MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota FFA Foundation will recognize two 60-year milestone donors during the Minnesota FFA Virtual Convention May 19-21. Their support and that of dozens of other sponsors have made parts of the convention possible, including:
- A mobile app to follow the events;
- A 12-student ambassador team to promote agricultural education;
- A Media Award to recognize efforts on behalf of the Foundation Board of Trustees;
- Recognition of FFA’s graduating seniors;
- A Virtual Career Connections session;
- Live pre-show streams prior to sessions; and
- Awards for top-placing Proficiency winners for Supervised Agricultural Experiences.
In addition, the Foundation will host a virtual event, “Planting Seeds – Growing Leaders,” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 20, featuring students, board members and an estate planning expert. The event can be accessed through the Convention App.
“Although the State Convention is virtual this year due to COVID-19, our generous contributors continue to play an essential role in supporting student achievements through FFA and agricultural education,” said Val Aarsvold, Minnesota FFA Foundation executive director.
Foundation Donors
Sixty-year Foundation donors Central Livestock Association of South St. Paul and Midwest Dairy of St. Paul will join 19 other individuals, organizations and companies receiving recognition for FFA Foundation giving for 10, 20 and 30 years. The Convention App provides a full list of sponsors.
Convention App
The Convention App can be accessed on computers at https://event.crowdcompass.
Foundation Ambassadors
Selected as Foundation Ambassadors for the coming year are:
Amanda Wevley, Hancock FFA;
Annabelle Sorem, Randolph FFA;
Bailey Kuhn, Randolph FFA ;
Destiny Sybounheuan, Mountain Lake FFA;
Devin Troendle, Lanesboro FFA;
Ekaterina Ivanov, Fertile-Beltrami FFA;
Gabi Wills, Brainerd FFA;
Jayger Dannhoff, St. James Area FFA;
Jenna Caughey, Brainerd FFA;
Karmen Sperr, Morris Area FFA;
Megan Joyce Laughlin, Paynesville Area FFA; and
Rena Johnson, Buffalo FFA.
The Ambassador program provides leadership experience to Minnesota FFA members through interaction with FFA members, supporters, donors and potential sponsors. In turn, it connects industry representatives and donors with the opportunity to learn more about FFA and its mission.
Media Award
Mark Dorenkamp, an anchor and reporter with Brownfield Ag News, will receive the Foundation Media Award. The award, established in 2004, recognizes the important contributions of media partners in sharing the story of FFA’s positive impact on agricultural education students. Dorenkamp has served on the Minnesota FFA Foundation Board of Trustees since 2017.
FFA Seniors
The Foundation will honor high school senior FFA members with a gift sent to their homes following the convention. Aarsvold said the Foundation recognized many FFA members in their senior year may not experience another convention in person and is extending the gift to celebrate each senior’s achievements in agricultural education.
Career Connections
The FFA State Convention traditionally includes a chance for students to explore opportunities with Career Connections exhibitors. Similarly, participants in this year’s virtual event will share video messages, websites and information about their companies, businesses and colleges on the Career Exploration Tab of the Convention App.
Pre-Show
The Minnesota FFA Foundation is providing live Pre-Show streaming for the convention 15 minutes before each General Session, sponsored by Enbridge. The shows take place at 3 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, May 19 and 20, and at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, May 21, accessible from a link on the Convention App. The show will include content from sponsors, students and partners, along with recognition of Foundation supporters.
— Minnesota FFA Foundation
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