| Otsego FFA members show off their spelunking helmets after touring the Kentucky Down Under Cave. Members are (back row, from left) Justen Garmenn, Ben Thomas, Brandon Bailey and Alex Vollmar and (front, from left) Mackenzie Wenig, Sara Caris, Caroline Battin and Grayce Vollmar. (Photo provided) |
On Oct. 30, the Otsego FFA Chapter departed along with five other
schools from Penta Career Center to attend the National FFA Convention in Louisville, KY. Otsego had eight
members who attended the convention, where it again was named as recipients of the premiere 3-star national
ranking.Members who attended were: Ben Thomas, Alex Vollmar, Justen Garmenn, Brandon Bailey, Sara Caris,
Caroline Battin, Grayce Vollmar and Mackenzie Wenig.The first day members attended the opening session where
the keynote speaker was Rick Pitino, the University of Louisville head basketball coach. Pitino spoke about
leadership and how to work hard and never give up.The new theme for the year was also introduced to the
convention, "Ignite." Members also attended a concert in the evening, Deirks Bentley.On Oct. 31,
the chapter attended the Career show where more than 500 exhibits displayed agribusinesses, products,
colleges and more.Members also attended the second convention session, where the chapter received its
national award. The 3-star national chapter award is given to gold medal chapters who excel in student,
chapter and community development.The 3-star ranking is the highest a chapter can earn. Ben Thomas and Alex
Vollmar went on stage to receive the award.In the evening the chapter members attended the World’s Toughest
Rodeo.On Nov. 1, members toured the Corvette factory in Bowling Green, Kentucky, as well as the Corvette
Museum. After the Corvette tour, the chapter went to Kentucky Down under, where the members explored a cave.
Members also were able to hold and pet numerous different wildlife such as a kangaroo, monkey and
parrot.Members had a chapter dinner later that evening. Members attended the evening session where they
listened to Josh Sundquist, the keynote speaker. Sundquist is an amputee who uses humor and his life story
to help motivate and inspire students.On the final day, Nov. 2, members attended the American Degree session
and spent time in the FFA shopping mall. At the American Degree session members were inspired by the FFA
Stars over America Finalists.
