One of the largest annual gatherings of Kansas high school students is set to begin next week as more than 2,000 FFA members, agricultural educators and supporters converge at Kansas State University for the 86th Kansas FFA Convention. The convention will open Wednesday, May 28, and run through Friday, May 30.

The convention theme, “Ignite,” inspires members’ growth as future leaders in agriculture, their communities and the world. The theme also reflects the many opportunities FFA offers students to develop their potential through Career Development Event (CDE), Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs and more.

Convention guests will hear from the retiring 2013-2014 state FFA officer team and special guests including motivational speaker Curtis Childers, Shalee Lehning, former WNBA player and K-State Wildcat, and Matt Lohr, director of the Knowledge Center for Farm Credit of the Virginias.

Forty-two members will be awarded proficiency awards for accomplishing specific career goals in their SAE programs. The State FFA degree, the highest honor a state association can bestow, will be awarded to 239 members. Three of those recipients will be recognized for having the best SAE programs in the state with the Star Farmer, Star in Agricultural Placement and Star in Agribusiness awards.

“The Kansas FFA Convention continues the 86-year tradition of developing students’ potential in premier leadership, personal growth and career success,” said Lindy Bilberry, Kansas FFA president and member of the Garden City FFA Chapter. “This week we celebrate the work and achievements of Kansas FFA members and future leaders of the agriculture industry.”

Attendees also will be entertained by the 83 members performing in the Kansas FFA Band and Chorus, as well as a laser light show before each session, sponsored by the K-State College of Agriculture.

In addition to individual recognition, entire FFA chapters are recognized through National Chapter Awards and the Triple Crown Award. The coveted Triple Crown distinguishes the top state chapter in the areas of student, chapter and community development.

During the final session, six extraordinary members will be elected to the 2014-2015 state officer team to serve more than 8,700 Kansas FFA members.

View the full convention schedule at ksffa.org, where a live video stream of sessions will begin on Wednesday, May 28. Follow convention updates, including award winners, at kansasffaconvention.blogspot.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/ksffa, on Instagram at @ksffa and on Twitter at @KansasFFA and hashtag #ksffa.

To schedule an interview with a member of the 2013-2014 Kansas FFA officer team, please call Shannon Krueger at (785) 479-1633 or email media@ksffa.org.

The Kansas FFA Association is a statewide organization of 8,700 agricultural education students in 172 chapters in every corner of Kansas. It is part of the National FFA Organization, a national youth organization of 579,678 student members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture with 7,570 local chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Our mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Visit www.ksffa.org for more information.