By Jacob Perkins
Jacob.perkins@education.ky.gov
More than 2,300 people came to Lexington in June to take part in the 90th Kentucky State FFA Convention.
The students participated in leadership workshops, a delegate business session and state contest finals. A talent stage was erected so students could highlight their talent to their fellow FFA members. Various colleges and career vendors also were stationed in the convention center to provide information about different avenues that the students can follow upon the completion of high school.
Alexis Adams from Mason County High School competed in the Agriscience Fair and is considering attending the University of Kentucky to major in pre-veterinary science with a specialty in equine science. She feels that FFA has assisted her in making this decision.
“I never had an agricultural background,” she said. “FFA has really taught me a lot about the animals and how the industry works.”
Adams also said that FFA has become a “family” to her and has provided her with the necessary skills to continue her education.
Gunnar Jones from Spencer County, who also competed in the Agriscience fair, said FFA has been a positive experience for him.
“I get a lot of experience that I know is going to help me in the future, leadership skills, teamwork skills,” Jones said. “Being on these teams helped me really get involved with people. … It’s just great for social skills.”
While Jones, a rising junior at Spencer County High School, is unsure of his plans after high school, he knows that he will take the skills that he’s learned through FFA with him wherever he goes.
“The reason that I’m doing FFA is because I know that the skills that I can achieve in FFA will help me with whatever future job that I may pursue.” he said.
For more information on how to get involved with the State FFA Convention, email Matt Chaliff of the Kentucky Department of Education’s Office of Career and Technical Education.
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