The first week of November, twelve Marietta FFA members traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana for the 96th National FFA Convention. The first stop was made in Picher, Oklahoma, to see the ghost town that was abandoned due to water contamination from the local mines. Next, we traveled to Sullivan, Missouri, where we explored the Meramec Caverns, a famous hideout for Jesse James.
We then made our way to Louisville, Kentucky, and got to learn how the famous Louisville Slugger bats are made. However, our favorite Louisville memory was watching the horse races at the one and only Churchill Downs.
On Thursday November 2, with 67,956 FFA members present, Marietta FFA was recognized for being selected as a Three Star Chapter. Additionally, on this day our chapter explored potential career and educational interests and opportunities within the agricultural industry by visiting the career show.
Friday November 3, was packed full of Agritourism and fun! To start off the day Marietta FFA went to Ozark Fisheries. At Ozark Fisheries, we learned about how the farm manages and raises koi and goldfish. Next, we traveled to an apple farm where they educated us about production and some popular by-products. Sampling the seven different apples and apple cider was our favorite part! We finished our day with a good old scare or two at Haunted Acres. The five different haunted houses made all of us scream.
We ended the trip with a bang. Former member Kadence Bazor Brown wore her official dress and walked across stage one last time to receive her American FFA Degree, the highest degree an FFA member can receive. The entire chapter was present to see Brown receive her honor before loading back up for the long ride home.