Tucker County High School Future Farmers of America members traveled to the FFA National Convention in Nashville, Tn. Pictured are Tucker County High School FFA Instructor Terry Hauser, Lindsey Knotts, Cheyenne Phillips, Lydia Mullenax, Abby Bowley, Micah Thompson, Jacob Hauser, Vincent Moats, Evan Shahan, Tanner Burns and Jacob Beavers.
By Beth Christian Broschart
The Parsons Advocate
HAMBLETON – Tucker County FFA was well represented during the 2015 National Conference in Nashville, Tn. Ten students made the trip which included speakers, assemblies, a rodeo, a vendor’s market and an expo. Tucker County High School FFA Instructor Terry Hauser said he was proud of his students adding the trip would not be possible if not for the generous support of the community.
“The Tucker County Commission has always been supportive for three years in a row,” Hauser said. “There are many others including Dr. Anne Banfield of Elkins. Delegate Randy Smith, R-Preston has always been a big supporter since I have been here.”
Hauser said the FFA is thankful for the townspeople who come out and support the group’s dinners, fruit sales and strawberry sales. He said the trip to Nashville was for a total of six days and said the group stopped at the University of Kentucky for a visit.
“We always try to get there early for the opening session,” Hauser said. “They run three opening sessions to get everyone the opportunity to go. That is one of the highlights of the convention as well as the rodeo.”
Hauser said the group stays in a house during the convention, and on Friday, they welcomed the state officers over for a steak dinner.
“My kids just jumped in there,” Hauser said. “They had beef steak, deer steak and baked potatoes, macaroni and cheese. We sat down and actually ate together. We danced and played basketball. We also went trick-or-treating.”
Hauser said during the convention, each student is charged with trying to meet someone from each of the 50 United States. He said the participants meet and make life-long friends there who keep up with one another via text messages, Facebook and other social media.
Tanner Burns said he enjoyed the FFA National Conference. “It was fun,” Tanner said. “The most fun part of the trip was attending the rodeo and hanging out with his friends.”
Vincent Moats said he learned he wants to restore a tractor. “My favorite parts of the convention were hanging out with friends,” Vincent said.
Jacob Beavers said he liked looking at the different welders on display at the convention. “I might want to be a welder,” Jacob said.
Cheyenne Phillips said she liked the entire trip to National Convention. “My favorite part was the rodeo,” Cheyenne said. “I enjoyed coming back to the house and watching movies and sharing meals as a family.”
Micah Thompson thanked those who helped make the trip to Nashville a possibility. “I’d just like to give a big thanks,” Micah said. “It was a great learning opportunity. We went to the rodeo and exhibit halls. It was a great opportunity.”
Jacob Hauser said he wanted to thanks to all of the supporters. “If we did not have their support, this trip would not happen,” Jacob said. “My favorite event was the rodeo.”
Abby Bowley said the experience was a good learning opportunity. “I learned what my future may hold,” Abby said. “The speakers talked about their rough life and what we should be thankful for. This was my first time going to a rodeo and I enjoyed it.”
Evan Shahan said the most exciting part of the trip was seeing the record amount of members attending this year’s convention. “We learned about responsibility and leadership skills,” Evan said. “That was important because we were far from home. We had good food.”
Additional information about the Tucker County FFA is available on Facebook.
