Cloister FFA Members Honored at PA Farm Show

   On Monday, January 11th, members of the Cloister FFA chapter traveled to the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg to enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of Pennsylvania agriculture. Many visited with vendors, talked with college representatives, watched beef and hog shows, and met up with friends from other FFA chapters across the state.
   The main event however was the 81st FFA Mid-Winter Convention held in the Large Arena. Although the event is primarily to recognize Keystone degree recipients, guest speakers included Senator Robert Casey and PA Secretary of Agriculture, Russell Reading who expressed their support of the FFA. Toni Kauffman was one of 247 Keystone degree recipients being recognized in the degree ceremony. The Keystone degree is the highest degree Pennsylvania can bestow upon its FFA members. To be eligible, members must be high school seniors and have records of earning over $1000 or working over 600 hours on their SAE projects.
   Harold and Ann Kauffman, Toni’s parents, received an Honorary Keystone degree for helping three of their children (Scott in 2006, Stephanie in 2008, and Toni in 2010) receive their Keystone degrees. Also celebrating at the ceremony was Toni’s younger sister, Kirsten, who received an FFA jacket sponsored by the Pennsylvania FFA Alumni. To receive this jacket, Kirsten wrote an essay on what FFA meant to her. There were over 150 new FFA members that received their first FFA jackets with Kirsten.
   After the convention ended, Cloister members were able to meet with EHS alumnus Billy Saylor, who is serving as the 2009-2010 Pennsylvania FFA State Chaplain. Billy helped organize and plan the convention with his state officer team comprised of 11 individuals from chapters across the state.
   Congratulations to all FFA members who were recognized at this convention. If you missed it, PCN will be airing reruns of this and other Farm Show events throughout the week.