PULLMAN, Wash. — More than 2,500 FFA members, chapter advisors and guests are expected to attend the 68th state FFA Convention, Thursday, May 14, through Sunday, May 17, at Washington State University.
Before the final gavel brings the convention to a close, more than 15 contests will be decided, six new state officers will be elected and the winners of the organization’s most prestigious honors the state star farmer and state agribusiness star will be announced.
This year’s keynote speaker is Jennifer Esperante Gunter, affectionately known as the Cha Cha Queen. She has choreographed and judged nationally competitive dance and cheer teams and produced pre- game and half-time shows for the San Francisco 49ers and the Jeep Aloha Bowl. The former Miss San Francisco is author of “Winning with the Right Attitude.” She is scheduled to speak at 8 p.m. Thursday in the Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum.
On Friday evening, special awards will be given to a dozen WSU faculty, staff, state FFA staff and others for their contributions to FFA. Among those honored will be Ken Milholland, who will be retiring from the state FFA staff after 10 years. On Saturday, the FFA will honor Jim Crow, recently retired director of the Beasley coliseum, who first hosted the FFA convention at the coliseum 23 years ago.
The convention is the highlight of the FFA year, according to Ron Crawford, state FFA advisor and convention chair. The primary aim of FFA is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
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