The Adventures of Alex: Idaho State Convention

The 2010 Idaho State FFA Convention – six officers, 1,300 students, three days, hundreds of awards and millions of memories! My time spent in the land of potatoes added up to ONE AMAZING TIME!!


I had the chance to fly into Twin Falls, Idaho (in a plane that looked more like a crop duster than a commercial jet) a day early to hang out with six of the coolest FFA members I know – Seth, Casey, Erica, Kiana, Ruby and Jared. We went on some business and industry visits, set up the convention hall and ran through some of the convention sessions just to iron out the last minute details.

On Thursday, everyone arrived on the campus of The College of Southern Idaho (CSI – minus the Hollywood scientists and dead bodies) and the fun began! Students competed in numerous CDEs, rocked out at the dance and watched their State Officers put on a great convention complete with student recognition, inspiring retiring addresses and plenty of entertainment. Take a look for yourself!



The State Sentinel, Jared used his experience in athletics to compel students to learn from their failure and be unafraid to change. State Reporter, Ruby reminded us that we are always wearing a brand, in and out of official dress. State Treasurer, Kiana helped us realize that we each are in charge of our own future and shouldn’t let others make our life decisions for us. State Secretary, Erica used her story of high school involvement to drive home that we are free to fail – as many times as we want to. State Vice President, Casey encouraged us to be the Mentos in a bottle of Diet Coke and to start something explosive. And State President, Seth urged us to stop defining ourselves and dared us to move.

Overall, I learned so much from all the people I met! From the State Officers to Sammie, Erica and Jenny from Melba to Toby and Brandon to visiting State Officers Nick and Tyson, FFA members exceeded my high expectations and made my first trip to Idaho unforgettable! Congratulations to the 2009-2010 officers on a PHENOMENAL convention.

To the 2010-2011 Idaho State FFA Officers – Travis, Amanda, Rachael, Sidnee, Stacie and Joe – I am really looking forward to watching you grow and serve this year!