2015 Convention

Need help packing for the 87^th Florida FFA State Convention & Expo next week? Here’s a packing list and also some tips on how to get the most of your suitcase and FFA convention experience!

Tips

1. Wash clothes and clean your room before you travel. This helps you finds things that you may need like an extra FFA polo or some of your CDE practice materials.  It’s also great because when you get back from convention, you’ve got a nice bed to welcome you home after such an exciting week!
2. Set out outfits before you pack. Of course, the most important outfit is your FFA Official Dress.  Make sure that you have enough to have a couple of sets, your tie or scarf, and ladies – be sure to bring extra pairs of panty hose.  The FFA Alumni will be selling panty hose and other official dress accessories in the FFA Shopping Mall.
3. Bring a grocery bag to put your dirty clothes in.
4. It’s Florida, so it’s probably going to rain. Bring an umbrella to keep you dry whenever you’re not under the covered walkway.

Packing List

Clothes

• Official FFA Jacket
• Official FFA Tie or Scarf
• Black slacks or black skirts
• White button up shirts
• Business casual

Personal Grooming Items

• Toothbrush
• Brush/comb
• Deodorant
• Flat irons & curling irons

Electronics

• Chargers: cell phone, camera, laptop
• Selfie stick
• Camera
• Cell phone (make sure you’re following Florida FFA on everything!)

Other Items

• Snacks for your room
• Your favorite pillow
• A positive attitude!

Be sure to check with your FFA Advisor for any other specifics that you might need to bring.  With just a little preparation and planning, you can ensure your FFA convention trip will be the most incredible experience ever! Are you ready for the revolution?

NEW THIS YEAR

As always, the safety and well-being of our convention guests is our top priority.  New this year, each student will be required to wear an armband for the duration of the convention.  This armband will not be transferable and must be worn at all times while attending the convention.

In the packet of materials that you receive at onsite convention registration, you will receive an armband voucher for each student.  Each voucher must be exchanged for an armband at the armband kiosk located outside of the main convention area(s).  Due to the potential of long lines prior to a session, it will be important that you distribute the vouchers to your students early and have them fitted for their armband well in advance of their entry into a CDE, a general session, a workshop or the Expo.

ALL convention guests must have a credential to attend ANY part of convention. Guests wishing to watch CDEs or attend sessions, workshops or the Expo must register at the convention registration desk and obtain the proper credential.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Florida FFA Association is pleased to announce the selection of Florida’s Premier FFA Chapters.  The Premier Chapter Award was initiated to recognize superior achievement by chapters in Agricultural Education and the FFA. To be eligible for this award, a chapter must be proficient in several areas, which include Alumni and Community Partnerships, Financial Planning, and Public Relations, along with Recruitment and other FFA activities.  One member and one advisor from each of these chapters will be recognized on the main stage during the 2^nd General Session of the 87^th Florida FFA Convention and Expo on Wednesday, July 1, 2015.  All award winners should report to the holding room thirty minutes prior to the session in which they are to be recognized. The sponsor of this award is Crop Production Service, Inc.

• Altha MS
• Altha SR
• Apopka SR
• Brooksville SR
• Buffalo Creek
• Chiefland MS
• Chiefland SR
• Cottondale
• Cottondale MS
• DeLand MS
• DeLand SR
• Deltona SR
• East River
• Ferguson SR
• Frostproof MS
• Frostproof SR
• Ft. White SR
• Malone
• Malone Middle School
• Oakleaf
• Oakleaf MS
• Ocoee MS
• Sneads
• South Sumter MS
• Suwannee MS
• Timber Creek
• Tomlin MS
• Trenton SR
• Wilkinson MS
• Williston MS
• Williston SR

ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA STATE CONVENTION & EXPO

The annual state convention and expo is truly a week that “absolutely everybody” should experience.  For 87 years, FFA members have come together to celebrate the achievements won by the past and present generations of agriculturalists, while continuing to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.  Honoring the past and present, FFA members, along with advisors, alumni parents and supporters will be inspired to take pride in our industry, serve our communities, and lead our organization into a new era of agriculture.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA ASSOCIATION

The Florida FFA Association is a premier youth, leadership organization with over 17,000 middle and high school student members – as part of over 300 local FFA chapters across the state. FFA members participate in nearly 50 leadership and career development events each year. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

The Florida FFA Association is a resource and support organization that does not select, control, supervise or approve local chapter or individual member activities except as expressly provided for in the Florida FFA Association Constitution and Bylaws.

The Florida FFA Association affirms its belief in the value of all human beings and seeks diversity in its membership, leadership and staff as an equal opportunity employer.

THE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION MISSION

Agricultural education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resource systems.

THE FFA MISSION

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

For more information about Florida FFA and agricultural education, visit floridaffa.org.

Florida FFA sincerely thanks the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, this year’s convention & expo media room sponsor, for their continued support of Florida FFA and agricultural education.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Florida FFA Association is pleased to announce those chapters who have achieved 100% FFA Membership within their chapter.  In order to receive this award, every student enrolled in agriculture must also be a bona fide FFA member.  One member and one advisor from each of these chapters will be recognized during the 3^rd General Session of the 87^th Florida FFA State Convention on July 1, 2015.  All award winners should report to the awards holding room 30 minutes prior to the session in which they are to be recognized. This award is sponsored by Hillsborough County Farm Bureau.

• Bell MS
• Belleview MS
• Bradford MS
• Brooksville SR
• Buddy Taylor MS
• Corner Lake MS
• Cornerstone Christian Academy
• Cottondale
• Crystal River MS
• Excel Christian Academy
• Ferguson SR
• Ft. White MS
• Ft. White SR
• Glades Day MS
• Glades Day School
• Hilliard
• Karen Siegel Academy
• Kennedy (John) MS
• Lafayette MS
• Lake Butler MS
• Lecanto MS
• Madison Central MS
• New Smyrna Beach JR
• New Smyrna Beach SR
• Oakleaf MS
• Peterson Academies of Technology
• Poplar Springs Middle
• Sarasota Vo-Ag
• SunRidge MS
• Trenton MS
• Ward (Ernest) MS
• West Florida
• Wilkinson MS

ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA STATE CONVENTION & EXPO

The annual state convention and expo is truly a week that “absolutely everybody” should experience.  For 87 years, FFA members have come together to celebrate the achievements won by the past and present generations of agriculturalists, while continuing to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.  Honoring the past and present, FFA members, along with advisors, alumni parents and supporters will be inspired to take pride in our industry, serve our communities, and lead our organization into a new era of agriculture.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA ASSOCIATION

The Florida FFA Association is a premier youth, leadership organization with over 17,000 middle and high school student members – as part of over 300 local FFA chapters across the state. FFA members participate in nearly 50 leadership and career development events each year. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

The Florida FFA Association is a resource and support organization that does not select, control, supervise or approve local chapter or individual member activities except as expressly provided for in the Florida FFA Association Constitution and Bylaws.

The Florida FFA Association affirms its belief in the value of all human beings and seeks diversity in its membership, leadership and staff as an equal opportunity employer.

THE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION MISSION

Agricultural education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resource systems.

THE FFA MISSION

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

For more information about Florida FFA and agricultural education, visit floridaffa.org.

Florida FFA sincerely thanks the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, this year’s convention & expo media room sponsor, for their continued support of Florida FFA and agricultural education.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida FFA is pleased to announce the talented FFA members chosen to perform at the 87^th Florida FFA State Convention & Expo.  Each act chosen to perform will entertain convention attendees during one of the nine general sessions.

All talent performers listed below are required to attend the mandatory talent meeting Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at 2:00 pm.  Session assignments will be announced as soon as they are finalized.

Name	Chapter
Kylie Carter	Baker County MS
Kinsey Ward	Chiefland SR
Kathy Lazo	Ferguson SR
Braden Crawford	Haines City SR
Kyle Boatright	Middleburg SR
Alyssa Asselin & LeAira Asselin	Oakleaf MS & Oakleaf
Taylor Pearce	Okeechobee Brahman
Carleigh Hartzog	Trenton SR
Kayti Callahan	Turkey Creek MS

ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA STATE CONVENTION & EXPO

The annual state convention and expo is truly a week that “absolutely everybody” should experience.  For 87 years, FFA members have come together to celebrate the achievements won by the past and present generations of agriculturalists, while continuing to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.  Honoring the past and present, FFA members, along with advisors, alumni parents and supporters will be inspired to take pride in our industry, serve our communities, and lead our organization into a new era of agriculture.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA ASSOCIATION

The Florida FFA Association is a premier youth, leadership organization with over 17,000 middle and high school student members – as part of over 300 local FFA chapters across the state. FFA members participate in nearly 50 leadership and career development events each year. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

The Florida FFA Association is a resource and support organization that does not select, control, supervise or approve local chapter or individual member activities except as expressly provided for in the Florida FFA Association Constitution and Bylaws.

The Florida FFA Association affirms its belief in the value of all human beings and seeks diversity in its membership, leadership and staff as an equal opportunity employer.

THE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION MISSION

Agricultural education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resource systems.

THE FFA MISSION

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

For more information about Florida FFA and agricultural education, visit floridaffa.org.

Florida FFA sincerely thanks the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, this year’s convention & expo media room sponsor, for their continued support of Florida FFA and agricultural education.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Florida FFA Association is pleased to announce the selection of the 2015 Convention Courtesy Corps. The Courtesy Corps works closely with the convention staff to ensure the success of the annual state FFA convention and expo. Being selected as a Courtesy Corps member is a prestigious honor.  Nearly 200 applications were submitted and reviewed by a committee.

Unless otherwise directed, Courtesy Corps members are required to arrive at convention prior to the mandatory Courtesy Corps meeting Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at 1:00 pm.  An official schedule of duties will be posted prior to convention, and some Courtesy Corps members will be asked to help with Career Development Events on Monday.

Student Name (First)	Student Name (Last)	Chapter
Rachael	Holtzclaw	Apopka SR
Alexa	Wandrey	Apopka SR
Paige	Gran	Barrington MS
Amber	Cooper	Bartow SR
Erin	Smith	Bartow SR
Ashley	Denslow	Brandon HS
Taylor	Mingle	Brandon HS
Brianna	Lanier	Branford MS
Barrett	Young	Branford MS
Jessica	Carbonaro	Bronson
Haley	Bertie	Bronson MS
Sidney	Bray	Bronson MS
McKenzie	Smith	Bunnell SR
Yosbel	Garcia	Chamberlain
Daphney	Churchill	Charlotte SR
Kaitlin	French	Charlotte SR
Hannah	Quincey	Chiefland MS
Rachel	Styers	Clay High
Tristen	Thomas	Clay High
Mason	Taylor	Cottondale
Lilly	Ball	Cottondale MS
Caroline	Sweet	Cottondale MS
Ashleigh	Roy	Creekside MS
Emily	Williams	Creekside MS
Montana	Smith	Dade City JR
Taylynn	Williamson	Dade City JR
Madison	Nichols	Dade City SR
Sydni	Sinka	Dade City SR
Cale	McCall	Dixie SR
Whitney	Stemple	Dixie SR
Ryan	Respress	Frostproof MS
Rebecca	Briggs	Frostproof SR
Jonathan	Wells	Frostproof SR
Taylor	Burns	Ft. King MS
Kennaugh	Massey	Ft. King MS
Dillon	Arnold	Grand Ridge
Kyle	Spellman	Heritage MS
Jarrett	Kelley	Interlachen JR
Brisley	Joseph	Karen Siegel Academy
Pablo	Roldan	Karen Siegel Academy
Kendall	Locke	Lake Gibson MS
Evie	Bodiford	Lake Gibson SR
Steven	Hathcock	Lake Gibson SR
Kendall	Prescott	Lake Placid SR
Kaitlynn	Coatney	Lake Region
Ray	Everett	Lakeland
Cole	Jordan	Malone Middle School
Alyssa	Stephens	Marianna
Mackenzie	Bell	Mulbery MS
Gavin	Thomas	New Smyrna Beach MS
TJ	Hutchinson	Newsome
Kayla	Beard	Oakleaf
Cooper	Thornton	Oakleaf
Hannah	Bennett	Ocala Liberty
Alexis	Garcia	Orlando Colonial SR
Rosmeri	Hernandez	Orlando Colonial SR
Chloe	Burke	Pine Ridge HS
Hailey	McDaniel	Sneads
Garrett	McDaniel	Sneads
Elizabeth	Knapp	South Sumter MS
Anthony	Ogburn	SunRidge MS
Alexa	Watson	SunRidge MS
Cassidy	Monroe	Suwannee JR
Sarah-Beth	Lee	Suwannee MS
Patra	Miller	Tate Sr. (JM)
Emma	Hamoui	Timber Creek
Destiny	Rivera	Timber Creek
Jessenia	Diaz	University HS
Sarah	Young	University HS
Joseph	Anderson	Wekiva
Taylor	Campbell	Wekiva
Spencer	Brass	Wesley Chapel
Nicole	Rogers	Wesley Chapel
Mekenzie	Sowell	Westwood MS
Harrison	Love	Williston SR

ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA STATE CONVENTION & EXPO

The annual state convention and expo is truly a week that “absolutely everybody” should experience.  For 87 years, FFA members have come together to celebrate the achievements won by the past and present generations of agriculturalists, while continuing to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.  Honoring the past and present, FFA members, along with advisors, alumni parents and supporters will be inspired to take pride in our industry, serve our communities, and lead our organization into a new era of agriculture.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA ASSOCIATION

The Florida FFA Association is a premier youth, leadership organization with over 17,000 middle and high school student members – as part of over 300 local FFA chapters across the state. FFA members participate in nearly 50 leadership and career development events each year. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

The Florida FFA Association is a resource and support organization that does not select, control, supervise or approve local chapter or individual member activities except as expressly provided for in the Florida FFA Association Constitution and Bylaws.

The Florida FFA Association affirms its belief in the value of all human beings and seeks diversity in its membership, leadership and staff as an equal opportunity employer.

THE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION MISSION

Agricultural education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resource systems.

THE FFA MISSION

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

For more information about Florida FFA and agricultural education, visit floridaffa.org.

Florida FFA sincerely thanks the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, this year’s convention & expo media room sponsor, for their continued support of Florida FFA and agricultural education.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Florida FFA Association is pleased to announce the selection of the top ten winners of the “What FFA Means To Me” Alumni Essay Contest. The winners will be awarded on stage during the 8th General Session of the 87^th Florida FFA State Convention & Expo on Friday, July 3^rd, 2015. All award winners should report to the holding room thirty minutes prior to the session in which they are to be recognized.

The top ten winners are:

1. Jacob Yelvington – Kathleen SR
2. Haylee Weaver – Northview SR
3. Kaylee Sullivan – Williston MS
4. Destiny Fennell – Branford MS
5. Desirae Diaz – Brooksville SR
6. Colin Eubanks – Grand Ridge
7. Cayden Sanders – Suwannee MS
8. Sydney Cadrain – Ft. White SR
9. Alexander Yelvington – Kathleen SR
10. Colby Hargrove – Cottondale

ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA STATE CONVENTION & EXPO

The annual state convention and expo is truly a week that “absolutely everybody” should experience.  For 87 years, FFA members have come together to celebrate the achievements won by the past and present generations of agriculturalists, while continuing to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.  Honoring the past and present, FFA members, along with advisors, alumni parents and supporters will be inspired to take pride in our industry, serve our communities, and lead our organization into a new era of agriculture.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA ASSOCIATION

The Florida FFA Association is a premier youth, leadership organization with over 17,000 middle and high school student members – as part of over 300 local FFA chapters across the state. FFA members participate in nearly 50 leadership and career development events each year. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

The Florida FFA Association is a resource and support organization that does not select, control, supervise or approve local chapter or individual member activities except as expressly provided for in the Florida FFA Association Constitution and Bylaws.

The Florida FFA Association affirms its belief in the value of all human beings and seeks diversity in its membership, leadership and staff as an equal opportunity employer.

THE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION MISSION

Agricultural education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resource systems.

THE FFA MISSION

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

For more information about Florida FFA and agricultural education, visit floridaffa.org.

Florida FFA sincerely thanks the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, this year’s convention & expo media room sponsor, for their continued support of Florida FFA and agricultural education.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Florida FFA Association recently selected 19 student members as finalists in the highly coveted “Stars of Florida” award recognition program.  This program symbolizes the highest competitive recognition for FFA members and their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program(s) in eight different categories.  Nearly 300 applicants were considered during the selection process.  Each candidate will be interviewed by a team of FFA, industry and Agriculture Education representatives to determine the winner in each area.  Each finalist, their family and agriculture instructor(s) will be recognized July 3^rd, 2014 at the 86^th Florida FFA Convention to be held at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando.

The Stars of Florida finalists, in alphabetical order by chapter are:

Name	Chapter	Area
Austin Bagby	Bell MS	State Star Discovery Degree
Emily Acevedo	Bradford MS	State Star Discovery Degree
Jozef Heijkoop	South Sumter MS	State Star Discovery Degree
Seth Land	Suwannee	State Star Discovery Degree
Tania Henderson	Branford SR	State Star Greenhand Degree
Shelby Carlton	Kathleen SR	State Star Greenhand Degree
Kyle Garner	South Lake SR	State Star Greenhand Degree
Baylee Etheridge	Williston SR	State Star Greenhand Degree
Jonathan Gaylard	Branford SR	State Star Chapter Degree
Jacaob Burnette	Durant	State Star Chapter Degree
William Donaghy	Oakleaf SR	State Star Chapter Degree
William Jameson	South Sumter SR	State Star Chapter Degree
Arica Land	Branford SR	State Star in Agribusiness
Colson Cannon	Brooksville SR	State Star in Agribusiness
Shelbi McCall	Dixie SR	State Star in Agribusiness
Ruth Babione	Brooksville SR	State Star in Agriscience
Kyra Aliese Cole	Brooksville SR	State Star in Agriscience
Mackenzie Quinn	Brooksville SR	State Star in Agriscience
Case Emerson	Lake Butler SR	State Star in Agriscience
Katie Lloyd	Branford SR	State Star in Agricultural Placement
Anastasia Sturgis	Orlando Colonial	State Star in Agricultural Placement
Orion Douthit	Sneads	State Star in Agricultural Placement
Caleb Land	Suwannee SR	State Star in Agricultural Placement
Allie Randell	Branford SR	State Star Farmer
Stephen Singleton	Palatka	State Star Farmer
Matthew Hall	South Sumter SR	State Star Farmer

ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA STATE CONVENTION & EXPO

The annual state convention and expo is truly a week that “absolutely everybody” should experience.  For 87 years, FFA members have come together to celebrate the achievements won by the past and present generations of agriculturalists, while continuing to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.  Honoring the past and present, FFA members, along with advisors, alumni parents and supporters will be inspired to take pride in our industry, serve our communities, and lead our organization into a new era of agriculture.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA ASSOCIATION

The Florida FFA Association is a premier youth, leadership organization with over 17,000 middle and high school student members – as part of over 300 local FFA chapters across the state. FFA members participate in nearly 50 leadership and career development events each year. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

The Florida FFA Association is a resource and support organization that does not select, control, supervise or approve local chapter or individual member activities except as expressly provided for in the Florida FFA Association Constitution and Bylaws.

The Florida FFA Association affirms its belief in the value of all human beings and seeks diversity in its membership, leadership and staff as an equal opportunity employer.

THE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION MISSION

Agricultural education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resource systems.

THE FFA MISSION

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

For more information about Florida FFA and agricultural education, visit floridaffa.org.

Florida FFA sincerely thanks the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, this year’s convention & expo media room sponsor, for their continued support of Florida FFA and agricultural education.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Florida FFA Association is pleased to announce the selection of the 2015 Chapter Cooperative Award finalists. The Chapter Cooperative Award measures how active a chapter has been in cooperating with other organizations and agencies within their community, along with teaching cooperative business principals.  One member and one advisor of each of finalist chapters will be recognized on stage during the 5^th General Session of the 87^th Florida FFA State Convention & Expo on Thursday, June 2, 2015. All award winners should report to the holding room thirty minutes prior to the session in which they are to be recognized.

The 2015 Chapter Cooperative Award Finalists in alphabetical order are:

Altha SR
Brooksville SR
Ocoee MS
Orlando Colonial SR
Williston MS

ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA STATE CONVENTION & EXPO

The annual state convention and expo is truly a week that “absolutely everybody” should experience.  For 87 years, FFA members have come together to celebrate the achievements won by the past and present generations of agriculturalists, while continuing to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.  Honoring the past and present, FFA members, along with advisors, alumni parents and supporters will be inspired to take pride in our industry, serve our communities, and lead our organization into a new era of agriculture.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA ASSOCIATION

The Florida FFA Association is a premier youth, leadership organization with over 17,000 middle and high school student members – as part of over 300 local FFA chapters across the state. FFA members participate in nearly 50 leadership and career development events each year. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

The Florida FFA Association is a resource and support organization that does not select, control, supervise or approve local chapter or individual member activities except as expressly provided for in the Florida FFA Association Constitution and Bylaws.

The Florida FFA Association affirms its belief in the value of all human beings and seeks diversity in its membership, leadership and staff as an equal opportunity employer.

THE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION MISSION

Agricultural education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resource systems.

THE FFA MISSION

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

For more information about Florida FFA and agricultural education, visit floridaffa.org.

Florida FFA sincerely thanks the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, this year’s convention & expo media room sponsor, for their continued support of Florida FFA and agricultural education.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida FFA is pleased to announce the selection of the 2015 Fresh from Florida Advocacy Award finalists. Formerly the Food for America program, this program is designed to encourage FFA members to participate in agricultural literacy and awareness projects on the local level. The overall chapter winner will be awarded on stage during the 6th General Session of the 87^th Florida FFA State Convention on Thursday, July 2^nd, 2015 at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando. One member and one advisor from each finalist chapter should report to the holding room thirty minutes prior to the session in which they are to be recognized.

The chapter finalists in alphabetical order are:

Apopka Memorial MS
Belleview SR
Branford
Northview
Williston SR

ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA STATE CONVENTION & EXPO

The annual state convention and expo is truly a week that “absolutely everybody” should experience.  For 87 years, FFA members have come together to celebrate the achievements won by the past and present generations of agriculturalists, while continuing to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.  Honoring the past and present, FFA members, along with advisors, alumni parents and supporters will be inspired to take pride in our industry, serve our communities, and lead our organization into a new era of agriculture.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA ASSOCIATION

The Florida FFA Association is a premier youth, leadership organization with over 17,000 middle and high school student members – as part of over 300 local FFA chapters across the state. FFA members participate in nearly 50 leadership and career development events each year. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

The Florida FFA Association is a resource and support organization that does not select, control, supervise or approve local chapter or individual member activities except as expressly provided for in the Florida FFA Association Constitution and Bylaws.

The Florida FFA Association affirms its belief in the value of all human beings and seeks diversity in its membership, leadership and staff as an equal opportunity employer.

THE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION MISSION

Agricultural education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resource systems.

THE FFA MISSION

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

For more information about Florida FFA and agricultural education, visit floridaffa.org.

Florida FFA sincerely thanks the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, this year’s convention & expo media room sponsor, for their continued support of Florida FFA and agricultural education.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Florida FFA is pleased to announce the selection of “Florida’s Finest” FFA Chapters.  The selection of these chapters is based upon the completion of the National Chapter Award program application.  These chapters have excelled in the areas of student, chapter and community development and have worked hard to fulfill the mission of the FFA.  One member and one advisor from each of these chapters will be recognized on the main stage during the 2^nd General Session of the 87^th Florida FFA Convention on Wednesday, July 1^st, 2015.  In addition, each of these chapters will represent Florida at the national level in the National Chapter Award Program.  All award winners should report to the holding room thirty minutes prior to the session in which they are to be recognized.

Those chapters who have been named Florida’s Finest in alphabetical order are:

• Altha MS
• Altha SR
• Apopka SR
• Braden River
• Branford
• Bronson
• Bronson MS
• Brooksville SR
• Clewiston
• DeLand MS
• Deltona SR
• Ferguson SR
• Ft. White MS
• Ft. White SR
• Galaxy MS
• George Jenkins
• Kathleen SR
• Keystone Heights JR
• Keystone Heights SR
• Lakewood Ranch SR
• Lincoln MS
• New Smyrna Beach SR
• Northview
• Oakleaf
• Oakleaf MS
• Palmetto
• Santa Fe SR
• Seminole Vo-Ed
• Southeast Manatee
• Tomlin MS
• Trenton MS
• Trenton SR

ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA STATE CONVENTION & EXPO

The annual state convention and expo is truly a week that “absolutely everybody” should experience.  For 87 years, FFA members have come together to celebrate the achievements won by the past and present generations of agriculturalists, while continuing to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.  Honoring the past and present, FFA members, along with advisors, alumni parents and supporters will be inspired to take pride in our industry, serve our communities, and lead our organization into a new era of agriculture.

ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA ASSOCIATION

The Florida FFA Association is a premier youth, leadership organization with over 17,000 middle and high school student members – as part of over 300 local FFA chapters across the state. FFA members participate in nearly 50 leadership and career development events each year. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

The Florida FFA Association is a resource and support organization that does not select, control, supervise or approve local chapter or individual member activities except as expressly provided for in the Florida FFA Association Constitution and Bylaws.

The Florida FFA Association affirms its belief in the value of all human beings and seeks diversity in its membership, leadership and staff as an equal opportunity employer.

THE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION MISSION

Agricultural education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resource systems.

THE FFA MISSION

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

For more information about Florida FFA and agricultural education, visit floridaffa.org.

Florida FFA sincerely thanks the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, this year’s convention & expo media room sponsor, for their continued support of Florida FFA and agricultural education.