The National FFA Convention and Expo was a transformative experience for students, and this year, 18 members from the Tyrone Area FFA participated from October 21-26, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Highlights of the event for the Tyrone Area FFA were receiving the coveted Three Star Chapter Award, senior Norah Hoy placing 10th in the nation for her Agriscience research project, and Tyrone Area FFA members Kiara Rhoads, Lyndsey Fleck, Emma Bartel, and Abe Black all received their American Degrees, the highest award for FFA members.
Before arriving in the Hoosier State, the group began their journey with a stop in Louisville, Kentucky, where they visited the iconic Churchill Downs, home of the famous Kentucky Derby. Students toured the museum, learning about the rich history of the race.
“It was a great experience to see Churchill Downs. We were able to see the track up close and tour the museum. I learned many interesting facts about the race and its traditions,” junior Alyssa Houck said.
The adventure continued with a visit to the Louisville Slugger Museum, where students explored baseball history and took a behind-the-scenes tour of the factory where Louisville Slugger bats are crafted. The majority of the wood to make the famous bats is harvested in Pennsylvania.
“We had fun learning how they make bats and even hit in the batting cages with MLB players’ custom wood bats,” sophomore Wyatt Walls said.
Once in Indianapolis, the members attended three action-packed days of the Expo, participating in workshops, exploring college opportunities, and visiting the student showcase.
Four groups attended workshops covering topics such as “Three Skills All Advocates Have” and “Know Yourself to Grow Yourself,” gaining valuable insights for their futures.
“The workshop I completed was very educational and taught me to think before I act,” junior Bailey Woomer said.
In the Expo Hall, members participated in a service project for Meals on Wheels, creating colorful pot holders using weaving and crocheting techniques. They also visited numerous college booths, gaining insights into potential career paths.
“I loved looking at colleges and exploring what my future could hold,” sophomore Aubery Biter said.
AgriScience, a student-led initiative addressing agricultural issues, saw senior Nora Hoy competing at the national level and showcasing her project at the Student Showcase.
“Competing in AgriScience was a great way to meet other FFA members and share my findings with industry professionals,” Hoy said.
She placed 10th in the nation and was the only student from Pennsylvania to present on the National Student Showcase Stage.
Her social science project investigated the general public’s knowledge of the amount of sodium in popular snack foods and drinks.
The Tyrone Area FFA Chapter earned the prestigious Three Star Chapter Award, the highest recognition for chapters demonstrating leadership and community engagement.
The chapter was one of only four chapters in Pennsylvania to receive this ranking.
All the activities judged are based on the 15 National Quality Standards set by the National FFA Organization. Tyrone Area FFA members conduct more than 15 student-driven committees to reach these goals.
Members attended sessions featuring inspiring speakers, including Kevin Wanzer and Temple Grandin, a professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. Grandin emphasized the importance of diverse perspectives in agriculture.
Junior Reilly Rawlings enjoyed the engaging sessions.
“There were amazing keynote speakers and award winners. Overall, the sessions were great,” Rawlings said.
During session six, hardworking individuals were recognized as they received their American Degrees, the highest award for FFA members.
This year, over four thousand members across the nation earned this honor, including four from the Tyrone Area FFA Chapter: Kiara Rhoads, Lyndsey Fleck, Emma Bartel, and Abe Black.
The National FFA Convention and Expo provided Tyrone Area FFA members with unforgettable experiences and invaluable lessons as they look toward their futures.
