The 98th National FFA Convention took place from October 29th – November 1st, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. In attendance were over 73,000 FFA members and guests from around the country, along with some of our own dedicated members. The city was encompassed with the colors of blue and gold as FFA members spread the message of agriculture. Members learned how to be successful in life and met many new members from across our nation.
Fifteen Sleepy Eye FFA members attended the National Convention including: Daniel Armstrong, Kamille Capacia, Candy Regules Castorena, Paola Gonzalez, Lucia Martinez Paredes, Madi Martinez, Aranza Tovar Garces, Chloe Okerman, Karina Martinez, Ella Arkins, Ari Hernandez, Mia Davila, Taylor Berkner, and Lily Kallevig. Katie Emmett and Paul Hendrickx were the chaperones for the trip.
Students were exposed to an agricultural based career expo, heard dynamic speakers, and were inspired by energetic and motivating general sessions at the largest annual student convention in the country.
During Convention, the Sleepy Eye FFA was named a THREE Star National Chapter for growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture activities that the Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter highlighted in their National Chapter Award application. Three stars is the highest ranking out of 1, 2, or 3 stars being awarded by National FFA. Taylor Berkner and Lily Kallevig accepted this award on behalf of our chapter.
Taylor Berkner and Lily Kallevig competed at National Convention in Employment Skills and Prepared Public Speaking Leadership Development Events respectively. They both were awarded silver rank in their contests. For Employment Skills Taylor had to submit a job description, cover letter, and resume, participate in online and in person interviews, a follow up email and thank you note. For Prepared Public Speaking Lily had to write and submit a manuscript then memorize it and present it. The topic she chose to write about was rural mental health. While she was at convention, she presented her 8-minute speech and had to answer multiple questions on the topic.
Thirteen Sleepy Eye FFA members competed in the National Quiz Bowl Contest during National Convention week. The Quiz Bowl Contest consists of taking a 100 question knowledge test on the history and current facts of FFA.
The National Sr. Quiz Bowl team #1 consisted of Lucia Martinez Paredes, Alex Confer, Madi Martinez, and Paola Gonzalez. The team placed 7th in the nation out of 96 teams. The top scorers on the Sr. Team #1 was Lucia Martinez Paredes and Alex Confer who tied for 26th place out of 323 individuals!
The National Jr. Quiz Bowl team consisting of Karina Martinez, Ari Hernandez, and Ella Arkins placed 7th out of 23 teams. Karina Martinez was the top scorer on the Jr. team.
Lucia Martinez was a part of the FFA in the USA Reporters while attending the convention. She was able to go behind the scenes and work in the newsroom and FFA live studio to where the National Convention was being live streamed. Lucia was also given the opportunity to write an article that was published on the FFA website!
Along with the FFA Convention, members were given the opportunity to attend several tours in Indiana. The tours include: Exotic Feline Rescue Center, Indiana Caverns, and Zimmerman Art Glass. The convention also featured a rodeo and hypnotist. Our members were able to get great hands-on learning experiences and opportunities while making lots of memories.
While at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, most of the Sleepy Eye FFA members took time to work behind the scenes at the KNUJ Media Booth. They assisted Jim Bartels and Larry Baumgardt in interviewing different FFA Chapters around the state of Minnesota about their convention experiences and FFA activities. Our members also interviewed on the radio about their own experiences and activities they are participating in for FFA.
We want to thank our Sleepy Eye Ag. Boosters, local businesses, and the Sleepy Eye School district for supporting our FFA chapter and providing the chance for our members to attend convention. Without your support, our members would not have opportunities like these.