Amplify - FFA Members Attend State Convention
Last week, 23 Plainview FFA members joined the more than 6,000 members and guests that attended the 88th State FFA Convention. Many students participated in contests, gave speeches, attended workshops, and enjoyed sessions. Plainview had success in contests and all the students grew in their leadership skills and passion for agriculture. This year’s theme was Amplify and the convention and atmosphere portrayed it all week long. Students learned to amplify their impact and themselves in
every aspect of life.
Elle Kment, and Brittany Pellatz, did their contest early on Wednesday. Although they fell short of making the top cut, they did well and made a great foundation for a stronger performance next year. Jordyn Anderson performed her coop speech on Thursday. She did an excellent job explaining to the crowd how the Affiliated Food co op works and serves local communities. Mackenzie Eskey competed in extemp performing her drawn topic on how to maintain a food supply for the increasing population. Nathan Choat gave his natural resourse speech on soil conservation Thursday morning. He did well and was able to secure a spot in finals. Nathan finished his senior year convention on the top by winning the natural resource contest, taking home the first place trophy. Several junior high members broke out of their shell and competed in discovery speaking and people in ag contest. Carissa Wacker and Colton Choat both gave their discovery speech Friday morning. Becca Kment, Abby Rafert, and Sophie MacGregor, gave their “people in ag” speech also Friday morning. When asked to say one word describing their experience, the junior high kids made a list that included: exciting, inspiring, educational, nerve racking, awesome. All junior high students improved their public speaking skills and set themselves up for a very successful high school career in speaking contests.
Plainview students also competed in the CDE meats contest. After winning the district contest, a team of Plainview students braved the UNL freezer to judge beef, pork, and lamb for three hours on Thursday. The students did well and had a great experience even if they came out a little numb to it all. “We were 4 of only 5 people with coveralls and almost didn’t put them on, but we were glad we did,” explains Austin Choat who speaks for his entire team.
Tait Ziems attended interviews and banquets throughout the convention because he earned a spot in the top three with his Supervised Agriculture Experience(SAE)
proficiency application. His project was in the area of Ag mechanics, design, and fabrication , and did a great job representing his town and chapter . He brought home a
third place finish out of the entire state and is on the perfect track to win and qualify for national convention by the end of his high school career.
members from across the State.
Many students enjoyed workshops put on by neighboring state officers, the Peterson Ag Bros, and a 6ft 11in, one handed basketball player. The speeches from
retiring state officers and other speakers encouraged students to choose joy, believe in themselves, make an impact, and to embrace adversity.
All in all, Plainview students had a great convention learning to amplify themselves in agriculture, their communities, and their future. “Everyone had a great time at state convention and made memories, developed skills, and heard advice that will last a lifetime,” Nathan Choat.