At the 2012 National FFA Alumni Convention, held October 24-26 in Indianapolis, Ind. hundreds of FFA Alumni members from nearly every state came together to work toward their common goal: supporting and advocating for FFA and agricultural education and celebrating the FFA Alumni successes while planning future growth.
Energetic sessions, engaging conversations, recognition of distinguished members and supporters, informative workshops, outstanding tailgate and benefit auction and entertaining performances only begin to describe the Alumni’s National Convention.
This year marked the return of the FFA Dance and a Tailgate that hosted the Live Benefit auction. This was the first year since 1985 that the national FFA Alumni convention did not include a silent auction but the tailgate, the dance and the Alumni Nation booth gave attendees many ways to stay engaged, connect with students and companies and rekindle friendships.
At the business session, Jim McCray of Illinois was selected as the President-Elect, Richard Daniel of North Carolina was elected to the Southern Region and Ron Lynch of Illinois was elected to represent the Eastern Region. Awards were presented to outstanding affiliates and members. The association recognized Luther Wilkes, Georgia, Dean Olson, Illinois and Donna Meller, Ohio; for their dedication and service through the Outstanding Achievement Award.
Delegates were given the large task of voting in the proposed changes to the National FFA Alumni By-Laws, brought forth by the National FFA Alumni council. The By-Laws last received a formal review in 2003. All of the changes and explanation of changes can be found on the FFA Alumni website, www.ffa.org/alumni. All changes were approved by the voting delegates. Delegates from Ohio were: Jack and Marilyn Mason, Jennifer Kilbarger, Earl and Lillian Beeler, Ed and Rosemary Beeler, Tami Hastings, Jodi Hassan, Cathy Nofziger, Mary Ann Stadler, John and Lexie Poulson.
But the real work – supporting FFA members – was the focal point of the Alumni convention. The annual live auction showcased 12 items for bidding. Items were donated by Alumni members and companies across the country, with $63,000 eventually being raised for scholarships. Each exhibiting company was invited to spend the evening with FFA Alumni at the Tailgate and Live Auction.
The Alumni Nation, an area specifically dedicated to FFA Alumni in the career show, provided the FFA Alumni Council and volunteers an outstanding opportunity to engage thousands of students, parents, advisors and guests passing through the career show floor. Student members were eager to learn how to remain Forever Blue with the five-year free Associate Membership.
Members from Ohio receiving their Legion of Merit Citations for membership work were: Lolita Appel, Deborah Johlin-Bach, Stacy Brown, Doris Disher, Les Disher, Jim Ford, Lavon Herschberger, Mitzi Martin, John Poulson, Lexie Poulson, Julie Ryan, Vicky Ryan, Beverly Seale, Jamie Snider and Ken Snider.
Ohio was recognized as a 3Star State and ranks third in the nation in members with 4,219. Ohio received a Gold rating on their newsletter and a Silver Rating on their website.
The National FFA Alumni Association is an organization of more than 52,555 active members all part of 1,390 active Alumni affiliates. The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 523,309 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture – as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs.
FFA Mission: FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth & career success through ag education. FFA Alumni Mission: Secure the promise of FFA & ag ed, creating an environment for people/communities develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth & career success. Agricultural Education Mission: Agricultural Education prepares students for successful careers & lifetime of informed choices in the global ag, food, fiber & natural resources systems. National FFA Organization is a resource and support org. that does not select, control or supervise state association, local chapter or individual member activities except as expressly provided for in the National FFA Organization Constitution and Bylaws. The National FFA Org. affirms its belief in the value of all human beings & seeks diversity in membership, leadership & staff as an equal opportunity employer.
