Last week, hundreds of FFA members gathered at Penn State University to attend the Pennsylvania FFA Summer Convention.
Penn State President Graham B. Spanier welcomed the attendees at this year’s convention.
“We are honored to have such a dynamic group of youthful leaders with us for The Pennsylvania FFA State Convention. I am pleased to take part in this ceremony honoring your achievements and recognizing your volunteerism and your dedication to learning,” said Spanier.
Attendees also heard from state Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolf, as well as Pennsylvania Gov. Edward G. Rendell.
However, the highlight of the convention was a visit from President George Bush who spoke on issues ranging from American agriculture to social security reform.
Over 1600 FFA members and advisors from across the state attended this year’s event. While hearing from the President of the United States may have been one of the most memorable events, more than 30 other activities were held during the three-day convention.
Members of the Bellwood-Antis FFA were in attendance at the event and came home with several state awards. Joe Carosielli earned a gold medal award and the team from Bellwood-Antis High School placed third at the Agricultural Mechanics Contest.
Joe Carosielli, son of Tony and Kathy Carosielli of Bellwood, placed third overall in the competition. This is Carosielli’s fourth straight gold medal in the contest, after placing second, fourth and tenth in previous years.
Also earning awards in the competition were Travis Mills, 13th place and Ben Grove, 15th place, with both students earning bronze awards.
The team of Carosielli, Mills and Grove placed third in the contest, just missing second place by 36 points out of 1,000.
Thirty-one individuals and seven teams participated in the event, displaying their abilities to repair and operate tools, agricultural equipment and machines.
Jim Mackereth, Bellwood-Antis agriculture teacher and FFA advisor, also attended this event.
