Wow, this year has really moved by quick. Before we know it, summer will be here. I know that the Oklahoma Ag Teachers have planned a tremendous Region II conference for us in Oklahoma City, OK for June 19-22. The time is NOW to go to Regions | National Association of Agricultural Educators and register for the conference and make your hotel reservations while rooms are still available. I have attached some conference information including a tentative agenda, hotel information, and registration information. Feel free to contact me if you should have any questions. Looking forward to seeing you all in OKC this June. HB
Wow how time flies!! It seems like only a few years ago I attended my first National FFA Convention in Kansas City, MO as President of my high school FFA chapter. From that excitement, I could not resist continuing to attend every opportunity I was given as a representative of our Louisiana State University Collegiate FFA Chapter, to this year as a FFA advisor and NAAE Region II Vice President. I try to make sure that my students not only "experience" FFA convention, but also life. As I tell parents about our planned activities for the week of National FFA Convention, they always respond, "that sounds like it will be very educational." Isn't that what it is all about?
As we travel to and from convention, I always plan tours that provide that "educational" experiences for my students to bring back and share with their fellow students, teachers, parents, and community. Somehow, National FFA Convention never gets old. I have to remind myself, as well as other experienced teachers, that those students you bring this year have never experienced the excitement of National FFA Convention, the expanse of the National FFA Career Show, and most of the time, the travel out of the state to new locations.
We, as FFA advisors, must not only prepare our students for FFA experiences, competitions and careers, but also for all of life's experiences -- like meeting new people, traveling and rooming with strangers, time and money management, and how about just going to a "nice" restaurant where they must order from menus, provide tips, and of course demonstrate proper etiquette. Well, here we are again, only days away from the 2016 National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN. Do not miss this opportunity to provide your students with what will become a once in a lifetime experience for most of them. I look forward to seeing all of you there and be sure to come by our NAAE Booth and say hi!!