Members of the Greenville FFA chapter attended the 90th annual Illinois State FFA Convention on June 12-14 along with more than 5,000 other FFA members, advisors, and guests.
“Be Bold” was the theme of the three-day event which recognizes achievements of Illinois FFA members, elects the major state officer team, and celebrates agriculture. Students at the convention were greeted with activities including a career fair featuring colleges and agribusinesses, an evening dance and talent show, and an opportunity to engage in the history of Illinois’ capital city. The Convention’s 2018 service project benefitted children through “The Crayon Initiative,” which collects old, used crayons and creates new ones for distribution to art programs at children’s hospitals across the nation. The convention program featured addresses by National FFA Southern Region Vice President Ian Bennett of Georgia and from each of the retiring major state officers.
During the convention, the following awards were presented to the Greenville FFA chapter:
Heritage Award Section Winner: This program encourages FFA chapters to inform people on their heritage and rights and responsibilities as citizens. Increased involvement of every citizen in local, state, and federal issues provides an important voice in the legislative process that is granted under the Illinois and U.S. Constitutions. The Illinois Farm Bureau sponsors a trip for chapter members to Washington, D.C., in late June to tour the nation’s capital.
Cooperative Activities Section Winner: Through this program, FFA members and advisors learn the values and principles of cooperative businesses in the American free enterprise system and develop an understanding of the cooperative way of doing business. The Illinois Farm Bureau sponsors a trip for members to Washington, D.C., in late June to tour the nation’s capital.

Foundation $3,000 Club Award Recipient: The chapter was recognized for coordinating a local campaign for the Illinois Foundation FFA which raised at least $3,000. The chapter’s fundraising total was $6,171.59.