Attendance record set at convention

National FFA Organization report

A record 51,338 participants attended the 2003 National FFA convention Oct. 29-Nov. 1 at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center in Louisville.

Javier Moreno became the first FFA member from Puerto Rico to be elected National FFA President.

In addition to Moreno, the 2003-2004 national officers elected during the convention were: Secretary, Stacia Christine Berry of Cheyenne, Wyo.; Eastern Region Vice President, Anne Knapke of Oxford, Ohio; Southern Region Vice President, Christy Windham of Laurel, Miss.; Central Region Vice President, Amy Rasmussen of Mead, Neb.; and Western Region Vice President, Casey Hogan of Stephenville, Texas.

A total of 2,788 American Degrees, 46 Honorary American Degrees for teachers and 135 Honorary American Degrees were bestowed during the convention.

Orrin Holle of the Atwood FFA Chapter (Oberlin, Kansas) was named the 2003 American Star Farmer. He raises more than 100 feeder calves and has won the national FFA grain production proficiency award. Holle has earned an American FFA Degree and plans to attend Kansas State University.

Amanda Beyer of the Waupaca FFA Chapter (Waupaca, Wisc.) was named the 2003 American Star in Agriscience; Erik Blaser of the Oconto Falls FFA Chapter (Gillett, Wisc.) was named the 2003 American Star in Agricultural Placement; Joshua Zeithamer of the Alexandria FFA Chapter (Alexandria, Minn.) was named the 2003 American Star in Agribusiness. The four finalists in each category received $1,000 apiece from the National FFA Foundation and the opportunity to participate in an international experience tour in Costa Rica. The winners each received an additional $1,000.