BFHS FFA
The annual State Leadership Conference (SLC) for Idaho FFA had a theme this year of "Break Away." The Bonners Ferry FFA Chapter has attended SLC every year because it is always a great experience for the new and old FFA members. The trip this year was April 5-10, and everyone who went accomplished something.
So many people made a big leap at state this year. Our very own Erica Wood, who is the current North Idaho FFA District and Bonners Ferry FFA Chapter President, took her bold shot at running for FFA state office. She did not make it, but we are all proud of her valiant effort. Mary Fioravanti also decided to take a big step in choosing to apply for state talent. She got approved and rocked the house when she got to sing in front of the Idaho FFA and loved it!
Due to hard work and good effort, many of our chapter members received awards at the state conference. Cheyenne Andrews, our chapter Reporter, did an amazing job on the chapter scrapbook, placing 4th at state, almost making the top three. Thomas Smith, Mary Fioravanti, and Abby Davis all won an Ag Proficiency award in different categories. Cheyenne Andrews, Brittany Spangler, Abby Davis, and Thomas Smith were handed their state degree on stage, and Thomas Smith also achieved Star in Agribusiness at state! Last but not least, Abby Davis and Erica Wood were each awarded a $2,000 scholarship for college.
Now looking behind the scenes, what makes Idaho FFA great? We were able to supply two delegates from our chapter, Shawna Siver and Jesse Sandalin. It is customary for every chapter to provide delegates at state who will vote and discuss all the important issues. They are the roots of the Idaho FFA organization, and thanks to them we're still doing good!
Although our FFA members are serious about hard work, they also had a bunch of fun! The Bonners Ferry FFA Chapter started off their arrival with a tour of Bar Diamond Inc., learning about the creation of rumen cannulas and what they are used for.
When state CDE's (competitions) began at conference in Twin Falls, we had a team for Floriculture and Horse Judging. Those on the Floriculture team were Mary Fioravanti, Emily Ansley, Gracie Jones, and Crysta McLeish. Horse Judging people were Gracie Jones, Shawna Siver, Jesse Sandalin, and Conner Underhill.
When not competing, FFA members either attended the state sessions, had some free time to go to the mall, or did community service, but for the most part they were on a tight schedule. It is tradition for all of the Idaho FFA chapters to go to a state FFA dance after their community service project. The dance is the favorite part of the trip for most members, because they have a blast dancing around with their friends. To top off the end of the trip, the FFA members of the North Idaho District always meet at Wahooz, an arcade/go-kart place, for chapter and district bonding. This allows members from across the state to get to know each other and get out of their comfort zone.
Local FFA members always have so much fun and memories at State Leadership Conference that will last forever.