By Bronwyn Leonhardt
Colonel Crawford FFA Chapter Reporter
On Oct. 28- Nov. 1 the Colonel Crawford FFA Chapter went to the 2015 National FFA convention with Wynford, Buckeye Central, Margaretta, and New London. This year the convention was held in Louisville, Kentucky and about 65,000 members attended the convention. Ten members of the Colonel Crawford FFA attended and the members were: Bronwyn Leonhardt, Taylor Lutz, Samantha Martin, Ashlie Hatcher, Megan Daubenspeck, Adam Widman, Harley Shaum, Dylan Scott, Darren Thomas, and Andy Sulser.
The five chapters boarded the bus on Wednesday and made their first stop at Jungle Jims for lunch. Members then traveled to the Kentucky Horse Park where they learned about some famous horses. During the tour members got to look at the Budweiser Clydesdales when they were greeted by Barley, the Budweiser dog.
On Thursday we went to the convention center and watched one of the many amazing keynote speakers. After the speaker the chapters had a choice of staying at the convention center and shopping or going to the Louisville Zoo. To conclude the day, members attended a hypnotist show.
Friday was a day full of tours and museums. The first stop was the convention center where they listened to Amberley Snyder, a professional barrel racer who had a very touching story. Following the session, members went to Churchill Downs. We were able to see them work the track to prepare for another day of racing. After touring the Churchill Downs track and 
museum, we traveled to Louisville Slugger to see how the famous bats are made. Our last stop of the day was the Mohammad Ali Museum where students got to learn about the life, and accomplishments, of professional boxer Mohammad Ali.
Members were up bright and early Saturday to leave the hotel by 6 a.m. to ensure a good seat at the convention center to watch Jessica Millenbaugh and Jessica (Lohr) Alt receive their American FFA degrees. This degree is the highest degree an FFA member can earn. Members then piled back on the bus for the long trip back home.
Members were asked to share their favorite memories from convention, and their responses are below:
Taylor Lutz said that she “enjoyed the bus rides and the good times at the hotel with other Crawford and Wynford kids. I also enjoyed walking around the career fair with Adam and Sam, getting as much free stuff as possible.”
Sam Martin said her favorite memory was “going to all the different tours, listening to the inspiring keynote speakers and finding kittens in a parking lot.”
Bronwyn Leonhardt shared that her favorite memory was “when we had to leave at 6:30 a.m. and no one’s alarm went off and we only had 20 minutes to get ready. It was probably the fastest that 6 girls, in a small hotel room, have ever did hair, make-up, and got dressed in a short period of time.”
Adam Widman said “my favorite memory from convention was walking around the career show. I enjoyed talking to all of the vendors. I received a lot of information on college and new farm practices. I also enjoyed obtaining all the free items from the career show.”
Ashlie Hatcher said “my favorite memory was going to a zoo for the first time. I also had an enjoyable time getting to know some FFA members from Buckeye Central.”
Megan Daubenspeck shared that “my favorite memory of our trip to the national convention was getting the opportunity to meet FFA members from across the nation and I had an enjoyable time getting to know some FFA members from Buckeye Central.”
Andy Sulser shared that “My favorite memory from national convention was seeing how big FFA really is and how much of an influence it has on people outside of the organization. The support that the FFA gives and receives, is almost unlimited.”