South Central FFA honored in Columbus

On May 2nd and May 3rd, the South Central FFA attended the 96th State FFA Convention at the State Fairgrounds and Expo Center. During the first session, Boston Smith was recognized for being accepted into the FFA Works/RISE Program where he will be given full time employment at Sunrise Cooperative and will receive on the job training in the Sunrise University program. Sunrise Cooperative additionally gave a donation to the South Central FFA Chapter in Boston's honor. At the second session, Isabella Kimberlin and Abby Fannin accepted the Gold Rated Chapter Award on behalf of the chapter. South Central was 1 of 25 chapters to achieve this honor. Later in the session, Luke Minniear and Grace Rhode accepted the recognition plaque for being one of the top 10 chapters in the area of Strengthening Agriculture in the state of Ohio. The members were entertained and motivated by speaker Morris Morrison who told the story of his life and how to choose courage over comfort. At the fourth session, Isabella Kimberlin, Izzy Lucha and Grace Rhode accepted the Gold Officer pins for outstanding Gold Rated Officer Record keeping. The three offices that the state recognizes and evaluates books in person are Secretary, Treasurer and Reporter. At the fifth session, Luke Jennings, State FFA President gave his retiring address discussing how family hardships, his own battle with a brain tumor and his experiences in FFA have made him who he is today. Afterwards, six South Central FFA members were awarded with their State FFA Degrees. An award that recognizes excellence in less than 2% of FFA membership. South Central FFA members who received this prestigious award were Cheyanne Coffman, Boston Smith, Hayley Putt, Gage Lauderman, Katelyn Hignett and Diton Farnsworth. In between sessions, South Central FFA members toured German Village, Schmidt's Fudge Haus, the Book Loft, walked some of The Ohio State University's Campus and met up with the Colonel Crawford FFA members at convention to complete an escape room working together. Members in attendance were: Leroy Robertson, Luke Minniear, Boston Smith, Kaden Saunders, Carson Buurma, Jake Coy, Ethan Webb, Isabella Kimberlin, Grace Rhode, Abby Fannin, Izzy Lucha and Hayley Putt.