One of the largest annual gatherings of Kansas high school students is set to begin next week as more than 1,500 FFA members, agricultural educators and supporters converge at Kansas State University for the 84th Kansas FFA Convention. The annual gathering will open next Wednesday, May 30 and run through Friday, June 1.

The convention theme, “I Believe,” 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 2011-2012 state FFA officer team and motivational speakers from across the country. Thirty-nine 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 252 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.

“Our annual state FFA convention continues the 84-year tradition of developing students’ potential in premier leadership, personal growth and career success,” said Jordan Pieschl, Kansas FFA president and member of the Ell-Saline FFA Chapter. “This week we celebrate the work and achievements of the 8,000 Kansas FFA members and future leaders of the agriculture industry.”

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 2012-13 state officer team to serve more than 8,000 Kansas FFA members.

The full convention schedule can be found at ksffa.org, where a live video stream of sessions will begin on Wednesday, May 30. Follow convention updates, including award winners, at kansasffaconvention.blogspot.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/ksffa, or on Twitter at @KansasFFA and hashtag #ksffa.

The Kansas FFA Association is a statewide organization of 8,047 agricultural education students in 164 chapters in every corner of Kansas. It is part of the National FFA Organization, a national youth organization of 540,379 student members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture with 7,489 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.