After hosting the New York FFA State Convention virtually for two years, more than 2,000 students, teachers, and guests gathered in person to celebrate and recognize members for all their accomplishments on May 12-14 in Syracuse.
New York FFA currently supports over 9,000 middle and high school students in programs of varying size from the heart of New York City to the shores of Lake Erie. Agricultural education programs across the state offer relevance of core academic concepts as they are applied to the food and fiber systems and prepare students for career success, in and out of agriculture. One of the hallmark events for NYS FFA each year is the annual New York State FFA Convention where students, teachers, and guests gather to celebrate their accomplishments from the year. The State Convention has been a culminating activity for many members over the years, allowing them to compete in career and leadership development events, network with agricultural colleges and industry reps, and be inspired by keynote speakers and the State Officers’ retiring addresses.
This year FFA was excited to offer in-person opportunities for students, teachers, and supporters. Individuals from all over New York State gathered for this annual event to hear inspiring speeches from peers and agricultural professionals, expand their knowledge during workshops and tours by exploring different fields of the agricultural industry, and networked with agricultural business professionals and colleges during the Career Engagement Expo.
“This was the first in-person convention for all 23 members from our chapter,” said Schoharie Valley FFA Chapter Advisor Taylor Bogardus. “They weren’t sure what to expect, but they took advantage of every opportunity presented to them, from diving into workshops to gain new skills, to competing for the first time in a Career Development Event, attending tours and participating in Day of Service community events.”
“It was a really good time to get out and meet new people from other chapters after not being able to travel or compete in person for over two years,” said Schoharie Valley FFA Chapter President Tyler Lloyd. “I am proud of all of our members that competed and walked the stage for awards. The chapter becomes like a family for our members and events like state convention is something they’ll look forward to for years to come.”
In addition to participating in tours, workshops, service projects, and sessions, students were recognized for their accomplishments during one of six general sessions. The following members of the Schoharie Valley FFA chapter were recognized:
- Chloe Armstrong was a semi-finalist in the top 8 for Discussion Meet
- Ana Laura Reales Monge placed 2nd in the state for Senior Creed Speaking
- The Food Science & Technology Team of Adora Hardendorf, Yazmin Goodrich, David St. George & Molly Repicky placed 2nd overall, with Molly Repicky taking home 1st place individual and David St. George placing 10th individual. The team has qualified to move on to Eastern States Exposition this fall to compete again.
- Savannah Traverse, Tyler Lloyd, Dalton Oliver & James Liddle Jr. each received a $500 grant towards their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE). An SAE requires FFA members to create and operate an agriculture-related business, work at an agriculture-related business, or conduct an agricultural research experience. Upon completion, FFA members must submit a comprehensive report regarding their career development experience.
- Blake Smart, Kimberly Olsen, Tyler Lloyd & Remington Lawyer were recognized for earning their Empire Degree, the highest honor an FFA member can receive at the state level. To receive this honor, FFA participants must meet several requirements including longevity within the organization, 360 hours of agricultural education above the ninth grade level, 25 hours of community service, serve as an FFA officer or participate in chapter committees, deliver a speech on an agricultural topic, and be in excellent academic standing.
- Additional students that competed with honorable mention include the Agricultural Mechanics & Technology team of Blake Smart, Tyler Lloyd, Zachary Perrott & Logan Schoeffler; the Maple Production team of Noah Dutcher, Thomas Laux & Chloe Armstrong; Junior Tool Identification competitors Dalton Oliver, Reed VanValkenburg, Logan Shrader, Mollie Goblet & Peyton Hahn and the Floriculture team of Jillian Rehberg, Sierra Carr, Lorelei Frederick & Savannah Traverse. Congratulations to all competitors on preparing for and competing at the state level.
New York FFA is grateful for all of the supporters, students, and teachers who have helped make this year’s State Convention a success and who have continued to display excellence and leadership skills they have developed throughout their time in FFA. The 2023 New York State FFA Convention will take place in Buffalo, New York from May 18-20.
FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career successful through agriculture education. For more information regarding FFA, please visit either www.nysffa.org or www.ffa.org.