Osage City FFA members display the individual and chapter awards earned at the 98th Kansas FFA State Convention, at Manhattan, from left, Avery Thielen, Harlie Tenbrink, Chyanne Wiley, Brenton Seastrom, Kevin Whitmer, and Kimberly Knauber. Osage City FFA photo.
By Kimberly Knauber, Osage City FFA Reporter
MANHATTAN, Kan. – Six Osage City FFA officers, one state competitor, and two advisors attended the 98th Kansas FFA State Convention, May 26-29, 2026, at Manhattan, Kan. Throughout the busy week, the Osage City FFA chapter earned several accolades, attended general sessions and leadership workshops, and watched chapter delegates vote for the new state officer team.
Attending the convention were students Avery Thielen, Chyanne Wiley, Brenton Seastrom, Kimberly Knauber, Kevin Whitmer, Harlie Tenbrink, and Jaiton Bosse, along with outgoing Osage City FFA advisor Danny Rice and incoming advisor Allison Railsback.
The convention began Tuesday as the group traveled from Osage City to Manhattan. Upon arrival, Thielen reported to her first State FFA Band rehearsal. The remaining Osage City members spent most of the day assisting as timers and door keepers for the state Parliamentary Procedure (Senior Par Law) leadership development event (LDE). Afterward, the members explored Aggieville and the local area.
Wednesday morning, Thielen continued band rehearsals while other members attended a leadership workshop led by National FFA Southern Region Vice President T. Wayne Williams. Members also explored the convention’s Opportunity Fair to connect with agribusinesses and collegiate representatives.
Wiley and Seastrom served as official chapter delegates during the convention, meeting to vote on state officer candidates and discussing Kansas FFA business. While the delegates were in session, the remaining members participated in a leadership development workshop hosted by former National FFA Officer Luke Jennings. Additionally, Bosse competed in the Prepared Public Speaking and Employment Skills (job interview) LDEs after qualifying for the state level during district competition this past winter.
Thursday’s schedule included the convention’s third and fourth general sessions, and the Kansas FFA Band and Choir Concert. During the third session, the Osage City FFA Chapter was recognized as a Chapter Seed Program participant for its financial donation to the Kansas FFA Foundation. Later that evening, Thielen performed with the State FFA Band after successfully auditioning for the musical group.
At the fourth session, members heard from keynote speaker Tanner Clark, who shared a message that it takes “one second of strength to cultivate an incredible life.” The evening concluded with Ignite the Night at the K-State Recreation Center, where members connected with peers from across the state.
The convention concluded Friday with the fifth and closing sessions. Osage City FFA was honored as a Silver Division Chapter in the National Chapter Awards Program, based on the chapter’s program of activities over the past year. Bosse was also recognized on stage as a recipient of a Kansas FFA Scholarship. Following a final performance by Thielen and the State FFA Band, the group returned home to Osage City.
Photos thanks to Osage City FFA.
