Over the course of the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo, FFA provides a variety of events for members to take part in to have the most memorable and impactful week possible, and to reach their goals. I caught up with few members to hear how what they’re looking forward to.
Time for Talent
The National FFA Talent competition gives members the opportunity to showcase their musical abilities. Acts are judged on showmanship, creativity, sound quality, clarity and stage presence. The participants go through three rounds of competition. The winner receives a cash prize and is acknowledged at the national convention.
Alaska FFA member Brayden Abeyta is excited to participate. “I auditioned for the National Talent (competition), and I’m super excited for the opportunity to be performing in front of people,” Abeyta says. “It’s like a dream come true.”
Montana FFA member Goddy Bandola will have the opportunity to share his talent several times across the convention. “I’m going to be performing about 10 different songs at different locations all around the convention,” he says.
The competition welcomes more than solo acts.
“We have a string band, so we’ll be competing in the string band contest,” says Alabama FFA member Conner Mcmeans.
Region Reports
As a committee leader delegate from Connecticut, Chris Sarnik says he is working with the team that reevaluates the purpose of FFA regions.
Delegates are FFA members around the United States who have the desire to further enhance the organization. The committee leader delegates’ role is to have conversations about decisions that benefit the program and to communicate those decisions to the National FFA Board of Directors. Delegates represent the interests of the FFA members in their state.
“I’m really excited to be able to work with that and be able to hopefully make a change within our organization,” Sarnik says.
In the Expo
Texas FFA member Hadley Bridges says she is most looking forward to scoping out the Expo this week.
“There are a bunch of boutique shops and there are a lot of opportunities to talk to potential colleges, businesses and get some exposure to information on what you could possibly do in FFA,” Bridges says.
