INDIANAPOLIS – The 93rd Indiana State FFA Convention was June 14-16 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis.
The Warsaw FFA Chapter had members compete in a variety of numerous contests and were recognized for their outstanding performance in different competitions. In total, there were over 2,500 members, guests and advisors in attendance from across the state of Indiana, according to a news release from Warsaw Community Schools.
On June 14, the members of the Warsaw FFA Chapter competed in a variety of Leadership Development Events (LDEs) to showcase their work. The Warsaw FFA Chapter was successful in competing at state this year and ranked top 12 in the state for Traditional Scrapbook, the release states. The Warsaw FFA Chapter was rated as a Superior Chapter in the state of Indiana and was recognized as a Silver Emblem Donor to the Indiana FFA Foundation.
The placings for the state proficiency finalists were announced on June 15. The Warsaw FFA Chapter was recognized for their members who worked for their successes in their proficiency areas: Thomas Boggs, first place in the state for forage production; Cadence Gibson, first place in the state for specialty animal production; and Anthony Taylor, third place in the state for turfgrass management. Boggs and Gibson will submit their proficiency application to the National FFA Organization for national competition.
On the evening of June 15, five Warsaw FFA members received their Hoosier Degree, which is an award for members who work hard and dedicate service for their chapter and community along with their Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE). These Warsaw FFA members recognized were Thomas Boggs, Lillian Haywood, Blake Schnackenberg, Alyssa Swanson and Breanna Thompson.
Also on the evening of June 15, Warsaw FFA member Anthony Taylor was recognized as a top four finalist star in agribusiness based on his turfgrass proficiency along with additional application, personal interview and site visit. Two Warsaw FFA members were elected to the Indiana District 2 FFA officer team. Rylan Cooper will serve as the 2022-23 District 2 treasurer and Swanson will serve as the 2022-23 District 2 sentinel. Warsaw FFA member and outgoing FFA Section 1 Director Anthony Taylor presided over the Section 1 officer elections.
Delegates from the Warsaw FFA chapter, Thompson and Swanson, also voted on official FFA business and District and State FFA officer elections for the upcoming year. Throughout their time at the convention, Warsaw FFA members such as Graciela Cobaxin, Ace Krichbaum and Joe Sponseller participated in workshops to help further develop their leadership skills. In addition, they were inspired by keynote speakers during the general sessions, the release states. Warsaw FFA member Anthony Taylor was also a state FFA officer candidate and was elected to serve as the 2022-23 Indiana FFA state treasurer.
Prior to attending the Indiana FFA State Convention, Warsaw FFA members were invited to tour Corteva Agriscience- Indianapolis headquarters to learn about advancements in agriculture and view the facilities. The members of the Warsaw FFA Chapter got to experience leadership opportunities throughout the week. The theme of this year’s FFA State Convention was “Pulse.”
The 2022-23 Warsaw FFA officers were also able to plan and coordinate many events that will take place in the upcoming school year.
The officers are Thompson, president; Swanson, vice president; Cooper, secretary; Kiersten Gagnon, treasurer; and Gentry Hall, reporter.
