A pair of Chinook FFA Chapter members will be attending the 94th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana, from October 27-30 with their advisor, Karyn Billmayer. Although Shyla Benzing and Halle Mitchell will not be competing in any contests, they welcome the opportunity for career exploration and inspiration as they investigate industries in agriculture.

Billmayer will fly out of Great Falls with her two seniors on October 27 and return on October 30. “We are looking forward to listening to Courtenay DeHoff, checking out a horse race track—fingers crossed—and taking in all the culture,” Billmayer reported. “We missed out on rodeo and concert tickets, unfortunately. I wasn't sure of the status of being able to travel last spring. So when we got the go ahead in September, tickets were sold out. To make it up to the girls, I am working on a private tour of the backstretch of a horse race track. We are looking at going to Indy Scream Park, as well.”

Benzing, who intends upon graduation to pursue either an equine internship or one building saddles in Colorado, expressed excitement about the Indiana plans. “I’m looking forward to touring the horse racing place and the haunted house. Halle and I went to Nationals together when we were sophomores, so it will be fun to go again.”

Despite existing restrictions and future uncertainty caused by the pandemic, the event, which traditionally brings more than 65,000 attendees, will be held in-person this year. At events like this one, members celebrate their accomplishments and find inspiration for their next steps. They hear motivational keynote speakers, attend energetic concerts, fulfill their learning with workshops, and visit the expo floor bustling with agricultural education and industry opportunities.

One of those inspirational speakers will be Keynote Speaker Courtenay DeHoff. DeHoff is a cowgirl turned television personality, keynote speaker, and podcast host. She has worked on-air in front of sold-out crowds at sporting events and anchored live telecasts for national news networks.

In 2020, DeHoff launched the global brand movement Fancy Lady Cowgirl ™ after struggling to fit the traditional cowgirl mold. She labeled herself a “Fancy Lady Cowgirl,” proclaiming: “You can be both a little fancy and a little ranchy.” Through storytelling and fashion, Fancy Lady Cowgirl is working to bridge the gap between urban and rural cultures.

On the Convention’s final day, Saturday, October 30, the American FFA Degree Ceremony will take place. At that ceremony, another Chinook FFA Chapter member, Alyssa Gruszie will be receiving her American Degree.

The American FFA Degree Ceremony will take place in the Lucas Oil Stadium from 7:30 a.m.—10:00 a.m. Because of flight schedules, the trio won’t be able to attend Gruszie’s award presentation.

According to Billmayer, Gruszie’s is one of the 17 applications that Montana sent in. “I believe you can watch the Ceremony on RFDTV on October 30th; however, I don’t have a time of when Alyssa will be on stage. She and her family will be attending the ceremony in-person.”

In a policy change this year, those juniors and seniors who work concessions and contribute to Chapter fruit, jerky, and candy sales are eligible to apply to attend the National Convention. These applications are reviewed, and the Chinook Chapter of the FFA pays for travel and event tickets for those selected.