Southwest FFA attends national convention

Monday, November 18, 2013
Katelyn Sughroue, above, receives her American degree from Clay Sapp, national FFA President 2012-2013. Courtesy photo

BARTLEY. Nebraska -- Nineteen Southwest FFA members and two alumni members traveled to the national FFA convention Oct. 30 -Nov. 2 in Louisville, Kentucky.

Former members Katelyn Sughroue and Bret Neel were able to attend the convention and receive their American FFA degrees on the national FFA stage in Freedom Hall. Mattie Uerling also received the degree but was unable to attend.

Wednesday, Oct. 30, the members departed at 6 a.m. They successfully crossed the states of Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana before reaching Kentucky. "The trees and bushes were so pretty and colorful on the way to and throughout Kentucky," commented Staci Dack.

Bret Neel, from left, and Advisor Les Roggenkamp with Bret's American degree. Courtesy phot

Early the next morning, the chapter explored Indiana Caverns, that are about 38 miles long. The cave tour included a boat ride on an underground stream 150 feet below the earth's surface and the chance to experience total darkness.

Following the tour, the group arrived in Louisville for the convention. Members spent the afternoon at the FFA Career and Farm Expo and Convention. More than 1,000 booths and exhibits were included in the expo hall. That night, the chapter spent the evening at Towne Mall in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, for laser tag.

Friday morning, the members had a tour of the Kentucky Derby Museum and Churchill Downs. They were able to see some of the horses as they raced by on the track during this tour and learned how much money went in and out of the Kentucky Derby each year. FFA members attended sessions and the convention in the afternoon before spending the evening at the World's Toughest Rodeo. "It was fun to see some different cowboys than you do at the local rodeos in Nebraska," Erin Greenlee said.

Saturday meant the American degree ceremony and then the trip back home to Nebraska. Following the session, the members started the 17-hour bus ride for home. Those that went were able to attend the Arch in St. Louis during the day this year. Due to the wind, the arch swaying in the breeze. They returned around 4 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3.

The chapter thanks Southwest Public Schools for allowing the group to attend the convention. The chapter would also like to thank Matt Springer and Merlin Hinz for driving the group day and night, rain or shine.

Submitted by Miranda Wordekemper, Southwest FFA

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