Members of Wawasee High School’s FFA Chapter recently went to the state convention, which was held at Purdue University. Shown from left are Wyatt Schafer, Abbi Harris, Ava Mock, Coltin Bucher, Taelyn Tom, Emerson Krull, Lucas Wilkinson, Lyric Lonjin, Addison Mock, and Page Allen. Not pictured: Aidan Beer, Jace Beer and Kiera Lortie. Photo provided by Wawasee FFA.

By Ava Mock
Wawasee FFA

SYRACUSE — Purdue University served as host to the 96th Indiana FFA State Convention June 16-19. In celebration of members’ involvement within Indiana FFA, “ILLUMINATE” served as the theme for the annual convention of the over 14,000 Indiana FFA members. The convention title sponsor was Cargill.

This year’s state convention was filled with exciting opportunities for the 2,000 convention attendees. The six general sessions in Elliott Hall of Music were highlighted by one keynote speaker, who brought their enthusiasm and experiences to convention goers. Gian Paul Gonzalez, a ninth grade history teacher and native New Yorker whose words of wisdom to the New York Giants made a lasting impact and helped lead them to their win in the Super Bowl, addressed convention goers during the opening session of convention.

Throughout convention sessions state winners were recognized. A premier group of FFA members walked away as winners of the proficiency areas from their supervised agriculture experiences. This year’s class of over 400 Hoosier FFA Degree recipients were honored.

The top teams and individuals in the state career development events were also credited on stage for their success. Additionally, the names of the Stars over Indiana were announced, and the 2025-2026 Indiana FFA State Officers were inducted.

Throughout the four-day convention, FFA members had the chance to attend leadership workshops, banquets, and a barn dance where they were able to be a light and illuminate the way for themselves and others.

From the Wawasee FFA Chapter, Coltin Bucher was inducted as the District II Officer Team as parliamentarian.

On the first day, the Wawasee Veterinary Science teams of Page Allen, Bucher, Anna Bowling, Katy Eppert, Lyric Lonjin, Addison Mock and Ashley Wake demonstrated their knowledge and skills at the state competition.

Aidan Beer competed in the freshman extemporaneous public speaking and Kiera Lortie participated in the premier leadership interview. The chapter also created a display exhibit, with the theme “ILLUMINATE.”

Participating members were: Jace Beer, Carter Grady, Abbi Harris, Emerson Krull, and Keira Lortie, Ava Mock, Taelyn Tom, and Wyatt Schafer.

Members Krull, Bucher, Tom and Lucas Wilkinson received their Hoosier Degrees at the Hoosier Degree session on day three of the convention. To be eligible for this award, FFA members must have been enrolled in two or more years of agriculture courses and FFA membership, participate in five-plus different FFA activities above the chapter level, held a leadership position as a committee chair or officer, work 600-plus unpaid hours or earn and invest $3,102- plus into their businesses or an asset that contributes to their work, have excellent academic records and have participated in 25 hours or more of community service.