Thursday, January 08, 2009

On Wednesday, October 22nd, the 81st National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN, officially kicked off with five members of the Scottsbluff FFA Chapter attending. These members included: Senior, Shelby Duncan; Juniors, Sara Fulk and Shelby Winchell; Sophomore, Kenny Willman; and graduated member Chelsea Mckenzie. McKenzie won her Agricultural Services Proficiency at the state level, which meant she would attend Nationals the following October.

Mckenzie was named national winner of the Agricultural Services – Entrepreneurship/Placement Proficiency award. The Proficiency award recognizes student achievement, gaining hands on career experience, and working for an existing or new business.

Working at A-1 Diversified, Inc. McKenzie closely works with the owner, artificially inseminating elk, beef cattle, and deer. . Here she competed against three others for an additional $500 onto the $500 she already received as an acknowledgement in placing as a National finalist. Chelsea Mckenzie also received her American Degree while at the convention.

“Step Up. Stand Out,” was this year’s great convention theme. This theme presented many Sessions and workshops on how to become a great leader for members and their chapters, while also stepping up and standing out to put a positive impact on others. The convention experience was an eventful one as the career fair, workshops, sessions, and events kept the members busy. In order for these four high school members to attend, they must be first year officers, or the high point’s freshman from the preceding year.