Let’s Grow was the theme of the 85^th National Convention and Expo, which 8 Hoven FFA members attended October 24^th-27. We left Hoven on the morning of October 24^th and flew out of Sioux Falls. We landed in Indianapolis shortly after noon. . The first session included the introduction of the national officers, a laser light show, and motivational speaker Scott Hamilton. He said that even though things may come in the way of your dreams, never give up on them. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer and brain cancer twice. “I really enjoyed the keynote speaker and the amazing laser light show,” says sophomore Shaye Jungwirth. While at convention we watched teams compete in the areas of Extemporaneous Public Speaking, Agricultural Issues, Marketing Plan, and Agricultural Communications. We were also able to go through the Career Show and visit the booths of more than 2,400 companies, organizations, and schools. A highlight of the trip was attended the Convention Sessions and watching the National FFA Talent Revue along with the National FFA Band and Chorus. Thursday evening the keynote speaker was Dr. Lowell Catlett. In his message he shared that he believes that the youth of America has the power to feed the world in the future. He also made the point that to be successful we need to have a tight bond with people, plants, and animals and that we all need to and can work together. While at Convention, we helped with the Rally to Fight Hunger. We packaged meals to be distributed by the organization Kids Against Hunger. The meal we packaged at convention will be distributed to those in need in Haiti as well as those in need in the Indianapolis area. We packed 1,005,048 meals in 20 hours. “Packing the meals was actually kind of fun, and knowing that the meals were going to help unprivileged kids made me feel even better about doing it,” said Autumn Simon. Friday night we attended the World’s Toughest Rodeo. This rodeo consisted of bull riding, bare back riding, and saddle bronco riding. “The rodeo was very entertaining, intense, and I loved it! I had so much a fun with everyone there. My favorite part was the bull riding,” says sophomore Tara Heuer. On Saturday, October 27^th, the final day of convention, we watched Megan DeRouchey receive her American Degree in Lucas Oil Stadium. The American Degree is the highest degree you can receive in FFA. We then went to the final session and watched the installation of the new national officers. Soon after we were packed up and were ready to come home after a long, educational, and fun filled week.

By: Abby Simon