Wisconsin Ag Connection - Wisconsin FFA Ready for National Convention in Indy

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Wisconsin FFA Ready for National Convention in Indy
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 10/10/2012

Members of the Wisconsin FFA Association will carry on their tradition of excellence later this month as delegates, officers and award winners head to Indianapolis for the 85th National FFA Convention. The National FFA Organization says they are expecting over 55,000 to attend the event, as students representing the blue-and-gold will spend the week learning about agriculture, meeting new friends and getting motivated by inspirational speakers.

Some of the highlights during this year's convention will be a concert by The Band Perry with special guest Brantley Gilbert. The World's Toughest Rodeo returns to the convention for another show-stopping performance, as world-renowned bareback, saddle bronc, and bull riding performances by top rodeo entertainers will be back for another year. And the popular career and trade show will be open throughout the week.

Student will be motivated and inspired by the retiring addresses of this year's national FFA officers, including Walworth native Alicia Hodnik, who is serving as the National FFA Central Region Vice President.

Meanwhile, Wisconsin's delegation will be especially busy this year. Jacob Paul of the Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA is a finalist for the title of American Star in Agribusiness.

Fourteen members will be competing as national finalists for Proficiency Awards, with 23 others receiving gold rated proficiencies and seven earning silver. Another 177 students from the Badger State will be receiving their American FFA Degrees.

Many local chapters will also be recognized during the conference. The Loyal FFA has been named a finalist for the National Chapter Award Model of Innovation, with Stanley Boyd also a finalist in the area of Community. Another 25 programs will be honored as National Chapter Award Program Stars.

And the organization will be bestowing its Honorary American FFA Degree on nearly 200 teachers, supporters and alumni during a ceremony. Three of those recipients are from Wisconsin, including Black Hawk FFA Advisor Lori Bergert, South Wayne; Wisconsin Farm Bureau President Bill Bruins, Waupan; and Wisconsin Farm Center Specialist Frank Friar, Baraboo.

The National FFA Convention runs from October 24-27 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

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