On Nov. 9, FFA members set out for Kansas City, Missouri, in a school bus with converted coach seats. Three days later, they pulled into Kansas City for the National FFA Convention.
The long bus ride was only the first of many experiences for the students who went to Kansas City. The bus ride was cramped, especially when the team came back. They were on the bus from Saturday, Nov. 16, to late Sunday night.
"It got kind of cramped after a while," said senior Jenny Mansir. But the advantage to the ride was getting to know other students better than before, she said.
The team had a hubcap found on an earlier traveling trip attached to the front of the bus. The "traveling trophy" was unfortunately thrown out by a Deer Lodge FFA leader who thought it was garbage. After the team discovered the loss in Bozeman, the bus broke down five minutes later. Luckily the team found a new "traveling trophy" in Kansas City.
There were many aspects to the Convention, said senior Mike Tuszynski. From a trade and career show that took up seven city blocks to many key note speakers, the convention was a jam-packed, exciting experience.
"We had the opportunity to listen to the best motivational speakers in the nation," said Tuszynski. "It does a lot to make you think and set goals and excel."
The convention was also an award-winning experience for Flathead's FFA members. The National FFA Chapter gives awards at a local, state, and national level. Mansir, Tuszynski and seniors Anthony Butlett and Phil Guiffrida won a two-star award for their achievements in the National FFA Building American Communities Award Program. The star awards range from one to three, with three being the best. Only 75 teams were given a two-star award.
"(I felt) pretty good," said Mansir about her award. "Especially when we found there weren't a lot (of FFA members) who won a two-star award."
Seniors Kelly Fosberry and Ellen Braaten also won silver medals in livestock. The two had won state with their cattle, hogs, and sheep and they were "shooting for" a silver at nationals.
The convention was a chance for FFA members to learn more and be recognized for their achievements.
"It's a real eye-opener," said Braaten. "It helps you look at yourself at where you can go and what you can do."