INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Oregon FFA Chapter selected a group of members to go experience the 97th National FFA Convention; All students in the group, going for the first time. Those students being Boone Alderks, Kerrie Diaz, Kaylee Dodson, Brooke Halverson, Austyn Lantz, Jordan Lowe, and Madalyn Rogers — followed by their advisors, Chelsea Eden and Seth McMillan. The experience over the four days there was no less than breathtaking, taking students from the small town of Oregon to the gigantic bustling city of Indianapolis.
In the early morning of Oct. 22, those students met up behind the shop’s garage to load their endless bags up into the small white activity bus. The bus they would find themselves stuck in for the next three hours until they’d make it to the first tour of the trip. The ride was overall easygoing, students either napping, scrolling on their phones to pass time, or making small conversation until the ride eventually met its close. The bus first stopped at Fair Oaks Farm, located in Fair Oaks, Indiana. This farm was by far very interesting, educational, and a great kick off to the week's activities. After that, the chapter finally got to check in at the hotel — to unpack, work on homework and settle in for the long upcoming week in Indianapolis.
Day two rolled on in, opening with students getting settled into the FFA official dress, and heading into Linville’s Antique Farm Collection. There, the students got to see and learn about farm equipment and horse-drawn carriages from the far off past, some being over 100 years old. After that fun morning, the students made it to the expo center where the convention was held. The group broke off exploring the center. Whether it was the impressive FFA Mega Store and mall or the even more insane career expo, the career expo showed off colleges, scholarships, agricultural companies, and fun. The Culver’s booth being exceedingly popular with free ice cream and cake pops for all who visited. When nightfall made its way over, the entire group met up to see Nate Smith and Megan Moroney play at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The crowd was absolutely energetic singing along with the performers.
Day three, Oct. 24, opened with everyone waking up a little later than they’d like to admit, accidentally sleeping through alarms. Still being able to leave on time, 8 a.m., Oregon FFA finally got to step foot into the grand Lucas Oil Stadium. The chapter listened to keynote speaker Kevin Wazner, laughing along with him. Once again, the chapter split up to go explore the expo center, eating great food, and watching the skilled FFA members play for the talent show. The day went by fast and by the end of it, the chapter met up and sat down to eat dinner at Big Woods Speedway. Feeling very full and satisfied, the chapter got back to the hotel to rest up, pack up, and prepare for the trip back to Oregon.
For the last day, the chapter got back to the Lucas Oil Stadium to listen to the last keynote speaker, Dr. Temple Grandin, a prominent activist for the humane treatment of livestock. Who encouraged hope, inclusivity and kindness within her speech. After that thought-provoking speech, the members were set loose one last time to explore the expo center. Meeting and saying goodbye to new friends they met along the way, getting one last lap done around the expo and mall, and getting one last bite of Indy’s food. To wrap the trip up, the entire group stood up in front of the Lucas Oil Stadium, getting one last picture in Indianapolis. Heading back to the bus, students felt exhausted and satisfied from this long and busy field trip. Napping through most of the drive back, students were incredibly ecstatic to get back to their hometown of Oregon. All reunited with their families and friends after four days of excitement in Indianapolis.
