On Oct. 29, 10 students with two FFA advisers loaded two vans and started their journey to Indianapolis, to attend the 92nd National FFA Convention and Expo.

Highland FFA members who attended the convention included Bryce Waters, Jenna Sands, Madison Thomann, Jamison Kasparek, Brock Schaedler, Taylor Sublette, Madeline Peiffer, Mackenzie Hora, Payton Brun and Dakota Longbine with advisers Gina Trower and Duane Van Winkle.

The Highland FFA chapter began the second day of convention at the FFA mega store and convention hall at the Indiana Convention Center.

At the FFA mega store, students were able to buy FFA swag as well as check out materials available to the chapter.

The convention hall allowed students to speak with agricultural businesses and exhibitors from all across the country such as Case IH, Ford, Culver’s, Tractor Supply, Syngenta, American Dairy Goat Association, FarmHer and many more.

The Highland FFA attended the 92nd National FFA Convention opening ceremony at Lucas Oil Stadium.

At the opening ceremony, the Highland FFA listened to speakers such as National FFA Vice President Ridge Hughbanks, adviser Dr. Steve Brown, President Luke O’Leary, and keynote speaker Bob Goff.

For the first event in Indianapolis, the Highland FFA went to the Cinch World’s Toughest Rodeo at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. The FFA had a great time at the rodeo, and a few of the members and Trower were able to speak with Amberley Snyder, a paralyzed world champion barrel racer.

“Talking to Amberley Snyder was a cool opportunity to be able to talk to someone that has accomplished so much through hard work and determination,” Highland FFA Treasurer Jamison Kasparek said.

Another event that the Highland FFA took place in was the Blue Room session. This was a great experience for the FFA’ers because they got to learn a lot about advancements in agricultural technology and meet with some of the companies that are trying to improve agriculture.

On Thursday night, the Highland FFA went to a hypnotist show presented by Dr. Jim Wand. It was an entertaining show, because two members of Highland FFA were chosen to go up on stage.

Bryce Waters, the Highland FFA president, and Gina Trower, the Highland FFA adviser, were selected to be in Dr. Wand’s show, which made for a very hilarious evening.

The Highland FFA trip to the national convention was made possible by sponsors, businesses and families. Without their sponsorship, trips like the one to Indianapolis would not be possible.