MdCV FFA officers at McCain Auditorium, front, Ella Reed; back, Akyra Traver, Haylea Bethell, Olivia Lacey, Taytum Gellhaus, and Kate Patterson. MdCV FFA photo.

By Ella Reed
MdCV FFA Reporter

The Marais des Cygnes Valley FFA 2023 officer team attended the 95th Kansas State FFA Convention, May 31-June 2, 2023, in Manhattan, Kan. This year’s theme was “Emerge.” The Kansas FFA had more than 2,300 members in attendance. MdCV FFA members attending were president Olivia Lacey, vice president Kate Patterson, reporter Ella Reed, secretary Akyra Traver, sentinel Haylea Bethell, and treasurer Taytum Gellhaus.

Officers attended workshops and the Opportunity Fair and Career Show. Olivia Lacey and Kate Patterson served as delegates at the convention. They were able to speak to other chapters and share ideas they could take back to their schools to help increase the membership numbers.

There were multiple speakers at the convention including state officers with their retiring addresses and some motivational speakers from across the country. Speakers included Karstyn Cantrell, the National FFA Central Region vice president, Mike Pierce, who spoke about his journey through Antarctica, and Kaden and Emily Roush, who shared their story about how they stayed positive and took opportunities to help make their small business grow.

The MdCV officers were also very excited to listen to some great music from Bobby Irwin at The Hat after the opening session Wednesday night.

Some of MdCV’s FFA officers were recognized for various awards and scholarships. Montana McCurdy received the Lehning Scholarship to attend the Washington Leadership Conference. Seniors Kyla Vogeler, Jace Stucker, and Kyler Anschutz all received their state degrees. Kyla Vogeler also received the National FFA Built Ford Tough Crow-Moddie Ford Scholarship. The chapter was recognized for the Chapter Seed Program, which means that the chapter donated at least $200 to the Kansas FFA.

Next year’s officers are looking forward to a year filled with helping their chapter, school, and community.

MdCV FFA officers at McCain Auditorium, front, Ella Reed; back, Akyra Traver, Haylea Bethell, Olivia Lacey, Taytum Gellhaus, and Kate Patterson. MdCV FFA photo.