Published: May 11, 2006 03:09 pm         

Tuttle students attend State FFA Convention

OKLAHOMA CITY — What happens when 356 FFA Chapters in hot, dark blue corduroy jackets with “agricultural education” emblems on the front and back disembark at the Cox Convention Center for two great days in April? The Oklahoma State FFA Convention. It is where numerous members and guests enjoy six action-packed sessions led by the State FFA officers, workshops led by nationally recognized speakers and leaders, entertainment by the state FFA chorus soloists, and, if they are lucky enough, an awards banquet or two. The 80th Annual State FFA Convention was held April 25-26 in Oklahoma City. Over 20 Tuttle FFA members made the 30-minute journey to have a time of their life.

Mike Schalappi, an Olympic Gold Medallist, spoke during the third session on Tuesday. Mr. Schalappi was accidentally shot as a pre-teen by his friend and is now bound to a wheelchair. His inspirational life story taught FFA members that even if they cannot stand up they can still stand out. Also in the third session, Honorary State FFA Degrees were given out. Jerry Campbell was one of 73 individuals to get recognized for his hard work for the FFA.

During the fourth session, which took place Wednesday, the Tuttle FFA Land Judging Team was honored on stage for taking 1st place at the state contest. The land team also had the second high individual (Sarah Cowan) and the eighth high individual (Jennifer Teten). Sarah Hogland, who placed 5th in the State Greenhand Quiz Contest, was also acknowledged on stage in the fourth session. Shae Kennedy placed 3rd in the Emerging Agricultural Technologies proficiency area and was recognized in the 5th session.

In the sixth and final session, FFA members watched as the Oklahoma Ford Dealers gave away a new Ford truck to a very deserving chapter. They saw the CEO of Oakley and former Oklahoma FFA Southwest District Vice President Link Newcomb give away two pairs of their new Thump 2 sunglasses. Whitney Danker, 2005-2006 State FFA President, gave her retiring address titled “One Day.” It taught FFA members not to wait to start their lives one day, rather, to begin them immediately.

“My favorite part of State Convention was Whitney Danker’s retiring address; it motivated and inspired me,” Tuttle FFA member Kayla Wilson said.

Next, more than 700 FFA members received their State FFA Degree, including Tuttle seniors Jeremy Campbell and Luke Eaton. Campbell, the president of the Tuttle FFA, said his favorite part about convention was walking across stage to receive his State FFA Degree. “I have worked for years to attain this award. It is an honor to receive my State Degree.”

The last thing that took place was the announcement of the 2006-2007 State FFA officers.

The Tuttle FFA Chapter would like to congratulate the following teams that placed at state: 1st place Land Judging (Sarah Cowan, Jennifer Teten, Ashley Streber and Seth Booth), 2nd place Food Science Team (Jeremy Campbell, Chelsea Hulsey, Monica Grogan, and Jordan Brockhaus), 5th place Meat Judging Team (Kaitlyn Soblaskey, Nic Cain, Amanda Goff, and Kayla Wilson), and the 11th place Livestock Team (Ashley Bradbeary, Jill Briggs, Courtney Copeland, and Sarah Hogland). They also would like to wish the Land Team good luck at the National Land Contest on May 3-4.