California State Convention

Arriving in Fresno I was greeted by the warm smile of our future team Mom, Mrs. Sonya Parker! We headed back to the hotel and changed quickly for the executive committee meeting and a great taco dinner! Here I had the chance to see members in action, as they informed, debated, and helped to set direction for the convention. It was also a good time to hang out with the regional and state officers, and my wonderful teammate Ms. Becky Sullivan, all over a great meal of course.
After dinner, Mr. Parker, California assistant state advisor, brought Becky and I to the arena to see the convention set up. WOW, this place was huge! I was extremely excited for the weekend to come so I could be a part of a convention of such magnitude!
Friday was contest day, so I took the chance to watch a little Parli Pro with the Foothill Chapter and got to be incognito-meeting tons of members and even a few future state officers. On Saturday morning, Becky, Renee from National FFA, and Mr. Kuber, past president Catherine's dad, headed off to Yosemite National Park for a quick trip to see some majestic waterfalls, high peaks, and beautiful scenery. Saturday night was the first session kick off-including state officers dropping in from the ceiling! If a California State Convention Session won't get you excited I don't know what will! After the session was one of my favorite parts of convention-the dance! Sunday morning was filled with workshops- I mean funshops over at Fresno State. Thanks to all the members who came by! I don't know where the time goes, because before I knew it the Monday night Emerson Drive Concert was over and it was Tuesday morning and the final session. As convention ended it was obvious that Catherine, David, Kate, Michelle, Aubrey and Vernon had given their all and left some big shoes to be filled.
I have no doubt California members will see great things from Marlene, Graham, Brad, Kristen, Levy and Ryan! Tuesday night and Wednesday I spent some time with one of my best friends in the entire world, past president Mr. Jimmy Pierce. The greatest thing about FFA is the people you meet and the relationships you build. Spending time with old friends is always a good reminder of that. Wednesday night I headed off to the airport for a night of flying, falling asleep on the west coast and waking up in Providence, Rhode Island!