By Valerie Bravo, SHS Student Writer
The National FFA Convention is held every year. Thousands of students clad in iconic blue jackets fill the halls, their energy buzzing with excitement. It’s a place where passions light, connections are made and young leaders take one step closer to uncovering their futures. For members of Salem High School’s FFA chapter, the convention is more than an event—it’s an experience that celebrates hard work, friendship and personal growth.
The National FFA Convention offers much more than just fun. It’s an opportunity to network with colleges, businesses and fellow FFA members from across the country. Students leave the convention inspired, with a broader understanding of what their futures could hold.
Sophomore Donevan Zinser said participating in service projects during the convention fills him with pride.
“Whenever we do service and other activities, I feel proud to be in FFA,” he said.
For Zinser, FFA has been about stepping outside of his comfort zone and embracing challenges. Under the guidance of longtime advisor Seth Purlee, Zinser has competed in nearly every FFA competition available, earning an impressive list of accomplishments. He’s placed first in forestry (both at the area and state level), as well as in dairy foods judging, wildlife judging and poultry judging. He’s also earned multiple top-five finishes in other events.
“Purlee does a great job of pushing us to try new competitions,” Zinser said. “It’s important because it helps with working in groups, public speaking and building self-confidence.”
Even though there aren’t open competitions at the National FFA Convention unless students qualify beforehand, students applied the skills that they learned at the workshops in class.
For Purlee, who has been Salem High School’s FFA advisor for 22 years, the convention is a highlight of his career. This school year marked his 21st trip to the event, with only one missed year in 2020 due to the COVID.
“The most rewarding part of taking students to the National FFA Convention is seeing the joy they have and the lifelong relationships they build,” he said. “FFA is so much more than just sows, plows and cows.”
Over the years, Purlee has played a pivotal role in shaping the lives of countless students, helping them grow into confident leaders.
“FFA has been a huge part of my life,” said FFA President Abby Maynard. “I have built so many friendships with people who have the same interests and values as me. It has also shown me how to be a true leader. It, along with Mr. Purlee, pushed me to be the best version of myself.”
Purlee’s dedication to FFA extends far beyond the classroom. He’s a member of the 4-H Council, Fairboard, Hoosier Uplands Board of Directors and more, all while helping his students achieve remarkable success. From guiding a group of students to compete nationally in Envirothon to mentoring a state star finalist in agribusiness, his influence has been far-reaching.
“FFA gives students an opportunity to not only gain knowledge about agriculture but to grow as people,” Purlee explained. “They don’t have to come from a farming background or even want a career in agriculture. FFA is a place where they can develop leadership, personal growth and career success.”
For Salem’s FFA chapter, the National FFA Convention is more than a networking opportunity or a celebration of accomplishments. It’s a reminder of how far they’ve come and how much further they can go.
As the blue jackets return home, they bring with them not just awards and memories but also a renewed sense of purpose. Under the leadership of advisors like Purlee, the Salem FFA chapter continues to inspire students to dream big, work hard and embrace the boundless opportunities ahead.