The 98th National FFA Convention is the largest event hosted by the National FFA. 19 members of the Miami East-MVCTC FFA chapter were in attendance at the convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. Those members included were Savannah Brown, Kinsley Courtright, Alexa Deaton, Jacob Eichhorn, Luke Fulton, Jon Hart, Cameron Helsinger, Natily Higgins, Memphis Hughes, Kaci Manns, Andrew Miller, Ella Myers, Zoey Niekamp, Charlotte Norman, Alivia Palivec, Cooper Palivec, Emmitt Ondera, Josie Shane, Ava Skeens, Kennedy Swigart, Also joining the members during the trip was the Arcanum-MVCTC FFA Chapter and its members.
Over 72,000 members, parents, and guests were in attendance at the National FFA Convention. Previous conventions were held in Kansas City, Missouri and Louisville, Kentucky.
Convention activities included attending several convention sessions where members were inspired by motivational speakers such as the 2025-26 National FFA Officers and keynote speaker A’Ric Jackson. Attendees enjoyed attending the Buckeye Bash at the Barn, the FFA Shopping Mall and Career Show and Expo, and a tour of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Quiet Harmony Elk Farm.
Wyatt Black and Rhylee Eichhorn were recognized as a Top 4 in the National FFA Proficiency Awards. Black excelled in the area of Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance - Entrepreneurship. Eichhorn was recognized in the area of Swine Production - Entrepreneurship. Both received a special medallion for their accomplishment.
The Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter received a Three-Star National Chapter Award, the highest award bestowed to an FFA Chapter. The chapter was selected for this honor based on its activities during the previous school year, in the areas of growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture.
Miami East Schools graduates Fletcher Harris, Alaina Helsinger, Reagan Howell, Kyle Larson, Jadyn Maingi, Elisabeth Norman, and Ty Roeth received the American FFA Degree. The American FFA Degree is the highest degree awarded by the National FFA Organization and recognizes members’ ability to demonstrate leadership abilities and outstanding achievements in agricultural business, production, processing, and service programs. Recipients received gold American FFA Degree key and a certificate to commemorate the achievement.
Thank you to agriculture teachers Mrs. Marie Carity from Miami East, Mr. Brian Pohlman from Arcanum and Miami East Student Teacher Miss Abigail Getz for organizing the experience. Additional appreciation goes to the staff and administration at Miami East Local Schools and the Miami Valley Career Technology Center for their support.
Photo caption: Rhylee Eichhorn was recognized as a National FFA Proficiency Finalist in the area of Swine Production - Entrepreneurship. She was named a Top 4 in the nation.
Photo caption: Wyatt Black was recognized as a National FFA Proficiency Finalist in the area of Agricultural Mechanic Repair and Maintenance - Entrepreneurship. He was named a Top 4 in the nation.
Photo caption: Attending from the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter were (front row, L to R) Charlotte Norman, Ella Myers, Kaci Manns, Kinsley Courtright, Savannah Brown (middle row, L to R) Natily Higgins, Kennedy Swigart, Alexa Deaton, Alivia Palivec, Andrew Miller (back row, L to R) Zoey Niekamp, Josie Shane, Cooper Palivec, Cameron Helsinger, and Jacob Eichhorn.
Photo caption: Receiving the American FFA Degree from Miami East-MVCTC FFA were (front row, L to R) Alana Helsinger, Kyle Larson, Reagan Howell, and Elisabeth Norman. Also receiving the degree but not in attendance were Fletcher Harris, Jadyn Maingi, and Ty Roeth.