Okmulgee FFA had the opportunity to travel to Indianapolis for the National FFA Convention and Expo on Oct.22-25 Nine members traveled to be recognized on-stage at the convention as a National 3-Star Chapter after developing a community fundraising campaign – Okmulgee FFA Rock-a-Thon on Oct. 12.
The Okmulgee FFA chapter had a long journey leading up to their attendance at the National FFA Convention. Through a year of hard work, dedication and community involvement, they earned the prestigious recognition as a National 3-Star Chapter. This honor reflects their outstanding achievements in promoting agricultural education, leadership development and community service. Their efforts included organizing local events, participating in competitions, and implementing innovative agricultural-related activities. The award encourages chapters to develop these activities to excel in three categories: Growing Leaders, Building Communities and Strengthening Agriculture.
Throughout the convention experience, FFA members attended industry tours at the Missouri State Botanical Gardens, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and other stops along the way to Indianapolis. The members attended general sessions, heard from keynote speakers, networked with colleges and universities at the expo, and created bonds with some of the 60,000 FFA members, advisors, and guests present.
During the first general session of the convention, six Okmulgee FFA members were selected by the Oklahoma State Officer team to serve as official convention delegates. These members had the opportunity to vote on certain regulations regarding National FFA. These members got an inside look on how the voting process works on the National level.
In order to pay for the trip to Indianapolis, FFA members developed the inaugural Okmulgee FFA Rock-a-Thon fundraiser held in conjunction with Okmulgee Main Street’s Harvest Spoon Chili Festival on Oct. 12 in downtown Okmulgee. Similar to a walk-a-thon, FFA members collected pledges from area community and family members to rock in a rocking chair for eight hours at the Chili Festival throughout the morning and afternoon. The FFA chapter also collaborated with Neal’s Homestore to host a raffle for three types of rocking chairs: a power-chair leather recliner, a wooden porch chair and a foldable sports glider. The $5 tickets raised more than $1,500 for the event.
The winners of the Neal’s Homestore Rocking Chair Raffle include:
• Leather recliner Cathy Patton, sold by Kali Perez
• Wooden chair – Kristin and Karsen Cunningham, sold by Keira Swayze
• Sports chair – John & Melissa Owen, sold by LeAundre Delonia Okmulgee FFA members are thankful for the support from community organizations and businesses. Sponsors include Okmulgee Main Street, Neal’s Homestore, Stewart Martin Equipment, Schaudt’s Funeral Service, Harlan Ford, Barksdale Law Firm, Drew Santine State Farm Agency, The Refuge Church, Margaret Hess and Colton’s Feed Store.
2024 marks 50 years since Okmulgee FFA has received its first National Chapter Award – the Gold Emblem Chapter in 1974. Since then, the chapter has received the 3-Star National Chapter Award in 2020, 2022 and 2024.
Photos and more information from the Okmulgee FFA Rocka- Thon and the chapter’s trip to the National FFA Convention can be found on their Facebook or Instagram page.
