This year, the Haxtun FFA Chapter had the opportunity to send 14 members to FFA's National Convention in Indianapolis, Ind. Members left on Oct. 24 and returned home on Oct. 30. The group spent all seven days traveling, attending conventions, and exploring the city.

Day one began with a 7:30 a.m. departure from Holyoke. Their first stop of the day included touring the greenhouses and goat and sheep facilities at Kansas State University. The group hopped back on the bus and traveled a few more hours to stop in Missouri for the night.

Day two was spent in St. Louis. Haxtun members got to see the infamous St. Louis Arch. They then got the chance to take a river boat tour on the Mississippi River where they learned about the cargo that is taken on the Mississippi and about the bridges they crossed under.

"It was raining the whole time we were on the boat," said Kanin Koberstien.

The soaked group returned to the bus and finished the trek to Indianapolis.

On day three, the group toured the Anderson Apple Orchard in the morning before attending the opening session at the 95th National Convention.

Day four included the chance to visit the horse race track, HorseShoe Indianapolis. The group got to get up close to the track and even got to see some horses in action. They returned to the convention for more sessions.

Day five was a busy one. After attending sessions, the members went to see a hypnotist and then attended the "World's Toughest Rodeo." At the rodeo, the group was particularly impressed with Mr. Bojangles, the horse. He was found after the tragic hurricane Katrina and was trained to do many impressive tricks for the audience.

Day six began with the closing session. American Degrees were presented to people from the Northeastern Colorado area as well as the rest of the nation. Only two percent of the FFA membership attain their American FFA Degree. The retiring officers gave their closing address for the last time and the new officers were introduced and inducted into office. That afternoon the exhausted group got on the bus to begin their long journey home.

On the road home, members stopped at Iowa 80, also known as the world's biggest truck stop. They continued their way home, traveling through the night, returning to Holyoke around 6 a.m. and to Haxtun by 7 a.m. on Oct. 30.

While the entire trip is filled with fun and learning, there is always one part that is more fun than the rest. Cassidy Goodwin, who has attended the convention twice, said that her favorite part was the tours members got to experience along the way. Many other attending members promptly agreed with her. Another favorite for many members was the people. Not only the people they traveled with but also the people they met along the way.

Attending FFA's National Convention provided many opportunities for our members to learn, grow and experience things that they otherwise would not.