PULLMAN, Wash. — More than 2,500 FFA members, teachers and parents from around Washington state are expected to attend the 79th Washington State FFA Convention, May 14 through May 16. The convention will be headquartered at the Beasley Performing Arts Coliseum.
The theme for this year’s convention is “Operation Blue Thunder” and will feature many leadership activities, competitive events, educational workshops and opportunities for students to be recognized for their outstanding achievements.
This year’s keynote is R5, a nationally recognized motivational group.
The College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences is partnering with the College of Veterinary Medicine to offer a series of 16 workshops, tours and other activities that will enrich this year’s Convention experience.
Before the final gavel brings the convention to a close, state winners for 20 career development events will be decided, six new state officers will be elected, and the winners of the organization’s most prestigious honors — the state Agriscience Student Award and the Agri-Entrepreneurship Award — will be announced.
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.
About 150 of the state’s 200 FFA high school programs, which daily teach some 22,000 students about the science of agriculture, will be represented on campus, according to Marv Kleene, associate professor of agricultural education and campus coordinator for the convention.
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Note to media: Contact Wayne Gillman, program director, agricultural education, or Jodi Monroe, Washington State FFA Executive Secretary in the Coliseum on May 12 at 509-335-3803. Programs will be available at Beasley.