FFA students visit Indianapolis

At its December workshop meeting, the Waseca school board heard from FFA advisor Savannah Zippel. The FFA students attended the national convention October 25-29 in Indianapolis, Indiana and shared transportation with other clubs from Janesville, Mankato, Albert Lea, Owatonna, and NRHEG as Zippel explained why area clubs travel as a region. “It’s really nice having other advisors as support,” she says. The FFA convention is a chance for students to see and talk with industry professionals, an incredibly valuable learning experience. “They also have one of the largest college fairs, so students are able to see all the agricultural departments from across the country.”

On the way to the convention, the group made stops at Fair Oaks Farm, one of the largest hog and dairy producers in the country, and Ozark Fisheries where the students could explore one of the biggest koi and goldfish farms in the USA. Zippel reported that more than 65,000 registered FFA members from all over the country attend the annual gathering. “This is one of the largest youth conventions in the country. We take over Indianapolis for a week,” she laughed. “Every restaurant is filled with blue jackets.”

Along with the expo and exhibits, attendees were able to attend an Indianapolis Raceway tour and a Mickey Guyton & Russell Dickerson concert. “The kids really enjoyed being out of official dress for a night,” Zippel told the board. “They love the corduroy jackets, but after a while, it’s nice to be able to change!”

Other items covered included a “clean” or positive audit report for the 2021-22 school year from financial consultants Clifton Larson Allen. This report will be covered in detail for the public at the “Truth in Taxation” meeting set for December 15. The board also briefly reviewed its performance goals for the 2022-23 school year. In keeping with the five-year strategic plan that can be found on the district website, board members had previously determined they would focus on goals of student and staff support, community engagement, school board training, and superintendent support. 

“There’s always something to be accountable for, but that’s a good thing.” Superintendent Eric Hudspith stated.