EDITOR’S NOTE: This story was authored by Ashland FFA reporter Hannah McNaull.
ASHLAND — On April 30, 19 students from the Ashland FFA Chapter traveled to Columbus, Ohio to start their trip to the 97th Ohio FFA State Convention.
On Wednesday, members enjoyed watching a Clippers game at Huntington Park. It was an evening of fun to prepare for the first session of the Convention the next morning.
The chapter arrived early to the fairgrounds Friday morning for Haley McNaull to set up her display board as a proficiency finalist. Also, Haley and Nick Cartwright attended the State Officer Candidate Breakfast.
During that time the chapter was able to explore the career show in the Bricker Building and participate in a workshop of their choice.
The chapter then traveled to the Celeste Center to participate in the opening session. In pre-session the chapter received a shout-out from State President Anna Moeller.
Keynote speaker Nicki Joiner informed the students that more isn’t always better and encouraged them to persevere past the no’s in life.
Later that day the chapter toured Anthony Thomas Candy Co. and learned all about the science, safety and production of chocolate making.
That evening they attended the Third General session and watched Haley McNaull receive 4th in the state with her Specialty Crop Production SAE.
Congratulations to Haley!
Bright and early the next morning, the chapter returned to convention to sit in on the third session. Once there they watched Sydney Spellmen be recognized for her Gold-Rated Reporters book and Haley McNaull be recognized for her first place in the Floriculture CDE.
The chapter traveled to Ohio State’s campus to learn about their veterinary, horticulture and soils programs.
The session’s highlights included a calf-pulling demonstration, tours of the greenhouse and a soil composition experiment.
Following the tours, the chapter briefly stopped at The Horseshoe to take photographs in the rotunda.
That evening at the final session State FFA President Anna Moeller gave her retiring address reminding the audience to always watch for clover moments. Seven members from the chapter received their State Degree and walked across the stage to shake Anna’s hand.
Congratulations to Addilyn Bryant, Camryn Cox, Nick Cartwright, Ryan Eberling, Haley McNaull, Sage Runion and Cooper Smith!
The Ashland FFA is grateful for its amazing bus driver Mrs. Laura Johnson and their teacher Mr. Tod Fox for taking them to this special opportunity.
Also, special thanks to parent chaperons: Ms. Holly Smith, Mrs. Megan Holland, Mrs. Amanda Spellman and Mrs. Julie McNaull.
