Clarinda CSD Logo

Ten Brokaw FFA members of Clarinda along with advisor Andy Johnson and chaperone Nikki Williams attended the 2016 National FFA Convention held in Indianapolis, Indiana, on October 18-22.  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 speakers Diana Nyad and Jason Brown, whose messages focused on having a purpose and transforming purpose to action. Members also attended a career show that included hundreds of agricultural businesses and universities, along with a leadership workshop titled, “Make Me a Superhero.” Members took a tour of Indianapolis Motor Speedway and visited the Indy Motor Speedway Museum. Members also toured the swine facility at Fair Oaks Farm in Fair Oaks, Indiana, as well. Members attended the Cole Swindell and Chris Young concert, attended a hypnotist show, attended the World’s Toughest Rodeo, went go carting, 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 7,859 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 nine years.

As the 2016 Iowa state winner in the Ag Sales Placement proficiency award area, Cori Bebout’s proficiency was judged and recognized at the national level. This marks the sixth time in the last six years that a proficiency has been judged at the national level from a member of the Brokaw Chapter.

As the 2016 Iowa state winner in the Parliamentary Procedure contest, the Brokaw FFA Parliamentary Procedure team competed in the national contest during the convention. The competition consisted of an exam, a parliamentary demonstration, oral questions, written minutes, and a team problem solving activity. Teams from forty-three states competed in this year’s competition. The Brokaw team, consisting of Sadie Graham, Hunter Crawford, Austin Gutknecht, Paige Sunderman, Abbie Guthrie, and Joslynn Williams received a Bronze rating.