Alva Review-Courier -

More than 10,000 Oklahoma FFA members representing 360 high school chapters are expected to attend the 92nd State FFA Convention May 1 through May 2 at the Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City.

The convention is the culmination of an FFA member's year and includes individual award and degree recognition, official delegate business, state officer elections and chapter accomplishments.

"State Convention is a time of togetherness for FFA members as we unite in the realization that it is truly about the name on the back of our jackets instead of the front," said Brooklan Light, state FFA reporter. "It's all about taking pride not only in ourselves but our chapter, and state as a whole."

"We are so proud of our FFA members and all they have accomplished this year," said Kent Boggs, state FFA executive secretary, "but the support FFA receives from our business and industry partners is truly inspiring. They really support the agricultural youth of Oklahoma."

794 senior members will receive the State FFA Degree – the highest degree the Oklahoma FFA can bestow upon its members. This award is presented to members who have achieved exceptional success in his or her respective supervised agricultural experience program. From the 794 recipients, a State Star Farmer, State Star in Agribusiness, State Star in Agricultural Placement and State Star in Agriscience will be named.

Oklahoma FFA will also honor 81 of its outstanding supporters by conferring the Honorary State FFA Degree upon them. Other awards to be presented include 47 agricultural proficiency awards, 18 leadership development events and 29 career development events.

During the convention, FFA members have the opportunity to attend 14 different leadership and career development workshops. Presenters range from professional speakers to successful business leaders, covering topics from finding purpose to seeing life's triumphs.

The FFA Career Show, held in conjunction with the convention, will bring more than 120 exhibitors to offer members an array of educational opportunities, agricultural careers and effective fundraising programs. Exhibitors represent business and industry, colleges and universities, agricultural products and services and other areas supporting the FFA experience.

The Oklahoma FFA state officers, a team of eight student leaders, plan the convention and conduct the official ceremonies. The 2017-2018 officers are: Ridge Hughbanks, president; Truitt Taylor, secretary; Brooklan Light, reporter; Beecher Owens, northeast area vice president; Dawson Haworth, northwest area vice president; Kade Killough, central area vice president; Cole Eschete, southeast area vice president; and Emilie James, southwest area vice president.

To find lists of award finalists and press release templates for different award areas, visit http://www.okffa.org and click on participate to find the state convention tab.