The Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter members attended the 97th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. Pictured L to r – front: Katie Emmett (advisor), Aranza Tovar Garces, Madi Martinez, Kamille Capacia. Middle: Carter Lazatin, Alex Confer, Anna Johnson, Paola Gonzalez, Candy Castorena, Noah Rossbach. Back: James Moore, Dawson Friton, Kayden Klein, Mateo Hornsby, Daniel Armstrong, Mary Hoffmann (advisor).
The Sleepy Eye FFA Poultry Team received 19th place in the nation out of 42 teams. Pictured l to r – Emerson Johnson, Logan Ludewig, Ari Krzmarzick, and Zack Dominguez. There were 168 individuals in the Poultry Contest.
Lucia Martinez Paredes participated in the National FFA Choir, including being a soloist. She was selected from an audition tape and sang with others from across the country at the convention sessions.
Kayden Klein was the first place Overall Individual in the National Quiz Bowl Contest (Senior Division) out of 212 individuals.
The 97th National FFA Convention took place from October 22-26, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. In attendance were over 70,000 FFA members and guests from around the country, along with some of our own dedicated members. The city was encompassed with the colors of blue and gold as FFA members spread the message of agriculture. Members learned how to be successful in life and met many new members from across our nation.
Nineteen Sleepy Eye FFA members attended the National Convention including: Daniel Armstrong, Kamille Capacia, Candy Castorena, Alex Confer, Zack Dominguez, Dawson Friton, Paola Gonzalez, Mateo Hornsby, Anna Johnson, Emerson Johnson, Kayden Klein, Ari Krzmarzick, Carter Lazatin, Logan Ludewig, Lucia Martinez Paredes, Madi Martinez, James Moore, Noah Rossbach, Aranza Tovar Garces. Katie Emmett and Ms. Mary Hoffmann were the chaperones for the trip.
Students were exposed to an agricultural based career expo, heard dynamic speakers, and were inspired by energetic and motivating general sessions at the largest annual student convention in the country.
During Convention, the Sleepy Eye FFA was named a THREE Star National Chapter for growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture activities that the Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter highlighted in their National Chapter Award application. Three stars is the highest ranking out of 1, 2, or 3 stars being awarded by National FFA. Officers Anna Johnson and Carter Lazatin accepted this award on behalf of our chapter.
The Sleepy Eye Poultry Team competed at the National Convention earning 19th place in the nation. Team members consisted of Zack Dominguez, Emerson Johnson, Ari Krzmarzick, and Logan Ludewig. The team earned this trip by placing first in the state of Minnesota in April. All members of the team received a silver ranking with Zack Dominguez being the highest scorer on the team. There were 42 teams competing in the Poultry Contest. The National CDE included many different aspects dealing with chicken and turkey parts, judging, processed products, egg evaluation, oral reasons, and a team activity.
Fourteen Sleepy Eye FFA members competed in the National Quiz Bowl Contest during National Convention week. The Quiz Bowl Contest consists of taking a 100 question knowledge test on the history and current facts of FFA.
The National Sr. Quiz Bowl team #1 consisted of Kayden Klein, Mateo Hornsby, Carter Lazatin, and Noah Rossbach. The team placed 2nd in the nation out of 59 teams. The top scorer on the Sr. Team #1 was Kayden Klein who was the Overall Winner of the Quiz Bowl Contest out of 212 individuals!
The National Sr. Quiz Bowl team #2 consisting Daniel Armstrong, Alex Confer, Anna Johnson, and James Moore earned 12th place team. Anna Johnson was the high scorer on Team #2 earning 7th place overall out of 212 individuals.
The National Jr. Quiz Bowl team consisting of Madi Martinez, Kamille Capacia, Paola Gonzalez, and Candy Castorena placed 8th out of 28 teams. Madi Martinez was the top scorer on the Jr. team.
The Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter had six American FFA Degree Recipients including: Sophie Gustafson, Morgan Hoffmann, Adam Johnson, Sophie Kyllonen, Leisha Martinez, and Gracie Sellner. This is the highest award bestowed upon a FFA member. Only 2% of all FFA members receive this prestigious award.
Lucia Martinez participated in the National FFA Chorus while attending the convention. She auditioned this summer and was chosen by National FFA. She arrived on Saturday before convention to start practicing with the members from around the country. Lucia was able to perform with the choir at Convention Sessions and do a solo part as well.
Along with the FFA Convention, members were given the opportunity to attend several tours in Indiana. The tours include: Broken Wagon Bison, Fair Oaks Farms (Dairy and Swine), Louisville Slugger, and Churchill Downs. The convention also featured a rodeo and hypnotist. Our members were able to get great hands-on learning experiences and opportunities while making lots of memories.
While at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, most of the Sleepy Eye FFA members took time to work behind the scenes at the KNUJ Media Booth. They assisted Jim Bartels and Larry Baumgardt in interviewing different FFA Chapters around the state of Minnesota about their convention experiences and FFA activities. Advisor, Mary Hoffmann, conducted some interviews while at the convention as well. Our members also interviewed on the radio about their own experiences and activities they are participating in for FFA.
We want to thank our Sleepy Eye Ag. Boosters, local businesses, and the Sleepy Eye School district for supporting our FFA chapter and providing the chance for our members to attend convention. Without your support, our members would not have opportunities like these.