And they can dance too!

So, it's the last day of convention. It's been tiring and stressful for us behind-the-scenes folks, but it is so totally worth it to know all the kids who attended had an amazing experience. I'm sitting here in the FFA newsroom watching session 9...and I feel like a complete geeb...I'm crying already!

During the pre-session, students had a chance to break it down and do the "Cupid Shuffle"...it was one of the coolest things I've seen all week! With about a hundred on stage and another several hundred in the walkways, I have officially witnessed the awesome dancing skills of FFA members. ;-)

I love, love, love the theme song this year. I get so pumped watching everyone in the stadium clapping and pumping their hands in the air! Can you believe you guys have your very own song and music video made for you each year? Where else does that happen? Everyone must watch and download the theme song video online.

And I just watched this year's officer team do their walk-in for the last time...more tears! You guys have no idea how hard these kids work, not only this week, but the entire year.

But I know all FFA members work hard...you work hard in your daily lives, you work hard to make it to national convention...and I hope you'll work hard to spread the awesomeness of FFA when you get home.

Be sure to log onto FFA Facebook, MySpace and FFA Nation to share your photos and videos, and tell your convention stories. Plus, the official convention website (convention.ffa.org) is totally FULL of cool stuff...make sure to watch all the original videos, look at the amazing photos, read the blogs and more!

And watch for yourselves on the FFA TODAY television show! Many of you had the chance to be on camera this week and we'll be showing convention higlights on each episode. WATCH EVERY WEDNESDAY at 6PM EST on RFD-TV!

See you online, on TV and in print...we love to tell the stories of the coolest kids in the world!

You Wear it Well, FFA

I’ve been with the FFA since 1999; working myself up from Greenhand to state officer and now, an alumni and member of the 2008 National FFA Newsroom. During this time, I’ve come to some conclusions that are as evident to me as any other values I’ve accumulated.

First and foremost is the notion that the FFA official dress is perhaps the best thing ever created – closely following the universe and wireless internet. How great is it that as an FFA member, you always know what to wear. What’s even better about official dress is what happens when you get a big group together – a flood of blue! This will be showcased all over Indy for the next three days.

Even better than how everyone looks in the blue corduroy is how we act in it. In my short life, I have failed to meet any group with the courtesy and manners that FFA members possess. It makes me so proud when I hear one of our members open a door for a stranger or use some of those magic phrases that are too often rare in our 21st Century vernacular: “thank you,” “you’re welcome” and “excuse me.”

When our members show off these manners it’s clear to all around that our chapter advisors, parents and communities are coming together to help produce yet another generation of amazing, professional leaders.

Have a great time during your convention experience!

Stay classy, FFA!

~Dustin Petty, 2008 National FFA Convention Newsroom Staff

FFA Members are "a joy!"

FFA members, pat yourselves on the back.

In Wednesday morning's edition of the local Indianapolis Star, there's a story on the front page of a major newspaper talking about the upcoming decision National FFA will make concerning the future location of our great annual convention.

The last cities in the running to host the annual convention are Indy and Louisville, Ky. -- two cities that the FFA has gotten to know quite well as hosts of what has blossomed into a gathering of over 50,000 members, advisors and FFA supporters. The decision for 2013-2019 conventions isn't expected until November, though.

More importantly, though, is how hard each community is trying to either get the blue jackets back or to keep them right where they are.

Bill Benner, a spokesman for the Indianapolis Convention & Visitors Bureau, told the Star that he "wants to showcase Indianapolis for the next generation of leaders" and Ted McKinney, the leader of U.S. food chain and state government affairs for Dow AgroSciences and the chairman of the local FFA finance committee considered wanting the convention to stay in Indianapolis "an understatement."

Aside from those complements about having the convention in Indianapolis, plenty of local residents chimed in with comments for the online edition of story. One person said that "this convention knows how to act" and that FFA members are a "joy to have in the city", while another called FFA members "wonderful people".

FFA members, nice job!

~Geoffrey Miller, National FFA Newsroom Staff