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Fairview FFA attends state conventionBy Chacey Schoeppel Fairview FFA Reporter More than 40 FFA members represented the Fairview FFA Chapter at the 82nd State FFA Convention April 29 and 30, at the Cox Convention Center in downtown Oklahoma City. This year's convention theme was Blue Jackets Bright Futures. Just as the blue and gold corduroy jacket is a true icon of the FFA, the jacket also symbolizes the bright future toward which FFA members are headed. The state FFA convention is an opportunity for individual awards and recognition, delegate business, officer elections and a celebration of chapter accomplishments. The Oklahoma FFA Foundation raised $417,520 this year from sponsors who provided cash awards, scholarships, plaques and honor banquets to award winners and degree recipients. Title sponsors of the convention were Blue & Gold Sausage Company, Chesapeake Energy Corporation, the Oklahoma Ford Dealers and CEV Multimedia. Educational and motivational speakers and workshop presenters offered opportunities for personal growth and leadership development. They included Buzz Sutherland, 16-time comedian of the year. Albert Mensah's keynote address titled "Prince of Possibilities" discussed his life in Ghana, Africa, and compared it to the opportunities in America. Dan Clark, among the top 10 speakers in the world, shared an inspirational message about never letting anything stand in the way of your goals and dreams. Students also had the opportunity to attend workshops held by distinguished individuals such as Elizabeth Kinney, Miss Oklahoma 2004, and Judson Liapply of the YouTube hit "Evolution of Dance." The FFA Career Show, held in conjunction with the convention, brought more than 100 exhibitors in to show FFA members a vast array of educational opportunities, agricultural careers, and effective fundraising programs and products. These exhibitors represent business and industry, colleges and universities, agricultural products and services, and other diverse areas that support or are a part of the total FFA experience. A silent auction was also hosted by the Oklahoma FFA Alumni Association to raise funds to support the OSU Future Ag-Ed Teacher Academy. Awards were presented in each of the sessions held at the convention. In the extremely competitive area of public speaking, Fairview was well represented. Kela Kelln placed first in her division of Ag Business and Madison McGolden also was first in her division of Animal Science. Both Kelln and McGolden received a scholarship of $1,000 sponsored by Chesapeake Energy for their accomplishments. Tara Burchfield placed second in Ag Policy and Jessica Bisel was fifth in Natural Resources. Kelln also was the state proficiency award winner in Ag Communications Entrepreneurship. Brystal Karber and Justin Bedwell were awarded first placings in their categories of Equine Placement and Floriculture Placement, respectively. Lance Rhodes received the 2nd place award for Diversified Crop Production Placement. The 1st place Marketing Plan Team was comprised of Jessica Bisel, Ashlyn Spradlin and Kela Kelln. Chelsey Hunt took first in the Job Interview Career Development Event. The Fairview FFA Chapter was second in the state for both Pork Food For America and Beef Food For America competitions. Five outstanding senior FFA members were selected for the prestigious honor of the State FFA Degree. Chelsey Hunt, Cash Parsons, Jared Pembrook, Lance Rhodes, and J.T. Voth were among the 687 members presented with the degree as a result of their agricultural and leadership achievements. The State FFA Degree is the highest honor a state association can bestow upon its members. In addition to the student awards, recognition was also given to those who tirelessly support the FFA and its members. The Honorary FFA Degree is presented to 90 individuals for their outstanding service to the FFA. This year, Fred Slater of Farm Credit of Enid, Jim Rhodes of Fairview, Okla., and Mindi Clark, Fairview Agricultural Education teacher and FFA advisor, were all recipients. The state convention is also an opportunity for the chapters across Oklahoma to elect a new state officer team. This team is responsible for planning the convention and conducting official ceremonies, among other duties throughout the year. The outgoing 2007-2008 team consisted of Austin Akins, president, Amber Pocasset; Chelsea Clifton, secretary, Kingfisher; reporter, John-Kyle Truitt, Jenks; Cody Nieman, northeast district vice president, Woodland; Cody Ott, northwest district vice president, Fairview; Kassie Houston, central district vice president, Bethel; Charlee Goodwin, southeast district vice president, Caddo; and Josh Lindsey, southwest district vice president from Grandfield. After several run-offs, the 2008-2009 state officer team was announced at the final session of the convention. This team is Chelsea Clifton, president, Kingfisher; Chasity Beasler, secretary, Wellston; Carly Schnaithman, reporter, Garber; Stasha Harp, northeast district vice president, Kansas; Riley Pagett, northwest district vice president, Woodward; Blake Matlock, central district vice president, Shawnee; Amy Peel, southeast district vice president, Wetumka; and Sarah Reasnor, southwest district vice president from Elgin. FFA is an integral part of the Agricultural Education Division within the Oklahoma CareerTech System. The Oklahoma FFA Association is the fourth largest state association with 357 chapters and more than 24,000 members. FFA prepares students for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture. For more information about FFA and the state convention, visit www.okffa.org. 6/23/08 Date: 6/19/08
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