The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

PULLMAN, Wash.-Fifteen Waitsburg FFA members attended the 89th Washington FFA convention in Pullman over May 9-11 under the direction of Advisor Nicole Abel.

"Along with the various contests and volunteer duties the students had, they participated in a leadership workshop of their choice, attended four general assembly session that heard keynote speakers from state and national officers as well as award recognitions, watched the WSU/UCLA baseball game, ate Ferdinand's ice cream, and experienced the WSU campus, dining hall, and dorms first hand," Abel said.

Students arrived in Pullman on Wednesday and stayed busy from breakfast at 6:30 a.m. through sessions ending at 9 p.m. Between practicing for competition and trekking across campus for various activities, members enjoyed meeting with more than 2000 FFA members from Washington State.

"The group worked hard and is looking to attend National Convention in the fall. The National Chapter application will be moving on to Nationals and Tom House will receive his American Degree," Abel said.

Four seniors, three juniors, one sophomore and seven freshmen attended the conventions. Anna Miller was the chapter delegate and Marely submitted the chapter scrapbook. Attendees included:

Food Science: Drew Farley, Seamus House, Devon Harshman, Daltin Lambert, Koby Harris

National Chapter: Anna Miller, Marley Ahler

Conduct of Chapter Meetings: Kenzie Lewis, Brayden Mohney, Chloe Gleason, Alex Struckmeier, Alexis Reeves, Caleb Barron

Diversified Livestock Proficiency: Seamus House

State Degree: Devon Harshman, Seamus House

American Degree Candidate: Tom House

Courtesy Corp: Marley Ahler, Austin James, Violet Smith

Waitsburg Judges: Nicole Abel – National Chapter and Conduct of Chapter Meeting, Christy House – Food Science, Melissa Ney – Food Science

Bus Driver: Pam Alexenko

"State and National Convention really inspires the kids and gives them great ideas and motivation to use at our school. It has been a great year. June 5 is the chapter banquet to wrap up the year with awards and recognition," Abel said.