2016 Pennsylvania Farm Show: ATHENS Style

Monday, January 11th, 2016 was the Pennsylvania State FFA Association Midwinter Convention. Held at the Farm Show Building  in Harrisburg, we were able to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Pennsylvania Farm Show with the 52 students that attended from Athens! I was very excited to meet so many students, and we had 22 receive jackets and 5 receive their Keystone Degree! WOHOOOOO way to go Athens!

Students from Athens Area HS entering the 100th PA Farm Show!

This golden anniversary for the PA Farmshow was displayed through many exhibits showing the history and evolution of the show. For instance, I read that the first milkshakes were sold for 25 cents! A far cry from the $4.00 that we pay now... but oh they are so worth it!

My personal favorite treat from the Farm Show... a CLASSIC Black and White milkshake!



The students were able to walk around and enjoy the many sights of the Farm Show while Mr. Steinfelt (my cooperating teacher) and I also perused through the displays, animals, showcases, machinery, and food court! Good times had by all. Then, we rounded out the day at the 87th Pennsylvania FFA Midwinter Convention held in the New Holland Arena of the Farm Show Complex. It was incredible to see over 380 students receive their Keystone Degrees and over 500 students put on their jackets for the very first time. We were certainly very proud of the students representing Athens who did an outstanding job. From zipping up the new Blue and Gold Jacket, to earning the highest degree for the state of Pennsylvania to representing Athens as the Northern Region Star, Athens did very well on Monday.

Our view of the 87th Pennsylvania FFA Midwinter Convention

I can't wait to continue with my student teaching experience, and am looking forward to actually learning all 52 of the student's names! I can confidently say that I know about... 12! Wohoo, here is to new beginnings!

Best,
Ms. Royer