Brokaw FFA Members Attend 90th National FFA Convention
Seven Brokaw FFA members of Clarinda along with advisor Andy Johnson attended the 2017 National FFA Convention held in Indianapolis, Indiana, on October 25-28. 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 Laila Ali, whose message focused on persevering and never giving up on your dreams. Members also attended a career show that included hundreds of agricultural businesses and colleges, along with two leadership workshops titled, “Apples and Oranges” and “Let’s Parli!” 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 Rascal Flatts 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 ten years.
As the 2017 Iowa state winner in the Environmental Science & Natural Resource Management proficiency award area, Jon McNees’ proficiency application was judged at the national level. McNees was named as one of four national finalists in the Environmental & Natural Resource area. McNees received a plaque and a check for $500 sponsored by CHS. This marks the seventh time in the last seven years that a proficiency application has been judged at the national level from a member of the Brokaw Chapter.
Caption for pictures:
Brokaw FFA member Jon McNees accepts a plaque as a national finalist in the Environmental Science & Natural Resources Management proficiency award area.
Brokaw FFA members attending the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, were: (left to right) Bradlie Wilmes, Jon McNees, Ethan Herzberg, Cooper Williams, Lane Mellencamp, Dagen Price, and Jordan VanGundy.