RHS students attend state FFA convention
The 2016 Louisiana FFA Convention & Expo continued the third year of its four-year run in Monroe this month.
More than 1,300 FFA members from throughout the state attended this year’s convention and expo. The convention and expo brought an estimated economic impact of $1.2 million. The event will be held in Monroe through 2017 before the organization re-opens the bid process to determine the location for the next four years.
“Amplify” is the theme of this year’s convention and expo.
“Our passion for this organization is infectious and makes others around want to amplify in all their endeavors.
Throughout the year, FFA members have amplified their potential in leadership, agriculture, service, and education,” said 2015-2016 Louisiana FFA State President Gabriel Watts, a current Louisiana State University student.
Six general sessions drew FFA members together at the Monroe-West Monroe Convention Center. Students had countless opportunities to be engaged by exhibitors from dozens of corporations, organizations and colleges at the expo inside the Civic Center.
Kyle Schelee was the opening session’s headline motivational speaker. A representative of the television series Duck Dynasty and Monroe Mayor James E. Mayo also brought greetings in this session. On Wednesday, June 8, National FFA Eastern Region Vice President, Sydney Snider of Ohio addressed convention attendees in the Second General Session. Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s Associate Commissioner Dr. Carrie Castille delivered her message to attendees during the Stars Over Louisiana Luncheon June 8.
Throughout the week, students had the opportunity to attend 13 leadership and personal growth workshops focused on teamwork, Ag Careers, college readiness and hunger relief. FFA members also patronized Monroe destinations, including Pecanland Mall, the Duck Commander Warehouse, the Downtown River Market, and other local restaurants and attractions.
FFA members also participated in a community-service initiative during the week. Students volunteered to package meals for senior citizens at the Northeast Louisiana Food Bank located in Monroe.
An opening fun night with games, food, and prizes on June 7 was hosted by the Monroe CVB and the convention featured a late-night dance on June 9.
The National FFA Organization provides leadership, personal growth and career success training through agricultural education to 629,367 student members in grades seven through 12 who belong to one of 7,757 local FFA chapters throughout the U.S., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.