By Kenna McMurray
Moapa Valley Progress
The campus at the University of Nevada, Reno was a sea of blue corduroy jackets last week as over 450 members of the National FFA Organization gathered for Nevada’s 84th annual State Convention. Among them were several Moapa Valley youth who are active in the local FFA chapter.
This Convention is a gathering of all the chapters in the state of Nevada. Students combine for one week to develop their leadership abilities, attend workshops, run for state office, compete in Career Development Events, and participate in numerous other opportunities.
Every night of the convention a session was held which included speeches by members of the State Assembly, past and present national FFA officers, and other distinguished guests.
Throughout the days of the convention students competed in Career Development Event (CDE) contests. These events help students develop skills that can help them in a possible career, such as floriculture, mechanics, and horse judging. The students are awarded a pin and a plaque at the general sessions to honor their achievements.
The winners of each CDE get to compete at the National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky in October. As a team, Moapa Valley took third overall in the event “Best Informed Greenhand.” This event is a test for all first year FFA members about their knowledge of the organization.
The Moapa Valley team; made up of seniors Michael Poynor, Wyatt Newman, Zach Holt, and freshman Nathan Witter; took third overall in Agriculture Mechanics. Local youth Josie Henrie, Makaela Henrie, Kenna McMurray, and Brynne McMurray also took seventh in Meats Evaluation. Kenna McMurray took sixth in this event. Kenna McMurray also placed first in Prepared Public Speaking. Michael Poynor placed ninth in Agriculture Mechanics and Wyatt Newman placed 13th in the same event.
Moapa Valley was recognized at the convention for their win at Soils and Homesite Judging contest in September. Kenna McMurray placed as high individual in both contests, with Brynne McMurray placing second in Homesite and third in Soils. Sarah King placed third in Homesite.
But the State Convention was not just a time of contests and awards. Service projects, workshops, and tours of UNR are given all day for interested students. There was also a Fun Zone where students could stop and play basketball, volleyball, and even sumo wrestle.
Several students from Moapa Valley earned the second to highest degree an FFA member can achieve. Alex Jones, Klint Cardinal, Wyatt Newman, Kenna McMurray, and Zachary Holt were all awarded their State Degree at the convention. The State president, Margaret Wright, spotlighted each candidate and acknowledged their accomplishments. This was to honor the students in the state of Nevada who had completed a tough application process and fulfilled the rigorous requirements of the degree.
The week was full of enjoyable times and fun experiences that the students will never forget.
“I love state convention,” said MVHS junior Sarah King. “I have a lot of fun but I also get experiences that only FFA can provide for me. I love this organization.”
The year doesn’t end with State Convention. Local members will continue to be participating in FFA activities all year long and some will attend the National Convention in Kentucky in October.
