2022 Pennsylvania FFA Midwinter Convention
New Holland Arena Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex, Harrisburg PA, Monday, January 10
It’s never about the place you’re at or the task you’re doing, but rather the people that you’re with!
On Monday, January 10, 2022, I had the incredible privilege of being surrounded by hundreds of aspiring leaders and agriculturists, their families, and their mentors, all while celebrating an incredible organization, the FFA.
After two years, the Pennsylvania FFA was able to safely bring over 5,000 members, advisors, guests, and visitors back to the New Holland Arena of the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex for the Midwinter Convention. Not only is the Midwinter Convention an event to recognize hundreds of keystone FFA degree recipients (the highest degree bestowed upon an FFA member by the state), an opportunity for over 400 students to put on their gifted FFA jacket for the very first time, congratulating parents who have raised 3+ children to receive the keystone degree, and other various awards, recognition, and guest speakers, but the convention is also a chance for students across the state to mingle with each other, form friendships, network, and share their passions for agriculture.
I can vividly remember my first midwinter convention in 2015 and I am sure that anyone who has attended the convention can do the same, whether you were a member, advisor, parent, or visitor. I was amazed by the leadership of the current state officer team, the affirmations made by guest speakers such as Secretary of Agriculture, Russell Reading and Pennsylvania FFA Alumni President, Sherisa Nailor, the excitement of fellow FFA members receiving awards or recognition that they put countless hours of work into, and I remember my own wonder and uncertainty as I heard the words “Welcome to the best student organization in the world, you may put on your jacket.” (Pictured below is my first Midwinter FFA Convention experience in 2015 when I received my FFA jacket.)
That may have been six years ago (wow, really dating myself here), but as I attended the Midwinter Convention this year, I felt a whole slew of new emotions—not because it was back in person again (although this really made my heart happy), but because I had the opportunity to watch the convention as a supporter and alumni of the FFA, rather than as a member. I was asked to photograph the event from setup to finish. I must say, seeing the convention through this lens was moving. (see what I did there?!) Like many members, I can relate nearly all of my life’s greatest moments back to memories I made in the blue jacket. Being an alumni, I continue to add to the long list of life-changing experiences and relationships, such as my time at Midwinter this year. It was gratifying to feel the excitement all over again through current members.
Here are just a few highlights:
I captured the joy on members, advisors, and guests faces as they reunited over PA Dairyman’s milkshakes and casual conversations. I videoed the hundreds of students flooding the New Holland Arena to get the best seats in the house and cheer on their fellow classmates. I watched eyes light up as a student’s name was called for the Washington Leadership Conference scholarship or as a state star. The tears in parents’ eyes as they watched their babies walk across the stage and receive the largest FFA award our state offers. I thoroughly enjoyed the moments of agricultural dignitaries and FFA partners networking with students and expressing how proud of the student leaders they are. The action shots of the state officer team as they introduced various segments of the convention, engaging the crowd were an all time favorite as well. And, my most favorite photos of all, include FFA members beaming from ear to ear with their classmates, meeting new friends, and being recognized for their accomplishments. Those smiles were so contagious, y’all!
Now, I can tell you all about these captivating photos, but I would much rather allow you to relive the event for yourself! Amongst this blog are many favorites from the day, as well as the link below will take you to the final gallery of images! Please share with family, friends, agriculture teachers, mentors, and anyone else that loves the FFA!
The FFA organization, in and of itself, is truly the 8th wonder of the world. It is because of this program that many of us students found our niche and passion within agriculture and the world we live in today. Despite the uncertainty of the times we are currently in, I have strong faith that the FFA program will continue to provide students with the ultimate leadership development and lifelong learning necessary for our next generation of agricultural leaders. Mrs. Nailor said it best as she directed students to put on their jackets for the first time at Midwinter Convention, “The front of the jacket says who you are. The back of the jacket says where you are from, but nowhere on the jacket does it say where you will go.” And, oh, the places you will go in the blue and gold!
Don’t worry, there will be many more blogs about the FFA in the future! Congratulations to all students who were recognized at the Midwinter FFA Convention. I am so proud of each and every one of you!
I said it once and I will say it again over and over, but any day is great when your surrounded with incredible people like those that wear, have worn, or support the corduroy jacket!
For more about the FFA, visit www.paffa.org
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