Dr. Travis Park fondly remembers greeting FFA members from across the nation as the 1992-93 National FFA president. During this year’s 96th National FFA Convention & Expo, he’s still interacting and engaging with members, but now as the National FFA advisor and board chair.
“I grew up on a small farm here in Indiana, just south of Indianapolis,” Dr. Park says. “My father was my high school agriculture teacher, so I didn’t really have a choice to be in FFA; it was just what I was going to do.”
In the 30 years since he was a national officer, Dr. Park says he’s seen FFA change and evolve. When asked about what makes national convention and this organization special, his answer is simple: The people.
“These are fine, bright and young leaders from all across the country,” he adds. “They look like our nation and are full of ideas and vibrance. That’s the magic of convention; it’s a homecoming and a time to welcome new members into the organization.”
Article edited by FFA New Horizons editor Lauren Quinlan.
