Seymour FFA chapter members who attended the 95th annual Indiana FFA State Convention from June 17-20 at Purdue University, West Lafayette.
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Seymour FFA chapter members from left Reann Hons, Alexis Richart, Libby Otte and Emily Hons. competed on June 17 in the veterinary science CDE on June 17 during the Indiana FFA State Convention at Purdue University in West Lafayette.
Submitted photo
Seymour FFA chapter members volunteering at the Food Finders Pantry on June 18 in West Lafayette during the Indiana FFA State Convention. They are from left Audrey Newkirk, Katie Otte, Emily Hons, Alexis Richart and Reann Hons.
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Seymour FFA chapter members Brayden Rorick, left, and Audrey Newkirk hold the Hoosier Degrees they received June 19 during the Indiana FFA State Convention at West Lafayette. Fellow chapter member Dylan Thompson also received a Hoosier Degree but was not available for the photo.
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Seymour High School FFA chapter members Katie Otte, left, and Audrey Newkirk accept the Living to Serve Community Initiative for the chapter’s work with a local community garden during the 95th annual Indiana FFA State Convention on June 17-20 at Purdue University in West Lafayette.
Submitted photo
Seymour FFA members attended the 95th annual Indiana FFA State Convention from June 17-20 at Purdue University, West Lafayette, with new things happening every day.
For June 17 — the first day of the convention — four Seymour FFA members competed in the veterinary science CDE.
Multiple Seymour FFA members competed in various leadership development event contests on June 18, while other Seymour FFA members participated in a community service project at the Food Finders Pantry in West Lafayette.
Later that night at the opening session, Seymour FFA was awarded a Golden Emblem Donation award, honoring the funds they have donated to Indiana FFA.
On June 19, Seymour chapter members attended various sessions and leadership workshops provided.
Audrey Newkirk, president of Seymour FFA, was elected as 2024-2025 District XI FFA Northern Region vice president.
Newkirk, who held the same position this past year, said she is excited to continue to serve beyond her chapter. She became involved with FFA in seventh grade, following in the path of her siblings.
Through her time with FFA, Newkirk said she discovered a skill she was not previously aware of — public speaking.
“I didn’t know I was a talented public speaker,” Newkirk said.
Learning this about herself grew her confidence and stands out for her time in FFA. It has become handy within many aspects of her life, including interviews and school projects, she said.
Later on June 19, Newkirk and two other Seymour FFA members — Dylan Thompson and Brayden Rorick — were awarded the Hoosier Degree, which is the highest degree that can be given by the state association.
On June 19, the final day of the convention, Seymour FFA was awarded first place for the Living to Serve Community Initiative — an award given for the chapter’s work at the community garden located by Margaret R. Brown Elementary School.