convention this year so she didn’t get much of an opportunity to meet new people. However, she still had a good time.
“The most memorable thing from nationals this year was going to see Megan Maroney,” Natalie said.
Senior Sam Stucynski had a bit of a different experience at this year’s convention. Sam got to represent not only the Amherst FFA chapter but also the state of Wisconsin — along with Marcus Kennedy, Porter Stucynski, and Jacob Kirsling — as they were chosen to compete in the Agronomy Career Development Event competition.
“My parents have definitely played a big role in [encouraging] me to join FFA,” Sam said. “Growing up in a farming family, agriculture has been a major staple in my life. FFA allows me to pursue my interests while having fun doing it.”
Sam stated that competing at the national convention was his most memorable FFA experience. He also said that it still feels surreal to him that they won the state agronomy contest and were able to compete at the national level because this accomplishment is very rare for most FFA members.
Needless to say, the 97th National FFA Convention and expo was a success for so many different reasons. Amherst is proud of its FFA members who are trying to bring home ideas to improve the local chapter and local community along with those who were able to compete at the National level.
15th out of 40 nationwide; Jacob Kirsling earns gold & three others earn silver awards
CONGRATULATIONS to the Amherst FFA Agronomy team of Sam Stuczynski, Porter Stuczynski, Marcus Kennedy & Jacob Kirsling on competing at the national agronomy contest last week at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The team placed 15th overall out of approximately 40 teams from around the nation, earning a Silver award. Individually, Sam, Marcus & Porter were all awarded silver and Jacob a gold out of approximately 160 competitors.
This is a remarkable achievement and the first for Amherst FFA history!!
