Brokaw FFA Members Attend 91 - National FFA Convention
Eight Brokaw FFA members of Clarinda along with advisor Andy Johnson attended the 2018 National FFA Convention held in Indianapolis, Indiana, on October 24-27. Members were involved in numerous activities throughout the convention that helped develop leadership and teamwork skills.
During the convention, chapter members attended sessions in which nationally renowned motivational speakers gave inspiring messages, including keynote speaker Kyle Scheele, whose message focused on building a better world, and “Evolution of Dance” creator Judson Laipply, whose message focused on always adapting to change around us. Members also attended a career show that included hundreds of agricultural businesses and colleges, along with two leadership workshops titled, “Fearless Leadership” and “Digging Into Diversity.” Members took a tour of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and visited the Indy Motor Speedway Museum. Members also toured the dairy facility at Fair Oaks Farm in Fair Oaks, Indiana, as well. Members attended the Garth Brooks concert, attended a hypnotist show, and visited other popular sites in Indianapolis.
The Brokaw Chapter also was selected as a two-star winner in the National Chapter Award Program. There are a total of 8,568 chapters nationwide. The top ten percent of chapters from each state compete nationwide for a one-, two-, or three-star recognition in this award program, and recognizes chapters for developing and conducting a detailed Program of Activities. Each activity provides opportunities for members to excel in one of three areas: student, chapter, or community development. The Brokaw Chapter has been awarded either a two-star or three-star rating the last eleven years.
As the 2018 Iowa state winner in the Extemporaneous Speaking Leadership Development Event, former Brokaw FFA member and 2018 Clarinda High School graduate Austin Gutknecht was the Iowa representative at the national level in this contest area. Gutknecht competed against forty-six other participants from across the United States. Gutknecht received a Bronze rating.
Former Brokaw FFA member and 2018 Clarinda High School graduate Hunter Crawford had his proficiency application judged at the national level after winning the Wildlife Production & Management proficiency area at last April’s Iowa State FFA Leadership Conference. Crawford’s proficiency received a Silver rating. This marks the eighth time in the last eight years that a proficiency application has been judged at the national level from a member of the Brokaw Chapter.
Caption for picture: Brokaw FFA members attending the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis were, left to right: Austin Gutknecht, Blaine Coston, Tanley Bebout, Lanie Garrett, Shayla Harris, Kristen Smith, Madelyn Pulliam, and Carter Larson.