JVS students attend National FFA Convention

One moment, one encounter, one opportunity is all it takes to change the course of our lives.

This was the statement from the National FFA Organization when explaining its “Just One” theme for the 91st annual FFA National Convention and Expo, held in Indianapolis, in October.

This message hit home with JVS FFA members, those students from the Landscape and Greenhouse Management and Industrial Equipment Mechanics programs, as they participated in community service events, attended general sessions, educational tours, and leadership workshops.

“We are all different, but we all came together for one common goal,” said Bailey Zorn, Landscape and Greenhouse Management senior from Keystone. Comments like this is exactly what Beth Berthold, Landscape and Greenhouse Management Instructor and FFA Advisor, hopes for when she plans this trip every year.

“I want the students to understand what it means to come together and to gain a genuine love of giving back to the community. Whether they are donating their time or abilities, I think it is important for them to help when and where they can,” Berthold said.

Giving back is a large part of the convention and all FFA members participate in the National Day of Service, where students spend a day at a local nonprofit organization and give back.

JVS FFA Chapter members spent their day of service at Gleaners Food Bank where they worked together to inspect, sort and pack food and grocery items to help feed the local Indianapolis community.

“It was great to give back to the community that hosts us for the National Convention,” said William Keller, Landscape and Greenhouse Management senior from Midview.

Another highlight of the trip was a concert put on by Garth Brooks, the reigning Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year. Students and adults alike were amazed by this “Just One” show that you could not miss.

With more than 67,000 attendees, the National FFA Convention remains one of the world’s largest student events. The Expo covers more than 253,000 square-feet and allows the 400+ exhibiting companies to network and build agriculture awareness for the next generation of leaders, employees, customers and advocates.

SUBMITTED JVS FFA Chapter members participate in the National Day of Service at Gleaners Food Bank.