Founded in 1928, the National FFA Organization, formerly known as Future Farmers of America, is made up of state associations, which consist of local chapters from participating schools. At the state convention, chapters from across Illinois gather to recognize achievements, participate in leadership activities and take part in workshops designed to develop members’ skills.
Two members, Chapter President Lucy Heepke and Chapter Vice President Dylan Henke, represented Edwardsville as the chapter was recognized as a Silver Chapter.
“My favorite part of the trip by far was being the first representative of Edwardsville FFA Chapter to go on stage at state convention since 2018,” Heepke said. “It felt really good to be the one to represent not only our chapter, but also our school.”
Along with recognizing chapters and individuals, delegates elected Illinois FFA Association officers during the third day of the convention. During the nearly five-hour process, 10 candidates competed for six officer positions: president, vice president, secretary, reporter, treasurer and sentinel. The officers travel around the state to organize events and workshops for chapters and sections.
“My favorite part of sessions as a delegate was being able to have a say in who would be the next major officers,” Henke said. “It was neat being able to listen to every candidate’s speech that told us so much about who they are.”
Attendees also had the chance to speak with college and career representatives at exhibition booths throughout the convention center. Among them was the U.S. Army, which provided information about military service and featured an arcade punching-bag game that measured participants’ punching strength on a scale of 1 to 1,000.
“My favorite booth at convention was the Army booth,” said chapter treasurer Macie Wilkinson. “I learned a lot of benefits and facts about the Army that I had never known.”
Food trucks also were at the convention, with Papa John’s and Hae’s Bakery and Coffee Shop proving popular among attendees.
“My favorite food truck was the Papa John’s truck,” said chapter secretary Mason Morfey. “We bought at least five pizzas in those three days we were there.”
During the three-day trip, the students attended convention sessions and explored Illinois history. Edwardsville FFA members visited the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Old State Capitol State Historic Site, where they met and spoke with Mike Anderson, also known as the “Dulcimer Guy.”