On the 6th of June, the Caliche FFA delegation got on the bus headed to Pueblo with delegates Orran Adolf, Amman Adolf, Max Fryrear, Raelee Kuskie, Jordan Gerk, Braylon Bruns, Hailey Sommerfeld, bus driver/chaperone Crystal Bruns, and advisor Todd Thomas.
Upon arrival at the convention, our first stop was to get registered and then warm up for the Annual FFA Alumni Volleyball Tournament.
The theme for the FFA Convention was “Live the Legacy” and the speakers all spoke about how students can and should “Live their Legacy” through the convention. The speakers also spoke about their own experiences and how they live their own legacies.
Tuesday’s opening session a great featured a great keynote speaker named Rhett Labach who spoke about his experiences growing up in Oklahoma with his family. His dad was his Ag-Ed/FFA instructor. Rhett also spoke on how he was extremely shy and introverted but through his experiences in FFA starting with the Creed Speaking, he got more and more confidence in himself. He went on to win speaking contests, became a chapter officer two times and was an Oklahoma State FFA Officer.
After the session, we all changed clothes and got ready for the concert with Cory Kent. We all had a great time and got to spend time in the mosh pit.
Wednesday was a full day with sessions and workshops. There was a special recognition of the John Knaub Award presented by John’s granddaughter and Caliche FFA member, Jordan Gerk, and daughter, Jackie Gerk.
Afterward, a special banquet for the State Degree recipients was held. During the evening session which was packed with over 1,700 FFA members and guests, the coveted State Degree was awarded to three Caliche FFA members: Orran Adolf, Makenna Armstrong and Stormy Lyons.
Thursday morning two of the Caliche FFA members were awarded the Proficiency Award in Swine Production and Diversified Livestock Production; Jordan Gerk and Braylon Bruns respectively.
The Thursday morning session also gave Caliche freshmen Amman Adolf, Hailey Sommerfeld, and Hallie Lewis the opportunity to compete in the quiz bowl contest as the representatives of District 16. They fought hard but unfortunately fell short in the first round putting them in the bronze category. They learned a lot from this experience and were very proud that they got the opportunity to compete.
Thursday afternoon we as a chapter invited the parents that came to root us on and support us out to lunch at the Olive Garden. Parents that were with us were Crystal Bruns, Ben and Shila Adolf, and Mat and Wendy Lewis.
Overall, the Caliche FFA Chapter had a very great time and learned a lot from this experience. Everyone who went seemed to have become close as friends through the experience and it also brought the chapter close overall. It is looking to be a very promising year for the Caliche FFA Chapter.
