Pictured front row (L-R): Haley Diltz, Catelyn Gray, Sierra Burchett, Kayla McNeal, Jenna Spees, and Morgan Lahrmer. Back row (L-R): Devin Lewis, Connor Hughes, Devin Coon, Bradley Willis, Carlee Dempsey, and Chase Dickens.

 

The 86th annual Ohio FFA Convention was held May 1st and 2nd at the state fairgrounds. The first session had a wonderful turnout of nearly 6,000 members and guests. The 2014 theme was “Ignite” with FFA members learning how to “Fuel Passion, Spark Action, and Ignite FFA.” The Ohio State officer team started the first session at 2 p.m. on Thursday May 1st, which included motivational speaker Harriet Turk. Turk works with student organizations, associations, and corporations that want to help people learn to earn respect and stand up for who they are. Afterwards, Devin Coon accepted the award called “Help CROP Stop Hunger” on behalf of the Oak Hill FFA Chapter which made a monetary donation to the organization. The CROP organization is one that helps third world countries with their everyday struggles of hunger.    Midday, delegates of many Ohio FFA chapters sat and listened to the candidates for the 2014 Ohio Officer Team and then voted on who they thought deserved the position. The delegates for the Oak Hill FFA were Devin Coon; President and Kayla McNeal; Treasurer. That evening we conducted a chapter bonding activity before returning to Oak Hill. The convention continued on Friday with more proficiency award winners and the presentation of State FFA Degrees.  Our Chapter President, Devin Coon, was one of the select few who received a State FFA Degree. The State degree is the second highest most prestigious award an FFA member can receive, with only 3% of FFA members receive. The third session keynote speaker was Eric Chester, who taught and explained how people, especially young people, don’t realize that every moment should be lived to the fullest. Then in the last session the 2013 officers retired and the 2014-15 officers were announced and installed. The Oak Hill FFA Chapter had a great time and would like to thank the Ohio FFA for putting on a wonderful convention.