Sixteen members of the Mount Vernon FFA Chapter embarked on an inspiring journey to Indianapolis, Indiana, on Thursday, October 24, to attend the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo, an event celebrating agricultural education and leadership. Departing from Mount Vernon High School early Thursday morning, the group began their trip with a stop at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. There, they delved into exhibits on American aviation history and innovation. Later, they tackled an escape room challenge and enjoyed bowling, building camaraderie and strengthening team bonds.
The highlight of the trip began Friday, October 25, when the students arrived at the Indianapolis Convention Center, joining approximately 80,000 FFA members, advisors, and industry leaders from across the United States and its territories. This gathering provided a vibrant platform for exploring agricultural achievements, career paths, and educational opportunities. With over 300 exhibitors at the expo, Mount Vernon FFA members engaged with representatives from leading agricultural companies, participated in hands-on demonstrations, and connected with college recruiters from various institutions. These experiences offered students valuable insights into diverse agricultural fields, introducing them to the latest advancements and career possibilities in the industry.
The National FFA Convention & Expo stands as a cornerstone event for agricultural education, enabling students to showcase accomplishments, expand their perspectives, and network with peers from across the nation. This year’s convention reinforced FFA’s mission of fostering leadership, promoting personal growth, and advancing career success for the next generation of agricultural professionals.
Back Row Students: Jaxon Plumly, Anderson Seng, Wyatt Croghan, Bryce Hollenback, Bryson Shellenbarger, Ryan Fletcher, Colton Stagg, Madison Seng, Jadyn Row
Front Row Students: Anderson Seng, Logan Daubenmier, Brooklyn Dovenbarger, Nate Fletcher, Ansley Daubenmier, Kameron Poole, Zeva Sheets, Emma Croghan, and Natalie Dudgeon