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All roads lead to Indianapolis for FFA members from around the country

While backgrounds and experiences are different for FFA members around the country, the blue corduroy brings members together this week in Indianapolis.

For Kyle Thomas of Minnesota, the 2023 National FFA Convention was his ninth, but hopefully not his final convention as he’s advanced to Phase 2 of the National Officer Selection Process. 

Thomas doesn’t come from an ag background, but joined FFA as a middle-schooler and has grown more passionate and involved in the organization every year. “It’s that hands-on learning,” he says.  “I’m somebody who really likes to get my hands involved and actually get out there and work. We say in the FFA motto that we’re learning to do because we understand that the best way to learn is simply by doing.”

AUDIO: Kyle Thomas, Minnesota FFA National Officer Candidate

Hazel Yoder, a freshman from Missouri’s North Shelby FFA Chapter, says she’s excited to take it all in this week.  “This is my family’s roots and I just want to understand it,” she says.  “And figure out how it fits into my life.” While it is her first convention as a member, Yoder’s dad was a state FFA officer, and her sister is competing in a national competition for a third consecutive year.  “You definitely have a little bit of pressure on you,” she says.  “But I have a feeling that I’m going to be able to do my own things. And be better and good at stuff in my own way.”

AUDIO: Hazel Yoder, North Shelby FFA (Missouri)

Thomas will find out Saturday afternoon if he will serve as one of the 2023-2024 National FFA Officers.