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Okawville FFA attends Illinois FFA Convention

Members of the Okawville FFA attended the 96th Illinois FFA Convention, June 11-13. The convention was held at the Bank of Springfield Center in Springfield, IL. Over 6,000 FFA members and guests from across Illinois attended the three-day conference. Attending from Okawville were Madison Gogolek, Colten Kampwerth, Hunter Kolweier, Will Tepe, Kade Jackson, Lily Helbig, Kate Borrenpohl, Abby Brennfleck, Ryan Schwab, Izzabell Howard, and Owen Lairson. FFA Advisor Joshua Berg and student teacher Rhett Hancock chaperoned the group. The theme of the convention was “United as One.” The various convention sessions focused on past, present, and future achievements in the FFA, as well as premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.

The group from Okawville arrived in time for the first session on Tuesday afternoon. The session included a variety of activities including a retiring address from Illinois FFA State Reporter Cooper Nelson, titled “You Know What’s Fun?” Members were also able to attend the Career Show and various workshops. Borrenpohl and Howard assisted with award photos and press releases in the Farm Credit Newsroom. Okawville was recognized as a Section Winner in the Harvest for All program sponsored by the Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leaders. The award recognizes excellence in efforts to fight food insecurity in Illinois through dollars raised, pounds of food donated, and hours volunteered. Helbig and Brennfleck accepted the award on behalf of the Okawville chapter.

After checking in to their hotel, members returned for the evening session highlighted by State FFA Treasurer Benjamin Bremmer’s retiring address “FFA” and National FFA Western Region Vice President Emily Gosset’s keynote address “Stumbling Gracefully.” Okawville finished the night by bowling with other members from around the state at King Pin Lanes.

Wednesday morning brought the third convention session and a keynote address from State FFA Secretary Riley Kessler titled “Enough.” Proficiency award winners were recognized during this session and Kampwerth, Jackson, Helbig, and Brennfleck served as Courtesy Corps members backstage and as ushers for the session. After lunch in downtown Springfield, Okawville members returned to the convention center.  The afternoon session included a retiring address from Eric Wisely, Illinois FFA State Vice President, “I Don’t Know What to Say.” Another highlight was Illinois Deputy Director of Agriculture, Kristi Jones addressing the convention.

Owen Borrenpohl and Madison Gogolek were conferred with State FFA Degrees by the Illinois Association for meeting all requirements including productive financial investments and earnings in a supervised agricultural experience and FFA participation, leadership, and academic excellence. The State FFA Degree is the highest achievement an FFA member can achieve in Illinois; less than 2% of members statewide earn this prestigious recognition. After dinner, FFA members visited Scheel’s sporting goods store before returning to the hotel.

The following day elections were held to elect the 2024-2025 State FFA Officers. Gogolek and Helbig served as delegates from the Okawville FFA Chapter. After several rounds of voting the following officers were elected: President: Trenton Payne of Olney (Richland County) Olney FFA, Vice President: Brody Will of Teutopolis (Effingham County) Dieterich FFA, Reporter: Sidney Stiers of Williamsfield (Knox County) Williamsfield FFA, Secretary: Owen Torrance of Good Hope (McDonough County) West Prairie FFA, and Treasurer: Emma Dinges of Sublette (Lee County) Amboy FFA.

Okawville also received the following awards during the convention: National Chapter Award – Superior and $1,000 Club Chapter for FFA Foundation Drive. FFA promotes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.