Over 700 students are expected to convene at Medina High School May 3, 4, and 5 for the 76th Annual New York State FFA Convention. Unique from traditional conventions, the New York State FFA Convention is a student-run event, with a program of activities to be planned and carried out almost completely by a team consisting of 16 state officers and numerous Medina FFA Chapter members.

New York State FFA President Susie Vaughan said, "Every year FFA members from across New York state gather to celebrate the accomplishments of their fellow members." The convention, themed "Tearing Down the Walls," will serve as a celebration of achievements over the past year and as a sneak peak into the upcoming year.

A highlight of the convention will be head-to-head competition in a series of team and individual contests. These contests, called Career Development Events, will focus on developing career and leadership skills in FFA members.

State FFA officers began planning for the event during their summer training sessions last year. Roger Harrison, convention coordinator, explained, "We want this to be a class act." The 16 state FFA officers, all students of various high schools, are responsible for planning the sessions, writing the podium book, and putting their plans into action.

The student involvement and success of the state convention is evidence that the FFA mission, to promote premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education, is being fulfilled on a daily basis.

Most FFA members began preparing for events such as the Prepared Public Speaking and Agricultural Communications competitions in late December or early January. Participants in most of the state events competed at substate level competition as a preliminary elimination round. The top two teams or individuals from each substate qualified to compete at state convention.