A group of 18 Housatonic Valley FFA students, joined by two American Degree recipients, two chaperones and four advisors, took part in the 98th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, Oct. 29 to Nov. 1.
The event brought together 73,000 FFA members from across the country to compete, learn and celebrate agricultural education.
Four Housatonic students - Hannah Johnson, Madison Melino, Darwin Wolfe and Kellie Eisermann - competed in the horse evaluation competition, where the team won a bronze placement. The nursery landscape team, made up of Byron Bell, Hayden Bell, Madeline Collingwood and Michael Gawel, earned a silver placement overall in their competition.
In the leadership development events, Zayre Trail competed in the Creed Speaking with an overall bronze placement. Riley Mahaffey, in her third national public speaking event, advanced to the semifinals in Extemporaneous Speaking. Tyler Anderson represented our chapter by applying for and receiving a two-star national chapter award.
Teacher Sheri Lloyd and FFA student Riley Mahaffey at the FFA convention.Provided
Two recent HVRHS alumni, Emma Crane and Will Star, earned their American FFA Degrees. The American Degree is the highest degree an FFA member can achieve, recognizing exceptional leadership and dedication to agricultural education and supervised agricultural experience projects.
In addition, Levi Elliott and Daniel Moran were honored with the Brian Parker Award, sponsored by the Housatonic Valley FFA Alumni. This award is given to hardworking members who have not yet had the opportunity to attend the National Convention.
Other chapter representatives included Hayden Bachman, Christopher Crane, Daphne Paine, Logan Padelli and Taylor Green, who were all recognized for their dedication and involvement in FFA activities.
During the trip, students participated in “Days of Service,” including projects with Servants at Work (SAWS) to build wheelchair ramps for homes, volunteer in food kitchens and organize clothing donations. Members also attended leadership workshops to strengthen their leadership skills.
Students participated in other fun activities such as a rodeo with broncs and bull riding, a concert by Ernest and Ella Langley and of course the National Convention Expo, which is always a big hit. They also attended sessions at Lucas Oil Stadium, featuring keynote speakers, retiring addresses from national officers and performances from FFA talent shows.
Our chapter’s goal was to exchange information from different chapters across the country to set up exchange trips in the future.
Overall, everyone had a great time competing, meeting new members from across the country, and making unforgettable memories.
Kellie Eisermann is the FFA Reporter this year. She is a junior and lives in Lakeville.
Justine and Victor Valla in their studio with a painting of Victor’s,”Jonah and the Whale.” Robin Roraback 
A ceramic vase by Kathleen Heidemann.Provided 
Joy Brown’s delightful ceramic sculptures.Provided 
