Congratulations!

Amanda and Flat Jason here, reporting live from the newsroom at the Missouri FFA Convention. Well, not exactly live. I didn't have time to post during convention. Whew! It was hoppin' backstage. FJ even stopped by to help, though we all know he's not really good at spelling. Thank goodness he's using the AP Stylebook. Hey! Clean up your messy station!

Anyway, I just wanted to say a big "Congratulations!" to the Eldon FFA Chapter. They are a successful chapter and did very well during this contest season, but I would like to single out one team in particular - parliamentary procedure. My sister is on this team. They won their contest and are advancing to compete at the National FFA Convention! I know they worked hard, and Jason (Flat or otherwise) and I couldn't be prouder of her and her team. (Her mug buddy was pretty impressed, too.) Flat Jason got a little Parli love backstage while they were waiting to learn the results. (Photo courtesy Sara M.) Out front, the group went crazy when the heard the second place team was Tipton because they knew they had won!

While I was working in the newsroom, Flat Jason hung around backstage and caught up with a few other people. Sara M. posed for a photo. She had helped judge the public speaking contests and was keeping things running smoothly backstage. Just look at the girl - isn't she calm, cool and collected?

Flat Jason also got to pal around with the Missouri FFA officer team. The team is comprised of one ag student from each of the 16 areas in Missouri. They represent the Missouri FFA Association at National FFA Convention and travel the state during their tenure. They speak with industry leaders, donors, volunteers and students. They also are responsible for the Missouri FFA Convention in the spring, and they do a great job. This was the 80th convention for Missouri. Another interesting fact: Missouri is home to National FFA President Zach Kinne. In fact, Zach and the whole team posed with Flat Jason backstage after convention. He's on the far right. On the far left is Dr. Terry Heiman, Missouri FFA advisor, who graciously humored my photo request. Thank you guys so much!