Proceedings, 1997

National FFA Alumni
Association
Tears well up in Linda Story's eyes when she talks about
how important the FFA has been to her family. Story, who
describes herself as "just a hairdresser" from Liveraiore, Ky,
was elected president of the National FFA Alumni Associa-
tion this year at the organizations 26th annual convention.
Story believes the post will allow her to give something
back to the organization she says built her son and many
other students into successful professionals. "It made a big,
big difference for my son," she said of the FFA.
That commitment to young people and the FFA is a
common thread among alumni members. The National FFA
Alumni Association has grown to more than 40,000 members
nationwide. Some have worn the bluejackets, others are
parents of FFA members, still others simply believe in what
the organization does for young people. All work hard in
their communities to support the organization.
As usual, the annual alumni convention was action-
packed. The members elected their leadership for the
coming year; voting in Story as president; Barry Anderson
of Aurora, Nebraska, as Vice president; F Mac Hodges of
North Carolina as eastern region council representative; and
Gene Vail of Arkansas as southern region representative. Ty
England again served as National FFA Alumni spokesperson,
actively working to increase visibility for the organization.
The Scott County, Ky, FFA Alumni affiliate was named
the 1997 Outstanding Alumni Affiliate. Blue Blazer awards,
presented to states which increased their rosters by at least
100 members, went to Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Iowa,
Ohio, Texas and Kansas.
Three alumni earned Outstanding Achievement Awards
for their exemplary service to the organization. R.D.
Johnson, a charter member of the LeRoy FFA Alumni
Chapter m Illinois, has been a member of the executive
council for the past 16 years. He serves as the central region
representative on the Alumni Council. John D. Kent, of
Madrid, Iowa, is a charter life member of the United
Community FFA Alumni. He has served the FFA in many
55'
capacities, including as a member of
Iowa's FFA Foundation board of directors.
Kathleen L. Kent, also of Madrid, Iowa, serves as treasurer
of both her local alumni affiliate and the state alumni
organization. She, too, has held a post on Iowa's foundation
board.
The auction, one of the alumni's time-honored events,
was once again well-attended and supported. Continuing
53 years of sponsorship, CHEVY donated one of their best-
selling trucks, a half-ton Silverado, 4x4 extended cab
version. It sold for $23,000 to Steve Remhard of Ashland.
Ohio, who is an FFA advisor. $ 1 ,000 of the purchase price
goes to a scholarship fund of the buyer's choice. Many
other items were sold through a silent auction.
The alumni convention closed, and the members
returned home with the gathering's theme in mind: "Our
Commitment Carved in Stone. ..Our Commitment Endures.
Chevy Tmck purchaser Steve Remhard is congratulate
National Merchandising Managerfor Chevrolet Motor Division, after
the Friday night auction.
"
bv Bill Ames.