Georgia FFA Sets Record Attendance at 86th Convention

Rebel's Corner

A record crowd of more than 5,200 FFA members, advisors and guests attended the 86th Georgia FFA Convention May 1-3, 2014, in Macon. FFA members from across the state gathered to celebrate the 2013-2014 school year by witnessing hundreds of award presentations, motivational speakers, official delegate business, community service projects, trade show and convention concert.

Attending from the Fannin County High School FFA Chapter receiving State Degrees were Jeremy Fair, Daniel Shields, Hunter Patterson, Amy Reynolds, Lucas Ryan, Olivia Whitlow, Tyler Messer, and David Roberson. Lucas Ryan and Hunter Patterson served as the 2 official voting delegates. Lakota Towe accepted the award for the 2nd place team in the Horse Evaluation Career Development Event, Lexie Jacobs received recognition for being the 3rd place high individual in the Horse CDE, Katie Patterson accepted the chapters 100% membership award, and Lucas Ryan accepted the chapter’s National FFA Week Application Award, Seth Davis received a $750.00 scholarship to attend the Washington Leadership Conference in Washington DC. Other FFA members attending were Taylor VanZandt, Lazaro Sanchez, Trey Campbell, Cody O’Neal, Daniel Davis, and Zachary Couch.

The Georgia FFA’s 86th annual convention kicked off on Thursday, May 1st, with a powerful kickoff message from youth speaker Josh Shipp. The evening was highlighted by greetings from Governor Nathan Deal, State School Superintendent Dr. John Barge, and Commissioner of Agriculture Gary Black. Opening night also included the recognition of FFA Foundation Sponsors and the naming of the 2014 Stars over Georgia.

Day two of the convention brought the presentation of state proficiency and career development event (CDE) awards; state level CDE competition; and the official delegate business session. On Friday night, more than 1,000 FFA members attended the convention dance, the first time an event of this type has been held at Georgia State Convention since 2006.

On Saturday morning, day three of the convention began with the awarding of the prestigious State FFA Degree to 667 deserving students; the business meeting of the FFA Alumni Association; greetings from Rodney Redd, a member of the 10 year past state officer team; and the election of the 2014-2015 state FFA officer team.

On Saturday afternoon, when the Centreplex was empty and the last blue jacket had headed home, the 86th Georgia FFA Convention ended with another record attendance. FFA Executive Secretary, Ben Lastly, says the convention continues to grow because of the commitment from all involved.

“This year’s record attendance is proof of the commitment that Georgia’s FFA advisors have,” Lastly said. “It is inspiring to realize the work that these men and women put in to allow their students to grow through the FFA. We are blessed in Georgia.”

The Georgia FFA Association is the 3rd largest state Association in the nation with over 37,000 members in 280 local chapters across the state. For more information about the Georgia FFA, and to see complete results from the 86th Georgia FFA Convention log on to www.georgiaffa.org or view the Convention Sessions at www.ihigh.com/gaffa. You can follow the Georgia FFA on Twitter @GA_FFA, or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/georgiaffa.

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