Pictured are the members of the Warsaw FFA Chapter who attended the Indiana FFA State Convention. From left, in front, are Khloe Hinojosa, Ayse Mansiz, Kendra Ousley, Kiersten Gagnon, Breanna Thompson, and Warsaw FFA Advisor Madelyn Zimmerman. In the back, from left, are Warsaw FFA Advisory Jacob Riley, Kaytlin Skeans, Jadrien Burge, Alyssa Swanson, Gentry Hall, Rylan Cooper, and Thomas Boggs. Photos provided by Warsaw Community Schools.

Press Release

WEST LAFAYETTE — The 94th Indiana State FFA Convention was held from June 20 to June 22 on the campus of Purdue University in West Lafayette.

The Warsaw FFA Chapter had members competing in a variety of numerous contests and being recognized for their outstanding performance in different competitions. In total, there were over 2,500 members, guests, and advisors in attendance from across the state of Indiana.

On June 20, the members of the Warsaw FFA Chapter competed in a variety of Leadership Development Events to showcase their hard work. The Warsaw FFA Chapter was successful in competing at state this, ranking fifth in the state for Traditional Scrapbook. The Warsaw FFA Chapter was also rated as a Superior Chapter in the state of Indiana and was recognized as a Gold Emblem Donor to the Indiana FFA Foundation.

The placings for the state proficiency finalists were announced on June 21. The Warsaw FFA Chapter was recognized for their members who worked hard for their successes in their proficiency areas, including Dylan Hurd, who placed fourth in the state for Wildlife Production and Management.

On the evening of June 21, Warsaw FFA member Rylan Cooper received his Hoosier Degree, which is a prestigious award for members who work hard and dedicate service for their chapter and community along with their Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE). Cooper was also elected to the Indiana District 2 FFA Officer team and will serve as the 2023-24 District 2 Treasurer.

Also on the evening of June 21, Warsaw FFA member Thomas Boggs was recognized as a Top Four Finalist Star in Agriculture Placement based on his Forage proficiency along with additional application, personal interview, and site visit.

Delegates from the Warsaw FFA chapter, including Cooper and Gentry Hall, also voted on official FFA business and District and State FFA officer elections for the upcoming year. Throughout their time at the convention, Warsaw FFA members Jadrien Burge, Kiersten Gagnon, Ayse Mansiz, Kendra Ousley, Kaytlin Skeans, Alyssa Swanson, Breanna Thompson, and Khloe Hinojosa participated in workshops to help further develop their leadership skills. In addition, they were inspired by keynote speakers during the general sessions. These speakers included Corey Flournoy, a motivational speaker; and Karstyn Cantrell, National FFA Central Region vice-president.

Former Warsaw FFA member and 2022-23 Indiana FFA State Treasurer Anthony Taylor, along with the 2022-23 state officer team, presided over the 94th Indiana FFA State Convention.

Prior to attending the Indiana FFA State Convention, on June 19, Warsaw FFA members Hinojosa, Mansiz, Ousley, and Skeans competed in the Veterinary Science CDE, earning 27th place at Benton Central High School. On June 20, Warsaw FFA members Boggs, Gagnon, Swanson, and Thompson competed in the Agribusiness Management CDE at Benton Central High School.

The members of the Warsaw FFA chapter got to enjoy and experience great leadership opportunities throughout the week. The theme of this year’s FFA State Convention was “Rooted.”

The 2023-24 Warsaw FFA officers were also able to plan and coordinate many events that will take place in the upcoming school year. The officers are: Rylan Cooper, president; Gentry Hall, vice-president; Ayse Mansiz, secretary; Jadrien Burge, treasurer; Mahala Shepherd, reporter; Khloe Hinojosa, sentinel; and Kayltin Skeans, student advisor.