Six Checotah FFA members and their agricultural teacher/advisors Mr. Rusty Stonebarger and Mr. Zachary Ilbery had the opportunity to attend the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana last month. FFA members who attended were Jade Mc-Peak, Avery Williams, Macee Glover, Shayla Dismukes, Rylee Howell and Bailey Burton.

On Day one: Members left Monday afternoon after school and headed to the National FFA Convention in Indiana. Members stopped for dinner at Lambert’s in Springfield, Missouri which is known for its hot flying rolls and then they continued on to Rolla for an overnight stay.

Day two: Members woke up early on Tuesday, October 28, and took a scenic route to St. Louis. In St. Louis members toured the Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate factory and had a hands-on experience there. After the tour, members headed to the Gateway Arch where some members braved their way to the very top! After seeing the Arch, members had a Mexican lunch and completed the drive into Indianapolis where they stayed for the remainder of the week.

Day 3: FFA members woke up nice and early to head to the center for the 2025 National FFA Convention. After spending the morning there, members departed for the Blue Springs Caverns and toured an underground cave. In the cavern students got to ride on a boat through the longest underground river navigation system which is 400 foot below ground. Members learned about the importance of preserving these cave systems, stalactites, stalagmites, and underground ecosystems with blind fish, crawfish and more. The experience of pitchblack darkness while exploring 22 miles of caves was exhilarating!

FFA members wrapped up National FFA Convention listening to great speaker and being recognized as a National 3 Star Chapter.

On Thursday, Checotah FFA was recognized on stage as a National 3 Star Chapter in front of approximately 70,000 FFA members and advisors. This is a huge accomplishment for Checotah FFA and well deserving.

FFA members also heard from the Keynote speaker, Brooke Rollins, USDA Secretary of Agriculture.

Then on Friday, members and advisors attended a Native American banquet honoring diversity in agriculture.

Members also attended a haunted house, and played top golf to round out the week. A great week was had by all in attendance at the National FFA Convention this year.

As always, it’s a great day to be a Wildcat and a Checotah FFA member!