Riley Alaska State Convention

This has been an amazing week! During April 18th through 27th I traveled to Alaska. I flew into Fairbanks, then Mr. Werner, the State Executive Secretary, and I drove all the way down to Palmer. The drive was beautiful and I was able to see much of the Alaskan countryside.

After arriving in Palmer I was graciously welcomed into the home of a good friend Isaac. You may have seen Isaac before. He is an amazing performer and performed during the second general session of the 81st National FFA Convention as a part of National FFA Talent.

Over the next two days Isaac and I went to school, climbed "The Butte," ate Reindeer Sausage, and played some video games! It was an awesome time to relax and enjoy time in Alaska. Climbing "The Butte" was my favorite part. Here is the view from the top!

Tuesday I check into a hotel in Wasilla, and prepared for the convention. The convention kicked off with the Envirothon. It is a time for FFA members to compete in different CDE's. During the Envirothon, some of the state officers took me out to walk on a frozen lake! I was pretty nervous at first, but once we got out there it was really cool. We didn't go too far out, but it was still far enough!

After the convention got started I had a blast hanging out with the 60 or so members that attended the convention. It was such a great time hanging out with everyone from the Palmer, Kodiak, Homer, Fairbanks, and Delta Chapters.

The convention was filled with general sessions, workshops, CDE's, and a lot of time playing games! we were also joined by Ben, on of the Washington State Officers, and Ms. Jodie, the Washington FFA Executive Secretary. It was great to meet and get to know them.

After the convention was over I had a few days left before I had to fly back to the "Lower 48!" Some of the state officers, and Mr. Werner too Ben, Ms. Jodie, and I sightseeing around Anchorage. We went to see a Wildlife preserve, a Glacier, and the coastline. My favorite part was the grizzly bear exhibit of the wildlife preserve. We drove up to their pen, and there were no bears, but as we were getting back into the cars, here came a bear walking out of the woods. He walked right up to the fence beside us! He was HUGE! It was so cool to see a grizzly bear from up close.

On Sunday, the day before I left Alaska, Isaac, his mother, brothers and sister-in-law picked me up for a visit to the zoo! We got to see many more animals native to Alaska, and some that are not native. It was such a fun day, and for dinner we had Moose Soup. It was so good! I didn't really know what to expect but it was amazing!

As I look back on my time in Alaska I have fond memories, and many new friends. If you ever get a chance to visit Alaska I recommend it! It is such a wonderful place filled with really nice people.

Riley Iowa State Convention

During April 15th through 18th I found myself in Des Moines, Iowa for the State FFA Convention. I had a blast hanging out with FFA members, presenting workshops, and taking in all of the convention activities.

Right after arriving I was picked up by members of the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA chapter and treated to dinner. It was fun sitting there and talking to Lexy, Amy, Riley, and Emily!

As the convention got started my first activity was a workshop! I was a little surprised when I walked to the room, and it was filling up with water! A leak had sprung above it, and it was leaking out of the lights and running into the hallway. After getting relocated I got everything set up and had an amazing time during the workshop.

The first general session got started with a bang, Literally! At Iowa they don't just settle for good sound, and big screens, no they go crazy and have Pyro and Fireworks! During one of the sessions I found myself standing a little too close to the stage and almost got my eyebrows singed off!

During one evening, we had a fun night out at the state fairgrounds. There were blow-up games, music, and good food. I have to admit that I had a great time racing people through the obstacle course. By the time we left I was completely give out!

The rest of the week was filled with hanging out with the state officers, attending sessions (away from the pyro!), and just taking it all in.

Friday night, my last night in Iowa, the outgoing state officers treated me to some ice cream! It was a perfect ending to an amazing week!

Thanks Iowa for showing this Texas boy a good time!

South Dakota FFA Convention!

Last week I got to go to South Dakota's State Convention and it basically rocked! I spent 5 days in the midwest among 2000+ FFA members, guests, advisors, and parents!

Convention was held in the HPER Center at the South Dakota State University Campus in Brookings, SD. Brookings is about 55 miles from Sioux Falls, SD and about 5 hours away from Mount Rushmore!

They HPER Center before things got going good! Look at how decked out this place is!

The newly elected State Officer team!! Whoop Whoop! Get excited!!!

Here is a quick pic of the retired officer team. They did an awesome job getting FFA members pumped up and excited about convention time!

Good Bye Sioux Falls, see you later!!!

Any time you get a chance to venture out into South Dakota, go for it! It is a beautiful place with nice weather, lots of pheasants for hunting, and friendly people!!!

~Regina

Paul's Agricultural Education Challenge

A couple days ago I met a woman on one of my flights that sparked a conversation about the FFA lettering that she saw on my jacket. As I started to explain that we are an organization formorly known as the Future Farmers of America that started in 1928 and how we have diversified and grown to over 507,763 of tomorrows' greatest leaders. I taled about the fact that there are over 22 million employees in the agricultural industry in over 300 career areas and all the opportunity that our students have. As I went on and on about agriculture she looked at me and said, "Well isnt it better for everyone if we just import our food from other countries and use all organic for that matter?!" This is when I knew the conversation was about to get interesting. I visited with her for much of the duration of the flight, and I came away with a action that we all need to take.



So often in agriculture we talk to people about agriculture who know about agriculture. We have to start educating all people about the need for a strong and sustainable food system HERE in America. We need to tell our story. Agriculturalists are progressive individuals who are feeding hungry mouths all over the world, leading scientific research to new medical discoveries, and serving as a means of national security in our country. The coolest part of all that is the fact that as FFA members we are being prepared for careers in all these areas!



And nows it's time that we start sharing that with others! Talk to your friends, community leaders, teachers, and everyone you possible can about the difference we are making in the agricultural industry. Our story is an amazing tale- now we must all go and tell it!



-PDM

Paul's California State FFA Leadership Conference

California rocks! Plain and simple!

I loved the few days I spent in California. The arena was packed with 5,000 of tomorrows' greatest leaders who were loud and proud of being in the FFA. The energy in that place was unbelievable and was such a fun group.

The first session of the conference, put on by the state officers includinding Kristen, Graham, Ryan, Marlene, Brad and Levi, was bomb.com! The opening skit had students on their feet and the officers coming in on fourwheelers, limos, cars, helicopters, and from the ceiling sure got the crowd roaring! At the opening session I took some really fun pictures and made some great friends from the Soledad FFA chapter and met Ivan and Simon who are some awesome guys. I also met 2 state officer candidates from there who I know are going to do great things in their lives. They were awesome!

The next day consisted of workshops and sessions. My teammate Nessie did her keynote in the morning which left her home state of Cali pretty proud that she was one of their own. She rocked! We had a few workshops throughout the day which gave me a lot of time to get to know some really great FFA members. My buddy Jake Schneider and I really got to know eachother as well as the Don Lugo FFA Chapter.

Monday was a day full of more action packed sessions and Nessie teamed up for a great workshop. That night I was invited by the Galt FFA chapter to dinner. We went to a buffet and played a hybrid of "musical chairs" as we ate dinner. The students and I all swithched seats everytime we left to get more food which gave me a lot of time to meet all the cool students from Galt. I was especially excited for Isaac who just qualified for National Agriscience fair. Now this guy is going places! Congrats bud! We then were entertained by the man himself- Keith Anderson at a concert.

Tuesday wrapped up convention with the election of new oficers and retirement of the 2008-2009 team. It was a bittersweet session, but one filled with excitement for a new year of excellence in Cali. I also had the chance to spend time with some past state officers from California whom I have known over the past few years in my FFA career.

Thanks for making my time in California such a great one and I cant wait to go back one day! Keep it real Cali!

-PDM

Hannah's Happenings - Utah State Convention

Hello! I just got back from the amazing Utah State FFA Convention (April 15-18) where their theme was “Ignite the Flame, Blaze the Trail”. Although I arrived when the snow was falling, there was plenty of excitement to heat things up in Logan, UT!

I spent my time in Utah learning about the crazy weather that changes in an instant, what chapters do for fun and most importantly, I learned all about FRY SAUCE. Yes, it’s true. Utah has their very own condiment for their French fries and it is a blend of ketchup and mayo that they swear by. The Sky View FFA Chapter was even nice enough to provide me with my very own bottle to take home and try! I haven’t cracked it open yet, but you better believe I will soon!

Some of the highlights of my trip included spending time with the 08-09 Utah State Officer Team: Amberlie, Blake, Brittney, Megan, Chase and Keven; who did an AMAZING job putting on the convention. Not to mention the fact that they are very cool people. ;)


I also had the chance to hang out with the visiting state officers: Cole, Tyler and Kaylee from the Arizona FFA Association, Nicole from the Nevada FFA Association and Shannon from the New Mexico FFA Association.


Another great part of the convention was going out to eat with various chapters throughout the week. I owe a big thanks to the Wayne, Emery, Sky View, Provo, Pine View and Desert Hills FFA Chapters for allowing me to dine with them. With the Wayne FFA Chapter, I even got caught in the middle of a snowball fight! Luckily, my duck-and-cover maneuvers proved to be quick successful and I made it out without get hit.


Last but certainly not least, a highlight of the week was watching the 2009-2010 Utah State Officer Team be elected at the last session! Congrats!


All in all, it was a GREAT trip and I’m excited for my trip back to Utah in July!
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In other news…during my trip to Utah, one of the chapters brought up some good questions during a Q&A session that got me thinking. Instead of the normal questions I get asked, like what I like most about FFA or where I’ve been traveling, the chapter members wanted to know what the most played songs were on my iPod and what kind of books I like to read. It was quite the conversation, so I thought that I would start a new section on my blog that answers those very questions. Feel free to let me know if you have any of the same picks or any recommendations!

My most played songs:
"Kiss a Girl" - Keith Urban
“Livin’ on a Prayer” – Bon Jovi
“Just Dance” – Lady GaGa
“Wake Up, Get Up” – Run Kid Run
“That’s Cool” – Blue County

Book I can’t get my nose out of:
I am currently preparing to start the 4th book of the Twilight series. Finally! Lol!

Paul's Blue Catalog Photo Shoot

Hi friends!
The past couple days my teammates and I have had a blast doing the photo shoot. We had such a fun time hanging out together and sharing stories from all the amazing students we have met this year- also known as you! My teammates and I have had some awesome experiences at the different places we have been thus far.

At the photo shoot we got to check out all the new clothes and hats for next year. They are awesome! I can’t wait for all of you to go check them out.

The Blue Catalog is for YOU! So go to ffaunlimited.org and get some cool FFA gear. There are always sales going on so get on fast and show off your pride for the blue and the gold. I know I will be getting a few new shirts here soon- I hope you are too!

Riley - Tennessee State Convention

On March 28th I found myself in Gatlinburg, TN for the Tennessee state convention. WOW is all I have to say. It was a blast from the moment I arrived.







The first night in Tennessee I went to dinner with a crazy group of state officers Peyton, Jesse, Colby, Jeffrey, Kris, Clayton, Doug, and Kye. I was completely happy to be in a place where SWEET tea (or as my Michigan friends would call if "Dirt Water!) is served in restaurants! We had a treat of fried catfish and hush puppies...delicious!





After dinner we went to ride go carts and play putt putt. Now I was gaining good ground and was about to take the lead in the go carts before I was spun out. Thank guys, I will get you back one day for that one!





The next day was filled with hanging out with the state officer candidates, the nominating committee, and members of the TN FFA. Once the convention got started it was non-stop action! I am very impressed with the professionalism, and passion that the TN state officers put into making this convention a success. Between amazing pre-sessions by Sam and Wesley, a hypnotist show, awards, speaking events on stage, and line dancing there was never a dull moment!

It was extremely exciting for me to run into the David Crockett FFA Chapter. David "Davy" Crockett is a Tennessee native, and was one of the original settlers of Texas. He fought during the Texas Revolution and died at the battle of the Alamo. He is a legend in Texas, and has a statue in the Texas Capitol, and he is in every history book in the state. As a kid, you were always the coolest if you would dress up as Davy Crockett for Halloween, and we all had one of those trademark Raccoon Hats!

I was taken back in time as we watched the new state officer team being announced. TN announces their team in the same way that National FFA announces the officers, and I have to admit that I was nervous, and my heart was pounding as that recognizable music came on the loud speakers!


Looking back on the week, it was amazing. I made many good friends in TN, and I hope to run into you all again in the future.

Riley - Delaware 'State Convention

WOW! The last few weeks have been a blur because I have been having too much fun hanging out with FFA members in Delaware and Tennessee!

On March 24th I found myself in Newark, DE ready for their state FFA convention. I was extremely excited about this convention as our team had already spent a week in Delaware in January during experience week. As soon as I got there I was met by the state officers Brittany, Sam B., Sam S., Lori, Justin, and Jenna. It was great to catch up with old friends and prepare for the convention.

My favorite part of the Delaware convention was that everyone eats together! Breakfast, lunch, and dinner was all held at the convention location. It was great to be able to hang out with members during the sessions, then get to hang out with them more during mealtimes!

I got to hang our with members from the Lake Forest FFA, Ceasar Rodney, NETworks, Milford, W.T. Chipman, and many more!

It was a blast hangning out with all of the great guys and gals from the NETworks chapter, George, Ashley, Amanda, Tina, and many more, and from the Lake Forest Chapter Andrew, Cody, Joe, and Brent. They were kind enough to let me get in on their Wii tournament in the hotel lobby, and to watch a movie.

It was such a good time and I cannot even begin to list everyone that I was able to meet and hang out with. Thank you Delaware FFA for a blast at your state convention.

Hannah's Happenings - Nebraska State FFA Convention

Hello there! :) This past week I had the chance to go to the Nebraska State Convention in Lincoln, NE. The gentleman I sat next to on my flight in was on his way home from Iraq and made sure that I was aware that Nebraska had more cows than people. I didn't think it sounded like a bad thing at all! In fact, it made me rather excited to get to know some of Nebraska FFA's 6,500 members.

As soon as I arrived on April Fool's Day, I felt immediately at home. The small town, community atmosphere of the convention was extremely comforting, not to mention fun! I shared my hotel floor with about 60 members of the Hartington FFA Chapter and got to know their chaparones (guarding the center of the hallway) very well. Haha! On the first night we all enjoyed a hilarious hypnotist show by Crimsom, which proved that hypnotism is not only helpful to your physical well-being, but it also provides hours on entertainment and many blackmail pictures for all of your friends ;)


For example, Chelsea (shown below) gave her chapter a very good laugh when she was hypnotized from the audience!



The rest of my convention time was spent watching the state officers: McKenzie, Susie, Lauren, Blake, Ricky and Jill run some sweet convention sessions and give their inspirational retiring addresses. I also got to spend some time with members in my workshops and the state officer candidates in their "holding room". All in all, I really enjoyed my first trip to the Cornhusker State and can't wait to head back in June for their NLCSO!

I rounded out my weekend with attending one of my best friend's wedding and making my way back to Indianapolis for NLCSO training with my teammates. Now, I'm headed home to Ohio for some rest and relaxation (yeah right!) before hitting the road again.

Until next time...

God Bless!

Hannah

Paul's Tennessee State FFA Convention

Paul's Tennessee State FFA Convention Travels!

Tennessee convention was simply amazing! I was so blown away by the professionalism and the excitement from the students. My teammate, Riley, and I both had the chance to go to convention and it was quite an experience. I arrived on Saturday, March 28th and immediately met the great state officers from Tennessee. That was quite a night! I learned that if the longhorn sign is given and then pointed towards you, it is definitely time to run! Caleb and Kris taught me this one! I also met the state officer candidates and the nominating committee members. Later that night I got to spend some time with my good friends Cody and Jessica as well as Kim, Stuart, Wesley, and Sam.



The next day was full of even more excitement. For the first time ever the Tennessee FFA State Convention had a kick off night at Dolly Parton’s Dixie Stampede! It was amazing. The state officers dropped in from the ceiling on a gazebo and delivered a powerful start to an amazing night. Here I met some excited FFA members and got to know some great state officer candidates even better. I left that night wishing that there was a way for all 20 to be elected. They were all so great!

The convention started Monday morning with a bang. From the retiring keynotes to the career development events, I really enjoyed the start of convention. Monday night was a wonderful hypnotist show that had the students rolling. Tuesday continued the convention with excited members and some fun memories.

I will never forget the memories I made in Tennessee, nor will I forget the retiring addresses that the team gave. The new state officer team is a great group that I know will do a great job for Tennessee FFA. Mr. Cole, Mr. Gass, Peyton, Doug, Caleb, Jeffrey, Colton, Kye, Kris, and Jesse- thanks for making this a convention that I will never forget!

-PDM