Vandalia FFA attends convention

Brenden Cripe, Aubrey Edwards, Jacob Rau, Madison White and chapter adviser Todd Ehlers recently attended the 83rd annual National FFA Convention in Indianapolis.
More than 55,000 FFA members from across the United States attended the four-day event.  
During the convention sessions at the Conseco Fieldhouse,  the group listened to speakers such as motivational speaker Josh Shipp, U. S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, National FFA Adviser Dr. Larry Case and retiring addresses from the national FFA officers.
Another highlight of the trip was the National FFA Career Show, where more than 1,300 booths representing colleges, agriculture-related companies, fundraising companies and U.S. Armed Services packed the exhibit halls at the Indiana Convention Center.
The exhibitors offered attendees a sampling of information, education and hands-on activities in areas such as welding and computer related technology. FFA members had the chance to learn about numerous agricultural careers and explore opportunities in post-secondary job training and education.
The group also toured Indiana Downs, a standard bred and quarter horse racing facility; Good’s Chocolate Factory; and the Exotic Feline Rescue Center, home to 224 rescued animals such as tigers, lions, cheetahs and bobcats.
The members were also entertained by Lady Antebellum at a concert strictly for FFA members at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Currently, the Vandalia FFA Chapter is preparing for the Agronomy Career Development event that will be held at Lake Land College later this month.  The group will also be selling raffle tickets for a processed market hog.

Vandalia FFA Chapter adviser Todd Ehlers, left, recently accompanied four local FFA members to Indianapolis to attend the organization’s national convention. With him are, from left, Aubrey Edwards, Madison White, Jacob Rau and Brenden Cripe.