Published: November 24, 2008 04:29 pm      

Calvin FFA members serve as delegates national convention

CALVIN — Anticipation was high for the opening session of the 81st National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., with an estimated 36,000 FFA members and guests in attendance.

Attending from Calvin were Lacie Holman, Jessy Beasley, Ashlan Wilson, Bradley Battershell, Courtney Nolen, Erin Jones, Colby Impson, Jake Jones and Emily Abney. Rhonda Abney, Vickie Jones, Gena Beasley, Geraldine Holman, Mark Battershell and Les Brooks, advisor, served as sponsors.

Making the opening session even more memorable was the return of the laser show, which FFA members all across the nation had lobbied for over the past year. The opening session also marked the unveiling of the 2008 National FFA Convention theme song, an ’80s-style rock tune promoting the convention theme, Step Up, Stand Out.

The National FFA officers cited the theme song and invited FFA members to step up by leading the way, lending a hand and showing their pride, and to stand out by living their values and making a difference.

While attending the convention the members of Calvin FFA were asked to be delegates for the second session of the convention. Keynote speaker Dana Hee inspired FFA members to face their fears and focus on achieving personal success.

Hee is well known for winning an Olympic gold medal in tae kwon do in 1988 and working as a Hollywood stuntwoman in films such as “Charlie’s Angels,” “independence Day” and “Batman.”

The National FFA organization, formerly known as Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 507,763 student members — all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture — as part of 7,439 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.