Fairbanks hosts state FFA convention

FFA state officers

Alaska FFA members from across the state will gather at the 37th annual state FFA convention April 24-27 in Fairbanks.

FFA members involved in agricultural and natural resource education will compete in leadership and career development events, participate in a service project and attend workshops. Participants also will compete in the Canon Envirothon at Chena Lake Recreation Area. The convention will be held at the Regency Hotel and Moose Lodge.

Around 100 members will attend from North Pole, Delta Junction, Effie Kokrine Charter School, Kodiak, Palmer, Homer and Midnight Sun chapters. Students will compete in events such as floriculture, agricultural mechanics, prepared and extemporaneous speaking, veterinary science and job interviews. The event winners will have the opportunity to compete at the national FFA convention in Louisville, Ky. During the Envirothon, students will test their knowledge about soils, wildlife, aquatics, forestry and other environmental topics.

SNRAS Professor Meriam Karlsson is judging the floriculture competition and George Aguiar, SNRAS research professional, is judging at the Envirothon.

Students will also have the opportunity to attend workshops led by National FFA Southern Region Vice President Wiley Bailey. Bailey travels throughout the country leading personal growth and leadership training seminars for FFA members.

The Alaska FFA Association is part of the National FFA Organization (formerly the Future Farmers of America). For the past 37 years, Alaska FFA has provided students across the state with hands-on education opportunities in an effort to produce the next generation of leaders in the agricultural and natural resource industries.