April competition brings May excellence
Just a couple of weeks ago, the Newcastle FFA chapter traveled to Cheyenne to compete in various agriculture-related topics at the Wyoming State FFA Convention.
Nineteen members spent weeks making up for lost time by attending practice, which were held all week — every week — leading up to the convention. Practices for all career development days included many written practice tests, the study of terms, the creation of materials, and doing everything possible to place at state.
The FFA members packed their things, hung their official dress, and prepared themselves for an adventurous four days. For some members, the state competition had already occurred, and for others the competition took place at the convention. With each night of convention came a closing ceremony, which meant awards. Members waited patiently in their seats, eager to find out how they competed.
Morgan Loepp spoke about her experience of state convention as a first-time advisor.
“This was my first state convention as an adviser. I am extremely proud of all the members of Saddle and Sirloin, regardless of if they traveled to state convention. While challenging and at times stressful, I am thrilled to see new and old members trying new CDEs and LDEs (leadership development events). Not only getting the experience of each contest but being successful in them,” Loepp said. “We were set at a disadvantage because we had two less months than everyone in the state to prepare and begin practicing. Despite that, we left state convention feeling prepared, excited for the future and ecstatic about this year’s outcome. If anything, I hope that I can instill a passion for the agriculture industry, the FFA organization and the competitive spirit to excel in everything they do. Hard work, kindness and determination will take you anywhere. I just hope I get to be there to watch each of these members chase whatever it is they want out of life. In summary, I hope to produce members with the mentality to be a honey badger.”
The FFA year’s end banquet took place on May 21.