Brokaw FFA Members Attend 87th National FFA Convention
Launch the media gallery 1 playerSeven Brokaw FFA members of Clarinda along with advisor Andy Johnson attended the 2014 National FFA Convention held in Louisville, Kentucky, on October 29-November 1. 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 Nick Vujicic, a quadriplegic whose message was to chase your dreams no matter what obstacles lie in your way. Members also attended a career show that included hundreds of agricultural businesses and universities, along with a leadership workshop titled, “Celebrate Diversity: Discover What We All Have to Offer.” Members also took a backside tour of Churchill Downs and visited the Kentucky Derby Museum. Members also toured Marengo Cave and the Louisville Slugger Museum. Members attended the Justin Moore concert, attended a hypnotist show, went go-carting, and visited other popular sites in Louisville.
Brokaw FFA member Dalton Crabs, a 2013 Clarinda High School graduate, received the American FFA Degree during the convention as well. The American Degree is the highest awarded degree offered at the national level. Less than one percent of the total FFA membership in the country receive this prestigious award.
The Brokaw Chapter also was selected from a pool of more than 660 candidates nationwide as a two-star winner in the National Chapter Award Program. The chapter was recognized during the convention at a special session for national chapter award winners. This award program 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. Every year, chapters are recognized as having earned a one-, two-, or three-star rating on their application. The three-star rating is the highest level of accomplishment a chapter may receive. The Brokaw Chapter has been awarded either a two-star or three-star rating the last seven years.
Members from the Brokaw Chapter that attended were Madalynne Gray, Annie Wallin, Skie Campbell, Noah Carlson, Tyler Luckado, Chandler Strough, and Jon McNees.