Danny Paul was named the National FFA Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance Placement Proficiency Winner.  Danny Paul of the Pendleton FFA Chapter in Oregon started working on trucks when he was 9 years old.  Today, he works side-by-side with his father servicing and repairing big rig trucks — in addition to taking responsibility for independent jobs.  Paul is able to do everything from oil and fluid changes to rebuilding an engine.  He envisions becoming a diesel technician.  Danny is supported by parents Troy and Dani Paul and FFA advisor Patty Abell. This award is sponsored by Tractor Supply Company and Universal Technical Institute.

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Kyler Belinson of Oklahoma was named the National FFA Agricultural Education Proficiency Winner.  After Kyler Belinson of the Elgin FFA Chapter in Oklahoma made a presentation to his class about animal agriculture, he discovered that he enjoyed teaching others about the industry.  Since then, he has created and taught two units, utilizing six different methods of teaching in seventh and eighth grade classes.  Belinson plans to pursue a double major in agricultural education and agricultural business.  He is supported by parents Richard and Heather Stoll and FFA advisors Richie Roberts, Matt Kelly, Michael Gustafson and Cameron Jones. This award is sponsored by The James F. Lincoln Arc Welding Foundation and Tulsa Welding School.

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Jane Herlong spoke to FFA members and guests at Session 7 of the National FFA Convention and Expo.

Jane entertains using funny, original Southern stories, folksy wisdom and singing to help folks live more productive, stress-free lives. Jane believes in the extraordinary healing power of humor and story telling.  This is evident in Jane’s most recent accomplishment of being an Amazon “Best-Seller” for her new book, “Bury Me with My Pearls.”

As a Southern Humorist, Jane combines humor, original Southern stories, and her award-winning singing (you may hear a parody or two) with life lessons. Combining her talents audiences “laugh at” while learning “how to” handle difficulties at home and in the workplace.

Jane Jenkins Herlong, former Miss South Carolina

Jane is a Certified Professional Speaking (CSP), professional singer, recording artist and published author. Jane’s award-winning singing and humor is featured on Sirius XM Radio and Pandora. She criss‐crosses the country sharing her “down‐home principles delivered with uptown humor”. Jane has also spoken in New Zealand and Germany and is fluent in four languages: English, Southern, Northern and Gullah (gul‐la).

Jane is active in her church and community and serves on an the Parent Board at Clemson University, Commissioner at Piedmont Technical College of South Carolina, Chair of the National Speakers Association Scholarship Committee and serves on the Foundation Board of the National Speakers Association.

However, Jane’s proudest accomplishments are being a wife and mother. Jane and her family live on the family peach  farm in Edgefield County, South Carolina.

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With topics ranging from diversity and career success, to advocating and hunger, students attending the 87th National FFA Convention and Expo have to opportunity to attend workshops to help them gain specific knowledge and ideas. Featuring a few words from our facilitators as well as Nick Murray from Wisconson, and Lindsay Palmer from New York, Kaylin Broadwell has more.

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Garrett Williams is a member of the West Richland FFA Chapter in Illinios.  He participated in the Agriscience Fair Exhibit Display at the 87th National FFA Convention & Expo.  His project impacted not only his FFA experience, but also his home farm.  His convention experience as a participant has given him a new opportunity that he was willing to share.  Take a listen for Garrett’s story.

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Jeff Simmons ,CEO of Elanco, spoke to FFA members at the 87th National FFA Convention and Expo about how world hunger will affect them in the years to come. His message on how innovation and ingenuity will be the driving force of feeding the world in the next 30 years educated and inspired FFA members. Simmons talked to our own Jamye Spence Freeman about his message and how young agriculturalist can help.

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East Region Vice President Wes Davis shared his retiring address with FFA members.  Listen to Here For a Reason…

To read the transcript, click here.

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