Hastings Area School System was represented in several ways at the 99th National FFA Convention last month in Indianapolis, with local educators, graduates, and college students contributing their time and talents.
From supporting the National FFA Band to welcoming visitors at the FFA Experience booth, their involvement highlighted the community’s connections to agricultural education and FFA.
Among those participating were members of the National FFA Band staff. The National FFA Band had a strong local connection, with its entire staff coming from Michigan and all but one residing in the Barry County area. Leading the band were director Spencer White and assistant directors Beth Clipfell and Paul Boelkins. Serving as chaperones were Jeff Buehl, Craig Holley, Sandy Billingsley, and Carrie Carl.
Together, the staff supported student musicians from across the country as they came together to prepare for the convention. With just a few days to rehearse together before performances began, the directors and chaperones helped students learn their music, build confidence, and come together as an ensemble.
Hastings graduate Nate Traver also joined the band staff for a few days, helping set up and make adjustments to the drumline and percussion equipment for convention. Traver is a freshman at Lansing Community College and a member of Redline, a Michigan-based percussion ensemble that competes through Winter Guard International. He plans to transfer to Michigan State University next year and hopes to join the Spartan Marching Band. His involvement provided another opportunity for a Hastings graduate to share his musical experience in support of the National FFA Band.
Hastings Area School System Superintendent Dr. Nick Damico also attended, experiencing the National FFA Convention firsthand and learning more about the organization. The convention offered opportunities to explore agricultural education, leadership development, and career pathways through its expo, sessions, and educational activities.
Hastings graduate Kaylie Carl, a junior at Michigan State University studying agricultural education and animal science, served as a National FFA volunteer at the FFA Experience booth in the expo hall. Working alongside college students from across the United States, Carl assisted throughout the booth, guiding members through activities focused on National FFA history, sustainability in everyday life, and careers in the agricultural industry. She also assisted with teacher workshops, supporting educators as well as student members.
This marked Carl’s fifth National FFA Convention, having previously attended with her chapter, the National FFA Band, and MSU’s AFNRE Club. Each experience has offered a different perspective on convention, and this year brought the rewarding opportunity to contribute as part of the collegiate volunteer staff while preparing for her future in agriculture education.
Brayden Bies, a junior at Michigan State University studying agricultural education, attended convention with MSU’s Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources Education (AFNRE) Club. As one of the trip organizers, Bies helped coordinate lodging, activities, and other logistics for club members. This was his third time attending National FFA Convention.
Throughout the trip, club members explored the expo, attended sessions and workshops, and connected with industry leaders. The trip also offered time to connect with fellow club members outside convention activities. Reflecting on his changing perspective, Bies shared, “I was able to observe the convention as an educator instead of just an average student attending.”
Together, these participants demonstrated the many ways people can remain involved in FFA — as students, educators, musicians, volunteers, and supporters. Their contributions brought a piece of Hastings and Barry County to the national stage while helping create opportunities for FFA members from across the country.