From EASTWOOD FFA
The Eastwood FFA Chapter went to the 98th Ohio State Convention in Columbus, Ohio on Thursday, April 30 and Friday, May 1, 2026.
On day one, the first session included recognition of charitable giving and keynote speaker Brad Hurtig. He spoke about finding a way when things get difficult. After he spoke, the slated 2026-2027 Ohio FFA Officers were announced.
To be slated, Ohio FFA Officer candidates advance past the initial interviews to then be voted on by the FFA members around Ohio. Each FFA chapter is eligible to supply two representatives who vote for the officers, called delegates. The delegates also answered questions that were given by the officer team from the past year. Frances Lockyer and Addison Hannan served as Eastwood’s delegates this year. Eastwood FFA members then spent the evening at TopGolf.
Day two of the State Convention kicked off with the fourth session. This session included Officer Awards. Officer Awards are given to the officers who earn a gold rating on their officer books. Frances Lockyer, Eastwood’s secretary, and Kamryn Sundermeier, Eastwood’s treasurer, both received gold ratings on their officer books.
Friday’s final session started with the FFA band and choir; then keynote speaker Carter Boyd, the Ohio FFA President, gave his retiring address. After his speech, State FFA Degrees were awarded.
The 2026 State Degree recipients from Eastwood are Kiera Buchman, Cameron Brinker, Camille Foos, Conner Hiser, and Jenna Gallant. To receive a State FFA Degree, an FFA member must earn at least $2,500 from their Supervised Agricultural Experience projects, participate in at least 25 hours of community service, and participate in numerous FFA activities above the chapter level.
FFA member Jenna Gallant said of the State Convention, “It was fun, and I learned a lot more leadership skills.’
