Members took part in the multiple-day celebration, experiencing dynamic speakers, emotional addresses, a jam-packed Career Show, tours and a shopping mall. They also toured Monsanto's field research facility in Monmouth, Illinois.
The convention itself kicked off with Mike Rowe, creator and host of Discovery Channel's "Dirty Jobs"; Rowe drew more than 35,000 FFA members, advisors, supporters and guests to the session. Among other things, Rowe told the convention-goers that "the willingness to get dirty is at the heart of what we're talking about. The country was built on a willingness to get dirty." He then encouraged students to tell their agricultural story to their communities.
On Thursday, October 22, FFA members put civic learning and leadership into action by participating in the National FFA Day of Service. Approximately 1,300 FFA members joined the effort, including the IMS entourage, which worked at the Jameson Camp in Indianapolis. The camp is where youth explore nature and leadership opportunities; IMS youth helped construct a hiking trail. The service day itself resulted in $89,000 worth of savings, considering the many volunteer hours the groups contributed.
IMS graduate Levi Powell, one of the chaperones, received the American FFA Degree on the final day of the convention. It is the highest degree awarded; Powell's recognition was based on his demonstrated leadership abilities and outstanding achievements in agricultural business, production, processing and service programs. Fewer than one in 154 FFA members advance to earn this national degree.
Powell, a 2007 IMS alumna, is the son of Jerry and Ruth Powell of rural Wellman. He was recognized at a banquet reception during the convention.
FFA is a national youth organization of 495,000 student members preparing for leadership careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture; there are 7,242 local chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. IMS' chapter is the only one in the state of Iowa that hails from a private school.
In addition to Kilgard and Powell, 2005 IMS graduate Cory Kanagy also accompanied the group as a chaperone.
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