Sonoma FFA travels across the country

Fourteen Sonoma Valley Future Farmers of America (FFA) members – along with advisors Gayle Smith and Danny Aschwanden – went on a trip across the country from Oct. 30 to Nov. 5. Sonoma FFA flew from Sacramento to Indianapolis for the 92nd National Convention and Expo; while there, students learned about leadership and more.

While in Indianapolis students and advisors attended sessions with national FFA officers. One session included the “American degree” ceremony, highest of all FFA degrees where FFA alumni Francesca Pharo was awarded her degree. While here, students were also given the opportunity to meet hundreds of FFA students from all 50 states and attend workshops that provided information on what a student can do to make positive change and be a good leader, according to FFA officials.

After the conference, Sonoma FFA, along with all of the attending California FFA chapters, went on a trip to Washington D.C. to learn about American history. FFA students toured many historical landmarks and monuments along with many museums.

The local students who attended were Dustin Pierce, Jamie Pierce, Jason Chiotti, Anthony Tommasi, Kylee Minehan, Jayden Filippi, Gabriella Lucatero, Carlos Mata, George Stork, Maya Suazo, Beatiz Torres and Zephyr Martinez.

The National Convention and Expo is among the largest youth gathering conferences in the world. Taking place once a year, it is held in Indianapolis in Lucas Oil Stadium. During the sessions, students hear speeches from national officers and speakers such as the Mayor of Indianapolis and others.