Early November 1st eight FFA S-RC FFA members boarded a charter bus and headed to Indianapolis, Indiana to attend the 96th National FFA Convention. After 10 hours on the bus and a few stops in between we made it to our hotel and enjoyed a meal together as a chapter.
On Thursday morning we were up before the crack of dawn to attend the Opening Session where we heard the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack talk about the future of agriculture and the pride that he has in our organization. We then heard from the Keynote Speaker for the National Convention, Juan Bendaña who taught us to face our fears, get out of our comfort zone, and "Be Like Pepe" the horse.
After the opening session members we able to attend the rest of the FFA Expo and Convention. Members mingled and spoke to representatives from many different agricultural careers and companies while exploring the Expo and may have gotten a little shopping in as well.
Thursday also brought a trip to test our "Need for Speed" at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. We were able to take a tour of the track and "Kiss the Bricks", and then explore the Indy Motor Speedway Museum. Members got to drive in a race simulator where we truly learned who the good drivers were. Thursday evening brought a dance with other members from the state of Nebraska and met new friends.
Friday morning we headed south to Louisville, Kentucky. We got to tour and learn about the Louisville Slugger Factory where they make all of the wooden bats for major league baseball players in the same factory we toured. A few members even took a swing in the batting cages. We then went to Churchhill Downs and learned about the history of horse racing and the racing tracks while on our tour. Members got to explore the Kentucky Derby Museum and then actually got to watch a few heats of horses race on the tracks.
Saturday brought another early morning and repacking the bus to return home. We attended the American Degree Ceremony, this is the highest degree attainable for FFA members and should be sought after by all FFA members. Once all the Nebraska members received their degrees we loaded the bus to head home.
This year there were 69,596 members and guests in attendance at the National FFA Convention and Expo. Our members had many great learning opportunities, and experiences, and met many new people from all over the United States.