Wisconsin Ag Connection - Wisconsin FFA Bound for National Convention in Indy

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Wisconsin FFA Bound for National Convention in Indy
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 10/20/2009

Members of the Wisconsin FFA Association will carry on their tradition of excellence this week as delegates, officers and award winners are heading to Indianapolis for the 82nd National FFA Convention. The National FFA Organization says they are expecting nearly 60,000 to attend the event, as students representing the blue-and-gold will spend the week learning about agriculture, meeting new friends and getting motivated by inspirational speakers.

Some of the highlights during this year's convention will be a concert by Toby Keith; and the 2009 Bulls and Broncs Championship Finale will heat up the seats at the Pepsi Coliseum with three big shows and the crowning of the series champions when the curtains drop.

Wisconsin's delegation will be especially busy this year. The state has three American Star Finalists who will compete at the conference as Alex Zimmerman will vie for the title of American Star Farmer; Ben Alsum is up for Star in Agribusiness; and Tony Crescio is competing for Star in Agricultural Placement. All three are members of the Randolph Cambria-Friesland FFA, the state's largest chapter.

In addition, Marie Mahaney of Brodhead is running as a candidate for the 2009-10 national officer team. Another 132 students from the Badger State will be receiving their American FFA Degrees. And 20 area members will be competing as national finalists for Proficiency Awards.

Meanwhile, the state's National Model of Innovation Finalist in Student Development is the Black Hawk FFA. And 25 chapters from the state are being honored for their work in the National Chapter program. They include Amery, Randolph Cambria-Friesland, Bloomer, Cashton, Cochrane Fountain City, Holmen, Freedom, Kiel, Lodi, Manawa Little Wolf, Oconto Falls, Sauk Prairie, Prairie Farm, Shullsburg, Black Hawk, Spencer, Stevens Point, Stratford, Thorp, Tomah, Big Foot Union, Weyauwega Fremont, Wisconsin Heights, Waupaca, and Plymouth.

The National FFA Convention runs through Saturday at the Indiana Conference Center in Indianapolis.