On October 22nd, eight Athens FFA members headed to Indianapolis, Indiana to attend the 82nd National FFA convention. Zach Brown, Kristen Faucon, Betsy Ingram, Matt Ingram, Kayla Hinrichs, Lyndsey Heffner, Toby Yager, and Tyler Yager traveled with a couple other schools to Indianapolis.

 After the members arrived they went to the opening ceremonies where the listened to the national officer's reflections, and Dana Hee, Olympic Gold medallist and Hollywood stuntwoman, give the keynote address. After the session everyone attended the Taylor Swift and James Otto Concert sponsored by RFDTV and Chevy.

Thursday morning everyone loaded the bus and headed to the career show where members were able to view possible careers and colleges. Later that afternoon Athens FFA members took a tour of the Monsanto Agriculture Mobile Career Display where students were able to view careers that Monsanto offers. After the tour the members went to another session. In this session the members "Stepped up with Courage". Kari Boettcher gave her retiring address, then the keynote speaker Tom Zupancic told everyone about the Million Hour Challenge. After the session there was an illusionist show.

On Friday Athens FFA members attended sessions that taught them leadership skills by "Stepping up Boldly". Also the members went to the Indianapolis Speed Way and the National FFA Center. The last day in Indianapolis was on Saturday; the members toured downtown Indy and visited memorials, then loaded the bus for the ride home.

The 81st National Convention greatly impacted the lives of these eight members. Matt Ingram says " The National Convention's Career Show was a positive contribution to the options of college's and careers that are offered."

            Toby Yager and Zach Brown said," The National Convention broadened our opportunities in the Agriculture industry."

            Kristen Faucon said," I was most impacted by the motivational speakers, especially country star, Michael Peterson. He taught us to go for our dreams and not to stop because of fear."

            Betsy Ingram said she was also very impacted by the motivational speakers. Lyndsey Heffner said " The retiring addresses impacted me greatly by showing me a glimpse of what it is like to be a National Officer, and the leadership and responsibility that they all have accomplished. Also, it made me want to improve my leadership skills in order to be a better FFA member."