By LEANN LITTLE
Farm World Intern-Tennessee

GATLINBURG, Tenn. — The Tennessee FFA celebrated 79 years of leadership and excellence in agriculture at its annual convention on March 26-28.

Throughout the convention, members were honored for achievements and given the opportunity to grow through workshops and competitions. This annual event is also where many lasting friendships are made among members, advisors and state agricultural leaders.

“During this three day event, Tennessee FFA spreads positive energy throughout the city of Gatlinburg,” said Tennessee FFA Youth Consultant Michael Vestal. “There is more of that positive energy present during our convention than any other state event.”

The highlight of the convention every year is the State FFA Degree Ceremony. This program recognizes the best of Tennessee FFA members for outstanding achievement in their Supervised Agriculture Experience Program and participation in leadership development activities.

At this convention, Tennessee FFA bestowed a record-breaking number of 563 State Degrees, a good indication of increased membership quality in the state.

Convention sessions were given an inspirational touch, as the 2006-07 Tennessee FFA state officers presented their retiring addresses. Members were challenged to get involved, have confidence, and to pursue their dreams not only during FFA membership but also throughout their lifetime.

The final session on Wednesday morning brought the moment that convention delegates had been waiting for - the announcement of the 2007-08 Tennessee FFA State Officer team. As the lights went down and the retiring officers took the stage, a group of members standing in the back of the convention hall began to wonder what the following year would bring.

After completing an application, a test, a letter-writing exercise, and a series of three interviews, these state officer candidates were ready to hear the nominating committee report.

Following the announcement, Chelsea Doss, Michelle Mullins, Samantha Cobb, Rebekah Clark, Kelsey Ross, Wesley Lyons, Lauren Rogers, and Cody Norton were excited to begin a year of service to the Tennessee FFA.

These newly elected state officers will undergo intense leadership training in order to better serve the FFA. Their duties will require them to devote at least 100 days of service to the Tennessee Assoc.

Matthew McBride, 2006-07 Tennessee FFA president, expressed his desire for members to take the motivation from convention back to their home chapters.

“Because of the record-breaking attendance of almost 3,000 at our convention this year, we are able to reach out to many more chapters across the state,” McBride said. “This will not only make each individual chapter stronger, but it will strengthen Tennessee FFA as a whole.”

More information about the Tennessee FFA can be found at www.tnffa.org

This farm news was published in the April 25, 2007 issue of Farm World, serving Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan and Tennessee.