JEROMESVILLE — The Hillsdale FFA attended the 98th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, from Oct. 29 to Nov. 1.
This year, there were 29 members from the chapter participating in this annual trip.
On the first day, the chapter departed the high school at 8 a.m. and drove for two hours
to the first tour, Lakeview Farms, in Delphos, Ohio.
John Koplichack gave the club a brief history of the company and a tour of the processing plant. Lakeview Farms produces rice pudding, yogurts, dips (guacamole, hummus, etc.), and many refrigerated items.
After the tour, members enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Rustic Cafe. Later, FFA members visited DeBrand Fine Chocolates for another tour and learned about different types of chocolates and truffles.
In each room there was a different kind of machine to regulate the temperature of the chocolate and shape it for texture and consistency.\
For dinner, the club enjoyed a meal at Culver’s.
Afterwards, the chapter members went to Slick City, an action park, filled with trampoline basketball and many types of slides.
On Day Two, the chapter attended the 8 a.m. Opening of National FFA Convention Session to hear the keynote speaker, A’ric Jackson. That address focused on authenticity,
resilience, and individuality.
Jackson’s message encouraged attendees to “destroy the box” of self-limiting beliefs, stay true to themselves, and give their best effort in life.
After the presentation, students explored agribusiness and college opportunities at the National FFA Career Show and Expo. Members ended the night with the Buckeye Bash, a gathering that the entire state of Ohio FFA organizes at a local Indiana farm to play games, dance, eat, and network with others.
On Day Three, the chapter attended the third session to listen to the keynote speaker, National FFA Secretary Luke Jennings. He delivered his retiring address, titled “What the World Needs,” focusing on the powerful message: “Need a light. Be a light. See a light.”
He encouraged everyone to be a light in the lives of others, rising above the darkness that can sometimes surround us.
After the speaker, members explored the National FFA Expo again. Following lunch, was a tour to Lincoln Tech to see what opportunities they offer after high school. Lincoln Tech is a trade school that offers programs in diesel automotive, automotive, and medical.
Afterwards, there was a final tour of DSM Precision Manufacturing. The company is located in Brownsburg, Indiana, and works on high-profile projects such as components for jet engines, radar systems, missiles, the B-21 Bomber, and high-performance race engines.
3 members honored
On Day Four, the group headed for the Lucas Oil Stadium to attend the American Degree Ceremony.
This year, Hillsdale had three recipients tearn the American Degree: Seth Crytzer, Owen Hoffman, and Braydon Rakovec.
To qualify for the American Degree you need you must have received your State FFA Degree, been an active member for at least 36 months, and meet requirements for an outstanding supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program, academic achievement (a “C” average or better), and outstanding leadership and community involvement.
You must also have graduated from high school at least 12 months before the national convention and have completed at least 50 hours of community service in a minimum of three different activities.
Congratulations to our American Degree Recipients. The FFA members would thank the FFA Alumni for their continued support of our National FFA Convention trip.