(Morrisville, NY – May 2015) More than 1,000 of the best high school students and future NYS agricultural leaders will converge on the Morrisville State College campus as it hosts this year’s State FFA (Future Farmers of American) Convention May 14 to 16.
Local chapters attending the event include, the Madison, Stockbridge Valley, DeRuyter, Cazenovia, Vernon-Verona-Sherrill and Hamilton.
The convention, which helps the next generation of agricultural leaders reach their goals, features a line-up of motivational and informational presentations, as well as competitions. Students will have the opportunity to explore a career show, attend leadership and career workshops and view an array of exhibits.
There will also be campus and industry tours and concerts including a performance by country artists, the Beadle Brothers.
Career development contests, planned throughout the day May 15, include: agricultural communications, veterinary science, agricultural issues, marketing plan, job interview, food science and more.
According to Charles Ax, host site coordinator and MSC collegiate FFA advisor, presenters from all over the country will be speaking throughout the event, which features high school students in grades 9 through 12.
Speakers include Ryan Porter, “Make Your Own Lunch,” Victoria Maloch, National FFA secretary from Arkansas and Tracee Schiebel, of Vernon, Miss Mohawk Valley 2015.
Additional guests include state FFA officers from nine other states including, Utah, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Oregon, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
Most attendees have earned their way competing at local, regional, and sub-state levels. The top students from the state convention will go on to represent New York and compete at the national competition.
In addition to students, nearly 400 volunteers will also be assisting in the convention, along with judges who include Morrisville faculty and staff, high school teachers from various FFA districts, and business and industry leaders and personnel.
For a list of competitions: visit http://www.nysffa.org/students/competitions-93814/careerdevelopmentevents/200-state-convention-cdes.