Chinook's FFA Chapter Returns from National Convention with Knowledge

Seven members from the Chinook FFA Chapter attended the 97th National FFA Convention and Expo that was held in Indianapolis, Indiana, on October 23-26, 2024. Those in attendance not only heard a keynote address from Kevin Wanzer but also participated in various academies to advance their learning. The National FFA Convention and Expo showcased more than 300 exhibitors representing agriculture, colleges, fundraising, the U.S. Armed Services, and auto and truck manufacturers.

"One reason we attend the National FFA Convention is to fulfill the mission, which is to positively influence students' lives by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education," stated Bryce Elliot, Chinook FFA Chapter Reporter. "All of the exhibitors available allow our members to expand their horizons and pursue new careers."

In addition to Elliot, other Chinook Chapter members who attended the National Convention were Eyan Hofeldt, Ivey Lenz, Kirbey Hofledt, Kenneth Gruszie, Ashlyn Hofeldt, and Gus Buck.

At the First General Session, following the presentation of state flags and the opening ceremonies with the national officers, those in attendance heard a message from keynote speaker, Kevin Wanzer. As one of the nation's top motivational comedians, Wanzer ignited the crowd at Lucas Oil Stadium with a comedic yet challenging talk about leadership and acceptance. Using his upbeat manner, Wanzer empowered student leaders to create inclusive, productive, supportive environments in their lives, schools, and communities.

Wanzer has not only appeared on television shows such as Late Night with David Letterman but served as a delegate for the White House Conference for a Drug Free America after his appointment by former President Ronald Reagan.

About his performance, Wanzer said: "The reason I really wanted to be part of FFA is because it has been on my bucket list forever as a speaker. It is nationally known. The audience could not have been more receptive, more engaged."

According to Elliot, "His address was about being nice, always having fun, and laughing. In Indianapolis, we met many new friends who are a part of chapters nationwide. We also had the opportunity to attend a Freightliner academy where we learned the many aspects of new trucks and the technology that embodies them. The details that go into them are truly incredible."

In one of those workshops, the group from Chinook learned about the operation of diesel engines. A technician teaching about Detroit engines used a DD15 to demonstrate torque in a next-generation engine with an innovative after-treatment system, enhanced downspeeding, and a swirl piston design.

"This station also taught us about all the new technology features, including a 360 degree camera that gives the driver a view of the truck's blind spots. And proximity sensors that alert the driver when approaching stationary or moving objects," Elliot explained.

Another of the highlights of the convention for Elliot was getting to meet in-person the agriculture influencers he follows on TikTok and Instagram. "These influencers teach people who don't live or work on a farm, what farm life is like and the struggles they face in everyday life. A common theme with agriculture influencers is to teach people where their food comes from. More often than not people, typically those that aren't surrounded by agriculture, don't know where their food comes from. They go to the store and all the foods they need are on a shelf. These agriculture influencers film the steps that are behind the scenes that get food on your table. Since farming is different with every state, it always interests me to see the differences in each operation across the country," Elliot stated.