But amid all the goings-on, FFA members found one common goal at national convention—Learn, Lead, Succeed. In terms of leadership, FFA members showed why the National FFA Organization is the nation's premier youth leadership organization.
Stars Over America
U. Manuel Mendia Moret FFA Patillas, Puerto Rico
Patrick Jeremy Glaspie Springport FFA
Springport, Michigan
Stars in Agriscience
Carol Cook of Bennington, Okla., owns and operates Heulyn Pembrokes, a business that sells high-quality Welsh corgi puppies. Mike Schmidt of Fox Lake, Wis., owns and operates Manure LLC in partnership with his parents.
Agri-Entrepreneurship Awards
Kaylee Kramer of Sutton, Neb., owns and operates Kramer's Weed Wiping, a business that weeds with herbicide in soybeans and. Levi Long of Troy, Ohio owns and operates Long's Lawn Care, a business that provides full commercial and residential landscaping services.
Prepared Public Speaking CDE
A mix of nerves, intensity, enthusiasm and talent made up this year's Prepared Public Speaking Career Development Event (CDE). This year's finalists were: Kaitlin Spak of California, Aaron Preston of Michigan, Laila Hajji of Oklahoma and Emily Kuecker of South Dakota.
Aaron Preston
The contestants, who were often found outside the competition area finishing up their speech at the last minute, spoke on topics ranging from agricultural public policy to changes in the agriculture industry. The top four finalists made it through the first two rounds and competed in the final competition on Thursday morning.
Branch Area Career Center Michigan
I believe in the future of agriculture, with a faith born not from words, but from deeds...". The Faith Speaking CDE offers new members (grades 7-9) an opportunity to gain experience in public speaking as well as develop a rich understanding of its importance to FFA.
Creed Speaking CDE
Elizabeth Mulkey Hulkey Middle School
Extemporaneous Public Speaking CDE
Laura Hogan
Choudrant FFA Chapter Louisiana
During one of Thursday's sessions, Ruddle, a member of the Lowndes High FFA Chapter, was named the 2004 Agriscience Student of the Year. In 2004, the 2004 Agrisciences Student of the Year was Robert Bialozynski of the Pulaski FFA Chapter in Wisconsin.
Agriscience Student Recognition Program
Using technology and science, Ruddle conducted a plant study to determine if there was a difference in the photosynthesis rates of genetically altered plants and unaltered plants. Through his research, Ruddle concluded that genetically modified plants and non-modified plants have the same rate of photosynthesis.
National Winner
Georgia FFA member Paul Ruddle's hard work over the past four years studying plants and photosynthesis paid off at the national convention. Ruddle is an example of how FFA members develop real career skills through integrated agricultural education.
Runner-up
National Finalists
Participation in the Agricultural Science Fair gives FFA members the opportunity to be innovative while exploring new possibilities in agriculture. FFA members begin developing projects months before the national convention and advance through local and state fairs before reaching the national level.
Agriscience Teacher of the Year
This year's projects showcased the diverse work and research of FFA members in areas such as crop production, animal production, horticulture and biotechnology. Through question and answer time, students showed the judges what they learned through their projects.
Agriscience Fair
O. Sargent Awards
O. Sargent Member Winner
Non-Member
National Recipients
The 77th convention produced two college student firsts: a collegiate FFA dance and a collegiate career fair. This year, college students had the chance to show off their dance moves during Friday night's collegiate FFA dance held at Jillian's.
Collegiate FFA
Among the thousands of FFA members who attend the national convention each year, there are always students who travel to the convention to participate in events or represent their university's FFA chapter.
Collegiate Career Expo Exhibitors
Collegiate Workshop Sponsors
Career Development Events
Agricultural Communications
Agricultural Issues Forum
Agricultural Mechanics
Agricultural Sales
Agronomy
Creed Speaking
Dairy Cattle Evaluation
Dairy Foods
Environmental/Natural Resources
Extemporaneous Public Speaking
Farm Business Management
Floriculture
Food Science & Technology
Horse Evaluation
Job Interview
Livestock Evaluation
Marketing Plan
Meats Evaluation & Technology
Nursery/Landscape
Parliamentary Procedure
Poultry Evaluation
Prepared Public Speaking
National Officer Candidates
National FFA Band
National FFA Chorus
Robert Foy, Enterprise; Will Galloway, Enterprise; Magen Grøn, Enterprise; Katie Haynes, Enterprise; Andrew Locklear, Enterprise; Brandon Nelson, Enterprise; Allison Norris, Enterprise; Max Oden, Enterprise; Tyler Mills, Enterprise; Will Rainer, Enterprise; Vanessa Vega, Enterprise; Joseph Waters, Enterprise; Clay Wilkes, Enterprise; Katie Allen, Montevallo;. Indiana: Diana Coy, Franklin; Casey Zeller, Hamilton Southeastern; Rachel Zeller, Hamilton Southeastern; Jill Brinker, Hope.
National FFA Talent
Kentucky: Sarah Kuegel, Apollo: Susan Kuegel, Apollo Louisiana: Jennifer Honeycutt, Natchitoches Centraal Maryland: Rebecca Funk, Clear Spring. Nebraska: Lauren Perry, Kimball; Kyle Perry, Kimball New Jersey: Victoria Anema, Warren Hills New Mexico: Alexandra Brooks, Texico New York: Samantha Hanehan, Schuylerville North Carolina: Maegan Wolfe, Ayden-Grifton; Daphne Houchins, Christelijke Academie van het Faith Center van Gelovigen; klimop Gregg, Madison; Ashley Heath, Madison; Derrick Ledford, Madison; Jacob Pegg, Madison; Amanda Sams, Madison;.
Proficiency Awards
Ag Communications – Entrepreneurship/Place
Agricultural
Mechanics Design and Fabrication –
Entrepreneurship/Place ment
Agricultural Mechanics Energy
Mechanics Repair and Maintenance –
Agricultural Processing –
Agricultural Sales - Entrepreneurship
Agricultural Sales – Placement
Agricultural Services – Entrepreneurship/Place
Aquaculture – Entrepreneurship
Beef Production – Entrepreneurship
Beef Production – Placement
Dairy Production – Entrepreneurship
Dairy Production – Placement
Diversified Agricultural
Diversified Crop Production –
Diversified Horticulture –
Diversified Livestock Production –
Entrepreneurship
Placement
Emerging Agricultural Technology –
Environmental Science and Natural Resource
Equine Science – Entrepreneurship
Equine Science – Placement
Fiber and/or Oil Crop Production –
Floriculture –
Food Science and Technology –
Fruit Production – Entrepreneurship/Place
Grain Production - Entrepreneurship
Grain Production – Placement
Home and/or Community
Landscape Management -
Nursery Operations - Entrepreneurship/Place
Outdoor Recreation - Entrepreneurship/Place
Poultry Production - Entrepreneurship/Place
Sheep Production - Entrepreneurship/Place
Small Animal
Production and Care – Entrepreneurship
Production and Care – Placement
Specialty Animal Production
Specialty Crop Production -
Swine Production – Entrepreneurship
Swine Production – Placement
Turf Grass Management –
Vegetable Production - Entrepreneurship/Place
Wildlife Production and Management –
American FFA Degree
Coffman, Central FFA; Heather Coon, Junction City FFA; Dan Corn, Ontario FFA; Matt Deboodt, Crook County FFA; Thomas M. Cathleen Early Palmer, Knox County FFA; Alison Parkhurst, North Harrison FFA; Kristin Payne, Gilman City FFA;.
Retiring Address
In 1996 my family moved from the coast of the island to a small town in the mountains called Jayuya. And that's all I remember before waking up in the hospital two days later.
Javier Moreno – “Detours”
Growing up in the mountains of Puerto Rico, I was used to dealing with intense situations. As if that wasn't enough, my sister Gelmarie had an asthma attack in the middle of the storm.
National FFA President
My family quickly learned that whenever it rains in the mountains, all the roads are closed. We had only lived in Jayuya for a few years, so it was our first experience with a hurricane in the mountains.
Convention Speakers
Theisman
Linda Larsen
Greenberg
Dave Roever
They create this voice in our head that starts screaming that you have to be like the people in the commercials and if you're not, you're worthless. We can all feel equal because of our shared bond of FFA, but pretend you're back home after the convention.
Stacia Berry
These kinds of questions have plagued humanity for centuries whether you're a jock, a cowboy, a goth, a skater; whether you are outgoing, shy, popular or not. There are some things we can do to be able to look in the mirror and say: "You matter." We need to identify how self-doubt affects each of us.
You Matter”
Once we accept ourselves, we can develop the courage it takes to be a person of faith. We wear too much makeup, designer jeans, skimpy shirts, and expensive tennis shoes, or we're embarrassed because we can't afford those things.
National FFA Secretary
You may find it strange at first or be speechless. Remember that you are good enough, you are smart enough and remember that there are people like you.
Anne Knapke
She was a lot of fun when she wasn't defending herself, and she was vulnerable because she just wanted to be accepted for who she was. So listen up if you want to live a life that is truly valuable in our world.
All That We Let In”
I don't know if I really made an impact on Sarah's life by befriending her, but I do know that our friendship has made me a better person. There are so many stories like Sarah's that fill our lives – stories of those who are left out, those who struggle to find acceptance, who long to belong.
National FFA Eastern Region Vice-President
It's the people who have different faiths, dress differently, listen to different music, don't hang out in the same crowds as us, that we would rather not understand. One of my absolute favorite things in the world to do is look up at the night sky.
Amy Rasmussen
Our whole day was in our own little world, our imaginary classroom, playing the roles of teacher and student, and we didn't want to do anything else. We discovered at a young age those things that filled our days with life and gave us purpose in our walk.
A Little More Life”
You know, that old fashioned wooden desk with the lift top still sits in the attic. How to keep the energy of childhood, that passion to do something I loved, that "life" that I had found in our old attic as a little girl.
National FFA Central Region Vice-President
The coach specifically walked up to this young man, looked him in the eyes and said, “You're done for the day, kid. Many athletes in our country today would not go out to represent their country in the Olympic Games, and so did this young man.
Casey Hogan
The Real World”
National FFA Western
The most important question of all was: tell us one person you look up to. This is due to the power of the FFA; we have great agriculture teachers, fellow FFA members and adult mentors to look up to.
Christy Windham
But it is our attitudes towards change that determine how we deal with it. Who knew that your sister could also be your aunt and you have to be careful because it is possible that your boyfriend could be your brother.
Spare Change”
Sure it might be a little more to keep up, but what would be so bad about keeping up with the money. By the end of the summer, my mind was tired of trying to keep up with the story line.
National FFA Southern
It's time to change our thinking and stop thinking that the small decisions in our lives are superfluous, that they don't add up. It's hard for any of us to put into words, but I know how it feels.
Three Star
National Chapter Awards
Models of
Innovation winners
Two Star
One Star
Membership Recognition
100 Percent Membership
Membership Growth
He is a lifetime member of the National FFA Alumni and has served as president of the Rhode Island Agricultural Council. BILLY VESTAL, executive director of the Tennessee FFA Foundation, was an agricultural education instructor for more than 22 years.
VIP Citations
RONALD PETERSON, Chair of the Department of Agricultural Food and Environmental Education at the University of Minnesota, has devoted his life to agricultural education and FFA. JIM RILEY, agricultural education instructor and coordinator of the Farm Business Management Analysis program at the University of Missouri-Columbia, has served agricultural education for more than forty-six years.
Honorary American FFA Degree
Star in Agribusiness
Star in Agricultural Placement
Star in Agriscience
Star Farmer
Agriculture Teacher
Parents of Star Finalists
National
Officer Parents
Retiring National FFA Board of Directors, Trustees and
FFA members can continue their involvement in the amazing organization long after the jacket is stored on.
National FFA Alumni Convention
The National FFA Alumni Association held its 32nd convention in conjunction with the 77th National FFA Convention. This year, Chevrolet donated a Bay Liner boat to the Alumni to give away in a raffle.
Foundation Sponsors
Distinguished Service Citations
15-25-35-50-60 Year Sponsors
Sponsors’ Board
Executive Council
FFA National Agricultural Career Show ®
Hall of States
Iowa State University College of Agriculture Iowa Western Livestock Judging Contest Irrigation Association Education Foundation. Northwest Missouri State University Ohio Curriculummateriaal Service Ohio State Agricultural Technical Institute Oklahoma Curriculum en instructiemateriaal.
Courtesy Corps
A team of 475 FFA delegate leaders arrived in Louisville earlier in the week to practice one of our country's founding principles - democracy. The success of the committee does not lie in the decision they make," said Jim Scott, the delegation's section advisor.
Official Delegates
Issues faced by this year's delegate committees included establishing a bicameral delegate assembly, clarifying FFA membership requirements, improving formal attire at the national convention, changing the role of the opening session reporter. The delegation's recommendations were then forwarded to the FFA National Board of Directors, who review them each January.
Summary of 77th National FFA Convention Delegate Session
Committee Reports
Issue Committee: #1 Creation of Bi-Cameral Delegate Assembly
Issue Committee: #2 Clarification on FFA Membership Requirements
Issue Committee: #3 Improvement of Official Dress at National Convention
Issue Committee: #4- Change of the Reporter's Part in Opening Ceremonies
Issue Committee: #5 National Service Project
Whereas, the Committee believes that there are several strategic and programmatic areas in which the National FFA can increase the recruitment and retention of non-traditional students and that the identification of non-traditional students should be an ongoing focus of the National FFA. The committee nominates the following slate of candidates for delegates to the 77th National FFA Convention to serve as national officers for 2004-2005.
Nominating Committee
Sometimes God, it seems to be too much: too much violence, pain, fear; a lot of staying alone; many requests and problems; many broken dreams and broken lives; lots of war and slums and death;. I believe we can be the answer to the "too little" of our world, but if we are, then it will be up to us, right here, right now, with a commitment in our hearts from you and me.
Convention Candids
We need real people who can stand tall so that others have someone to look up to as a hero; people who don't walk past the kid in the hallway who needs a friend or a place to belong; people who look for others to learn from and aren't afraid to follow suit a few times. PHOTO BY WALES HUNTER PHOTO BY WALES HUNTER PHOTO BY WALES HUNTER PHOTO BY JASON DEMOEPHOTO BY ED ZURGA.
2004-2005 National FFA Officer Team
The FFA Mission: FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for outstanding leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA organization affirms its belief in the value of all people and strives for diversity in its membership, leadership and staff as an equal opportunity employer.
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