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Building Bright Futures

A thrilling recap of the 80th National FFA Convention

Building Bright Futures

FFA members compete in the National Floriculture Career Development Event.



January 2008

For a few days each fall, FFA members from across the United States, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands come together for the nation’s largest – and probably the most exciting – student gathering.

From its awe-inspiring speakers and rocking musical performances to the info-packed workshops and enlightening tours, the national FFA convention offers a wealth of activities that some members spend all year anticipating.

Last October marked the 80th annual national FFA convention – with an astounding 53,631 attendees – and its second year in Indianapolis.

Convention kicked off on Wednesday afternoon with the first ever Grand March, in which the National FFA Band and the National FFA Chorus paraded down Georgia Street, which was once again transformed into the pedestrian-friendly FFA Way.

The talented band and chorus members – who had been practicing together for just a few days – put on an incredible show, marching from the RCA Dome all the way to the stage inside Conseco Fieldhouse.

The memorable opening session featured National FFA Advisor Dr. Larry Case, who noted that he was “lucky” to get to where he is today – but there’s much more to building a bright future than being lucky.

“Luck doesn’t just fall out of the sky,” Case said in his stirring speech. “Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. We make our own luck by working hard, learning all we can and developing our skills to the best of our abilities.”

“No one accomplishes anything significant by waiting to get lucky,” he continued. “Everything you’re doing in school and at this national FFA convention is preparing you to become what you’re meant to be. When you’re ready, opportunity will be there.”

And opportunities abounded at convention. Students were able to tour museums, farms, universities and other sites around the city. At the Indiana Convention Center, they could learn more about their dream college or profession at the FFA National Agricultural Career Show – the largest ever – which featured hundreds of exhibits filled with activities, ranging from boulder throwing to simulated log sawing.

In the midst of the career show, there was even a lounge area scattered with plush pillows for anyone who needed a break from all the convention excitement.

But it’s hard to sit still when there’s so much to experience. The Hall of States offered insight into our country’s agricultural diversity, while the annual FFA alumni auction featured online bidding for the first year ever.

Up at the Indiana State Fairgrounds, hundreds of students competed in national career develop­ment events, and it was also one of 12 sites where FFA National Days of Service took place.

Also on Thursday, students were treated to the National FFA Talent Revue, in which 15 acts from across the country each put on stellar shows, whether they were belting out famous ballads, tap dancing or twirling flaming batons.

Later that night, the legendary Beach Boys with special guest John Stamos (of TV’s “Full House” and most recently “ER”) rocked the RCA Dome, where Montgomery Gentry had played for an enthusiastic audience the night before.

Of course, there was much more than entertainment. From Dr. Rick Rigsby motivating attendees to “move from making an impression to making an impact” to TV and movie star Henry Winkler noting that “every one of you is unbelievably powerful,” the keynote speakers were heartfelt and encouraging.

According to Puerto Rico State Secretary Krystal Pagan, the most touching speeches were the 2006-07 national officer retiring addresses.

It was sad to see them go, but Beau, Kacy, Jamie, Janette, Coty and Jennifer stepped down to make room for six new faces who went through the same grueling interview and evaluation process to become the 2007-08 National FFA Officers.

From a pool of 40 candidates, the nine nominating committee members selected President Zach Kinne, Secretary Becky Sullivan, Eastern Region Vice President Tyler Tenbarge, Southern Region Vice President Brady Revels, Central Region Vice President Morgan Parker and Western Region Vice President Kari Boettcher.

Over the next year, each of these officers will play a part in building a bright future for themselves and the National FFA Organization.

But whether you’re a national officer, a convention attendee or an FFA member who watched convention coverage from home, the opportunity to build a bright future is there for you.

“There are plenty of good things happening in these jackets – in your chapters and in our lives,” 2006-07 National President Beau Williamson said, during his retiring address. “You just have to look for it. Our experiences in FFA – they will take us as far as we will let them.”

Visit ffa.org to view “Proceedings,” the official record of the 80th National FFA Convention.

Story by Jessy Yancey
Photography by Todd Bennett


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The National FFA Organization is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Visit ffa.org