Hudson FFA Students Attend the 98th National Convention

By Kaelyn Wolfe, Hudson FFA Chapter Reporter  

Seventeen students represented the Hudson FFA Chapter at the 98th National FFA  Convention, held Oct. 29–Nov. 1 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The annual event draws more than  73,000 FFA members and guests from across the country.  

Hudson FFA members in attendance included Brady Greiman, Cooper Hamer, Jack  Miller, Mac Schrader, Landon Beardsley, Trey Wulf, Carson Loeb, Makayla Shirk, Hannah  Chardoulias, Desi Lang, Olivia Fish, Olivia Ball, Josie Messmore, Jillian Wetzel, Izzy Baldwin,  Sophia Santman and Ella Steele.  

FFA advisor Dennis Deppe, along with Jennifer Deppe, Trevor Wulf, Dave Steele and  Dusty Greiman, served as chaperones for the trip.  

On the way to the convention, members toured the Caterpillar equipment  manufacturing facility in Peoria, Illinois, where they observed a track tractor plant and learned  about the manufacturing process and the efficiencies of different assembly methods.  

While at the convention, members attended the first general session, where they heard  from the National FFA officers and keynote speaker A’Ric Jackson, who was very inspiring. He  talked about not being afraid to remove the barriers that prevent you from growing.  

Chapter members explored the career show and expo, which featured representatives  from more than 80 colleges and universities and over 300 agriculture-related companies.  “This experience gives students a chance to talk one-on-one with industry and college  representatives to learn about various agricultural careers and explore opportunities in  postsecondary education,” Deppe said.  

There were various student workshops offered. One focused on helping students  prepare for their futures, while another helped students improve their mental well-being.  They also watched Leadership Development Event finals, including the Conduct of  Meetings CDE final. This contest showcases students’ abilities to use parliamentary procedure  to run an efficient and proper meeting.  

“We packed three days full of educational learning and experiences,” Deppe added. In  addition, the chapter members had the opportunity to attend a Three Hills Rodeo for FFA and  play Topgolf, which allowed them to meet other FFA members from across the country while  building stronger bonds within the Hudson FFA Chapter.  

“National FFA Convention sessions feature some of the best motivational speakers in  the country, retiring addresses by the National FFA student officers, awards presentations and  more,” Deppe said. “Each session was inspiring and motivates students to make a difference  in their own lives, in our chapter and in their community.”  

For those interested in learning more about the Hudson FFA, contact advisor Dennis  Deppe at Hudson High School.