By DAVE BLOWER JR.
Farm World Editor

COLUMBUS, Ohio — FFA members from across the Buckeye State will travel to the Ohio FFA State Convention on April 30-May 1 at the Ohio State Fairgrounds in Columbus.

For many, the convention serves as the culmination of an FFA career.

“To me, the convention is the grand finale,” explained Ohio FFA State Vice President Suzie McMullen.

“The members and the state officer team get to see all the hard work that they put in throughout the year pay off. The atmosphere at the convention is like nothing that you have ever experienced before. It is filled with friends, excitement, nervous and adrenaline. I am looking forward to reconnecting with members that I have met this year and making sure that they know convention is about them.”

For others, the convention is a chance to rally around a theme.
“I’m very excited about this year’s convention and the theme Lead Out Loud!” said District Nine President Amy Jo Frost. “The agriculture industry is in need of bright individuals to get the word out and inform consumers about their products. I believe the convention theme demonstrates the need for advocates of agriculture and of FFA to Lead Out Loud!

“Throughout this year of service my favorite quote has been, ‘No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.’ It motivates me to show FFA members all over Ohio how much I care about their future and about the FFA. It’s not about knowing everything and memorizing all the facts, it’s about working hard and pouring your heart and soul into what you are passionate for.”
Pre-registration for the convention closed on April 16. However, those wishing to attend may register at the convention site in the Celeste Center on April 30. For details, contact Secretary and FFA Assistant Brenda Correll via e-mail at brenda.correll@ode.state.oh.us

The registration is $20 for FFA members, $5 for advisors, parents and chaperones. Tickets for the FFA dance is $5.

Although there are several events that begin in the morning of April 30, the convention officially kicks off with a welcome from State FFA Advisor Ike Kershaw at 1 p.m. After his address, the FFA will present the following chapter awards:

•Top 10 Student Development Chapters
•Top 10 Chapter Development Chapters
•Top 10 Community Development Chapters
•Top 10 Chapters

Also, new FFA chapters will be recognized during the First Session, which will end at approximately 5 p.m.

A dinner for past officers is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at the Rhodes Center, and the FFA Band and Chorus will perform at 6 p.m.
The Second Session begins at 7 p.m., April 30 with an Honorary State FFA Degree ceremony. Later, Star American FFA Degree and Star State FFA Degree honorees will be recognized.

The FFA Dance is scheduled for 9 p.m., April 30 at the Rhodes Center.

Members of the Ohio FFA Alumni will open the Third Session at 8 a.m., May 1; and State FFA President Jeremy Grove will open the final session at noon. During the Fourth Session, the members of the 2010-11 Ohio FFA Officer team will be revealed.
For addition convention details, visit www.ohioffa.org