| FROM: Kent Boggs, Executive Secretary FFA Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education 1500 W. Seventh Ave., Stillwater, OK 74074 Phone: 405-743-5498 e-mail:kbogg@okcareertech.org |
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State FFA Convention Has One Mission: Student Success Stillwater-----10,000 Oklahoma FFA members representing 356 high school agricultural education programs attended the 77th annual State FFA Convention, April 29-30, at the Cox Convention Center in downtown Oklahoma City.
The state FFA convention was the culmination of this year’s activities for FFA members. It was an opportunity for individual awards and recognition, delegate business, officer elections and a celebration of chapter accomplishments. The Oklahoma FFA Foundation raised $225,000 this year from sponsors who provided cash awards, scholarships, plaques and honor banquets to award winners and degree recipients. The 2002-2003 state FFA officers, a team of eight student leaders, helped plan the convention and conducted the official ceremonies. The officers kicked off the convention with a reflections program designed to set the tone of the convention. Oklahoma FFA degrees were conferred on 708 members who, as a result of their agricultural and leadership achievements, qualified for the State FFA Degree -- the highest degree a state can bestow upon its members. From this group, a State Star Farmer, State Star in Agribusiness and a State Star in Agricultural Placement were named. In addition to student recognition, several adults were cited for outstanding service to the FFA. The Honorary State FFA Degree was presented to 81 individuals. Other highlights included the selection of top FFA members in 49 agricultural proficiency award areas and 22 career development events, which included public speaking and parliamentary procedure.
The FFA Career Show, held in conjunction with the convention, brought in more than 100 exhibitors to expose FFA members to a vast array of educational opportunities, agricultural careers, programs and products. Those exhibitors represented business and industry, colleges and universities, agricultural products and services and other diverse areas that support or are a part of the total FFA experience. FFA is an integral part of the agricultural education division within the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education. Agricultural Education students are members of the FFA student organization. These students prepare for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture. FFA strives to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. posted 6/5/03 Related Links |
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This
year’s convention theme was “FFA - One Mission Student Success."
FFA ensures that students are prepared to realize their dreams through
integrated education and hands-on experiences. As students in agricultural
education and members of the FFA, young Oklahomans become ready to make
the transition from high school and college to the rest of life. 
Educational
and motivational speakers and workshop presenters offered opportunities
for personal growth and leadership development. They included well known
motivational speakers Zig Ziglar and John Alston. Also participating was
the national FFA secretary, Seth Heinert, from Hulett, Wyoming.