MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota FFA will hold its 92nd Convention April 19-23 with the theme Worth It. The event will begin with a virtual pre-convention kick-off video via social media on Sunday, April 18 featuring National FFA Southern Region Vice President Artha Jonassaint. This year’s convention will be a mix of virtual sessions, state-wide recognition, interactive state competition finals and workshops, as well as in-person convention-in-the-classroom activities.
“When I focus on our theme Worth It, I think of the little things that happen in everyday life. I think this whole year has been focusing on those smaller things we’ve often taken for granted, and it matters that we recognize that even those less celebrated moments have worth,” said Ben Olander, state president.
The FFA Career Development Events (CDE) and Leadership Development events (LDE) are an important part of the FFA State Convention and will be held virtually this year. The LDEs, Best Informed Greenhand (BIG) Invitational and the CDEs including Ag Issues, Ag Sales, Food Science and Market Plan will be held April 19-23 with results announced April 23. The remaining CDEs will be held virtually April 27-29.
“Because the convention is virtual again, it allows every student to get involved, no matter what resources they have. This year there are even more interactive opportunities to get even more out of it,” said Emilee Xayanourom, state vice president.
One example is the Convention-in-a-Box feature delivered to each FFA advisor, listing suggested activities each day of the event and designed to provide an in-person experience mirroring that of a traditional state convention.
The virtual format will include award ceremonies honoring individual success in Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) which represent members’ Work-based Learning within Agriscience projects, as well as Proficiency Awards, State FFA Degrees and State FFA Stars. Students and chapters will be recognized for excellence in community service, agricultural literacy and leadership.
“The convention is an opportunity for students and supporters of Minnesota FFA to be recognized for year-long and multi-year accomplishments. We’re proud that, even in this still-virtual experience, there is opportunity for every student to get involved,” said Juleah Tolosky, Minnesota FFA executive director.
The 2021 State Star Finalists have been announced. The recipients of the top awards in each category will be announced live each morning on MnFFA.org.
State Star Agriculture, Food and Natural Resource Sciences Finalists (Monday, April 19 at 10:15 a.m.): Samuel Sauber – Staples-Motley FFA Chapter, Brooke Anderson – Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg FFA Chapter, Andy Krohnberg – United South Central FFA Chapter and Braden Greibrok – Austin FFA Chapter.
State Star in Agribusiness Finalists (Tuesday, April 20 at 9 a.m.): Selena Corona – Albany FFA Chapter, Eric Gunderson – Grand Rapids FFA Chapter, Mackenzie Henning – Jackson County Central FFA Chapter and Jacob Ross – Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted FFA Chapter.
State Star in Production Placement Finalists (Wednesday, April 21 at 9:30 a.m.): Kallie Frericks – Albany FFA Chapter, Wyatt Jenson – Edgerton FFA Chapter, Mikayla Thorson – Howard Lake-Waverly-Winsted FFA Chapter and Elizabeth Thome – Southland FFA Chapter.
State Star Farmer Finalists (Thursday, April 22 at 10:15 a.m.): Daniel Jossund – Ada-Borup FFA Chapter, Jenna Caughey – Brainerd FFA Chapter, Aly Dieball – Sibley East FFA Chapter and Anna Ridenour – Triton FFA Chapter.
The convention will feature keynote speeches from FFA state officers and the announcement of the 2021-2022 Minnesota FFA officer team live on MnFFA.org Friday, April 23, at 1:30 p.m. Throughout the convention, content will be available on the Minnesota FFA website, the Minnesota FFA YouTube Channel and will be shared on the organization’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages.
The State FFA Convention is offered in partnership by the Minnesota FFA Association, the Minnesota FFA Foundation and the Minnesota FFA Alumni. In addition to events for students, the State FFA Convention will include programs for partners and sponsors coordinated by the Minnesota FFA Foundation. Events will include a Planned Giving Event (April 20, 6 p.m.), an Honors Reception (April 21, 6 p.m.) and the Making a Difference in Agriculture – One Student at a Time event held in partnership with Minnesota AgriGrowth (April 22, 12 Noon). There will also be a virtual reception hosted by the Minnesota FFA Alumni Association and Supporters (April 22, 6 p.m.).
The FFA State Convention begins at 8 a.m. on April 19. The Minnesota FFA Convention app, which supplies links to convention events, will be available beginning Friday, April 16, and can be accessed online at https://crowd.cc/mnffa2021 or by downloading the app from https://crowd.cc/s/3ZLxW. Additional details and the convention schedule can also be found at MnFFA.org.
— Minnesota FFA Foundation
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