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The Ohio FFA Convention is underway

The 95^th Ohio FFA Convention is underway in Columbus, Ohio.

Addison Summers, a sophomore from the Penta-Oak Harbor Chapter, is attending the state FFA convention for the first time.

“This is something I never expected to do in my life. This is extremely awesome,” she says. “(FFA) is a huge family and everyone is so open, so energetic, so happy to be here and it really puts a great aspect on being here. It’s super fun.”

The FFA organization helps members explore agricultural careers, build lifelong friendships, and develop skills.

Lily Perry, a sophomore with the Penta-Oak Harbor FFA Chapter, says she wants to continue to build those relationships with her chapter and other members.  

“I was taken in as a freshman with an upperclassman and that’s kind of what I want to do,” she says. “I want to strive to make people feel comfortable and encourage them to join (FFA) because it’s not something I expected to do, but I am very happy I made the decision to and my advisor encouraged me to.”

Advice she has for younger FFA members is to take every opportunity.

“An upperclassman asked me to join parliamentary procedure and I was scared and refused to do it until my advisor encouraged me,” she says. “I’m so glad I took the opportunity so I would give them the advice to take every opportunity they get because it helps you develop skills all the way from communication to confidence. It’s truly a great experience.”

Summers says her advice is to not be afraid to take risks.

“It’s better to be yourself than it is to be like everyone else. With that, there are so many competitions and so many different things that you could win a state or national award for. And, if you really want to try something no one else is doing it, do it. It’s really a great experience and you’ll learn a lot about it and about other people.”

The convention continues through Friday evening.