Proceedings, 1997

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Table of Contents
100% Membership States 29
Agri-Entrepreneurship Awards 14
Agriscience Student Recognition Program 12
Agriscience Teacher of the Year 13
Alumni Convention 55
American FFA Degrees 22-28
Band 46
Breaking New Ground 74
Business 59
Career Development Events (Contests) 18
Career Show & Hall of States 56-57
Chorus 47
Committee Reports
Auditing 72
Agriculture Education Trends 62
Career Success Activities 64
Chapter Activities 63
communications & Public Relations 65
FFA Publications 71
Leadership & Personal Development 66
Marketing & Merchandising 67
Membership Recruitment & Participation 69
National FFA Convention 73
Nominating 72
Partner Development 70
Program of Activities 68
Convention Overview 3-7
Convention Speakers 38-39
Courtesy Corps 58
Distinguished Service Citations 53
Extemporaneous Speaking Contest ..15
Honorary American FFA Degrees 50-51
H.O. Sargent Award 54
National Chapter Awards 30-31
National Officer Candidates 19
New National Officers 75
Official Delegates 60-61
Prepared Public Speaking Contestl6-17
Proficiency Awards 8-11
Retiring Addresses
Corey Rosenbusch 32-33
Holly Bentley 34-35
Brad Montgomery 35-36
Ray Starling 40-41
Charlie Jones 42-43
Rachel Fehringer 44-45
Sponsors 52-53
Stars Over America 20-21
Talent 48
VIP Citations 49
The 70th National FFA Convention VOLUME LXX
The 70th National FFA Convention Proceedings is published by the National FFA Organization
as a record of its annual convention held in Kansas City, Missouri, November 12-15, 1997.
Editor
Lynn Hamilton, California
Associate Editors
Jennifer West, California
Sue Battel, Michigan
Art Director
Jody Matties, Colorado
Letter from the Editor,
Desktop Publisher and
Photo Editor
Shelly Richardson, Oklahoma
Photo Processor
Peter Wiflnt, Oregon
Managing Editor
Kathcrine Page, Tennessee
Photographers
Cameron Craig, Oregon
Sam Harrcl, Alaska
Lightfoot Photography, Missouri
Kelly Rogers, Missouri
Ed Zurga, Missouri
ScVCUtij years OCjO, FFA started building its foundation in Kansas City. That legacy of
leadership has positively affected the lives of millions of young people who have passed
through FFAs ranks.
The 133J National FFA Convention added even more to FFAs charge of
building the future. A record attendance of 44,021 filled every available space in Municipal
Auditorium and surged through the National Agncultural Career Show. The inspiration
and excitement was palpable as the sea of blue and gold swelled into ovations and cheers
during convention sessions.
ThejTOCeedlTUjS Staff was just as thrilled to record those moments for you. In
the following 76 pages) you will see the combination of dedication, talent, energy and
enthusiasm that brings alive the spirit of convention. New technology made our jobs a
little more efficient this year, but you're the element that always makes it worthwhile.
One person who held a deep belief in the worth and talents of FFA members
was Rom Horan, of the National FFA Communications Resources Team. Her career at FFA
spanned 45 years, and she was the epitome of dedication and service to young people. She
passed from us last June, but her spirit will always be with us. To her we dedicate the 70th
edition of the Proceedings.
We hope that thzjolhwina paaes give you a taste of what happened in and
around the national convention this year, and gives you the inspiration to build your future
in the FFA and beyond. See you next year!
'Bestwiskes,
Ujnn Hamilton, Editor
Prepared and published by the National FFA Organization in cooperation with the U.S. Department of
Education as a service to state and local agricultural education agencies. The National FFA Organization
affirms its belief in the value of all human beings and seeks diversity in its membership, leadership and
staff as an equal opportunity employer.
© Copyright 1997 by the National FFA Organization