Edwardsville FFA Earns Silver Chapter Honors at Illinois Convention

EDWARDSVILLE - The 98th annual Illinois FFA State Convention took place last week, and Edwardsville High School’s chapter of the National FFA Organization was among those in attendance.

Founded in 1928, the National FFA Organization, formerly known as Future Farmers of America, is “the premier youth organization preparing members for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture,” according to the organization’s website.

The national organization comprises state associations, which consist of local chapters from participating schools. At the state convention, chapters from across Illinois gather to recognize achievements, participate in leadership activities, and take part in workshops and sessions designed to develop their skills.

Among those attending were 12 Edwardsville FFA members, along with adviser and teacher Joseph Birrittier and Edwardsville Community Unit School District #7 Head of Security Michael Hubbard.

Two members, Chapter President Lucy Heepke and Chapter Vice President Dylan Henke, represented Edwardsville as the chapter was recognized as a Silver Chapter, a distinction awarded to FFA chapters that excel in leadership, service, and agricultural programming while ranking among the state's top-performing chapters.

“My favorite part of the trip by far was being the first representative of Edwardsville FFA Chapter to go on stage at the state convention since 2018,” Heepke said. “It felt really good to be the one to represent not only our chapter, but also our school.”

Along with recognizing chapters and individuals, delegates elected Illinois FFA Association officers during the third day of the convention. During the nearly five-hour process, 10 candidates competed for six officer positions: president, vice president, secretary, reporter, treasurer, and sentinel. These officers travel around the state, organizing events and workshops for chapters and sections.

“My favorite part of sessions as a delegate was being able to have a say in who would be the next major officers,” Henke said. “It was neat being able to listen to every candidate’s speech that told us so much about who they are.”

Attendees also had the chance to speak with college and career representatives at exhibition booths throughout the convention center. Among them was the U.S. Army, which not only provided information about its organization, but also featured a punching-bag arcade game that measured participants' punching strength on a scale of 1 to 1,000.

“My favorite booth at the convention was the Army booth,” said Chapter Treasurer Macie Wilkinson. “I learned a lot of benefits and facts about the Army that I had never known.”

Food trucks were also present at the convention, with Papa John’s and Hae's Bakery and Coffee Shop proving popular among attendees.

“My favorite food truck was the Papa John’s truck,” said Chapter Secretary Mason Morfey. “We bought at least five pizzas in those three days we were there.”

During the three-day trip, the students not only attended convention sessions but also explored Illinois history. Edwardsville FFA members visited the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and the Old State Capitol State Historic Site, where they met and spoke with Mike Anderson, also known as the “Dulcimer Guy.”

As the convention came to a close, Edwardsville FFA members returned home with new experiences, leadership skills, and connections from across Illinois. From chapter recognition to leadership opportunities, the trip showcased how FFA helps students grow both personally and professionally while continuing the chapter’s tradition of excellence.

More like this:

Edwardsville High School FFA Seniors Credit Organization With Growth and Leadership Opportunities

May 14, 2026

Jerseyville FFA Earns Top Honors at Illinois Convention

2 days ago

McKayla Fisher is Leader at Southwestern High School

May 13, 2026

Edwardsville High School Student Wins Dairy Judging Award

Mar 13, 2026

Jersey Community High School's FFA Chapter Earns Top Honors

May 11, 2026