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Twenty-two Creston FFA members along with advisor Kelsey Bailey and chaperone, Amy Schultes, were among the more than 6,000 members and guests who attended the recently completed 91st annual State FFA Leadership Conference April 15-16 in Ames. A highlight for the chapter was watching freshman, Tyler Loudon, win the state Creed Speaking contest; he will advance to national competition in the fall.
Creston FFA Chapter’s tradition of excellence continued when the local FFA chapter was again recognized as one of the elite programs in the state of Iowa during the 2019 State FFA Leadership Conferences proceedings held in Hilton Coliseum on the campus of Iowa State University. The chapter placed in the state’s Supreme National Chapter Award competition, earning a gold emblem award and recognized with the Supreme National Chapter award.
Creston FFA was busy with leadership contests while attending the conference. Leadership and skills contest participation included: Tyler Loudon, Creed Speaking – first gold – advances to nationals; Danika Schultes, Ali VanGelder, Brittany Vandevener, Kenzie Britten, Dakota Winslow, Halle Evans, Morgan Driskell, Josie Travis and Mallory Tallmon, Experience the Action – bronze; Logan Hoakison and Kate Foglesong, Freshman Greenhand Quiz – silver; Connor Travis, Kaden Bolton, Gage Skarda and Jake Travis, Ag Team Sales – bronze; Hank Looney, Laura Weis, Tristan Travis and Gavin Gillam, Farm Business Management test – silver; and Kenzie Britten, Dakota Winslow and Jess Eblen, Chapter Display – silver. Members Kolby Hulett and Kenzie Britten served as the chapter’s voting delegates. In addition to contests, freshman Brittany Vandevender was selected to sing in the all-Iowa FFA chorus.
Two members, Gavin Gillam and Danika Schultes, were awarded the Iowa FFA Degree during the convention proceedings. This degree is the highest honor the Iowa FFA Association bestows upon its membership. Recipients of this honor must put forth great effort through involvement in course work, leadership and SAE achievement. Other project awards included Tristan Travis received second in the state for his beef entrepreneur proficiency. Tristan was recognized for his outstanding beef production where he manages his own cow-calf operation.
Opening session of the conference included an inspirational address from keynote speaker, Mr. Matt Stutzman. Stutzman is an American archer who has earned a silver medal in the Paralympics. His message included, don’t let a road block stand in your way. Stutzman encouraged members to set goals for themselves and then go after their goals with passion and conviction.
ISU and the College of Agriculture and Life Science hosted a barbeque for all members attending the conference. The barbeque was held at the Jeff and Deb Hansen Agriculture Student Learning Center. Many agricultural student organizations and current ISU students were present to visit with members about college life and how to get involved in clubs and organizations that fit their interests. Following the barbeque, was a fun night at the ISU Memorial Union where dancing, bowling, games and networking took place.