Block and Bridle Club Attends National Convention

Pratt Community College’s Block and Bridle Club attended the 2010 Block and Bridle National Convention. The convention was held on the campus of Michigan State University Oct. 14-16. Five members attended the convention along with their Block and Bridle Advisor, Dr. Bill Hunter. The Block and Bridle Club is an organization open to anyone who has interest in animal agriculture.
 
“One of the big highlights during the National Convention is touring agriculture businesses, farms and ranches in local areas,” said Hunter. “On Saturday we had a key note speaker that talked about the importance of communication and how to use these communication skills to get a job. I thought the speakers on Saturday were good about tying everything together.”
 
The Block and Bridle Club came back from the convention with one award. Cottonwood Falls sophomore Chelsea Wilson won the Outstanding Sophomore Scholarship Award worth $500.
 
To receive the award the student must be enrolled in a regular two-year curriculum and have completed two semesters of course work. The student must also be an active member and in good standing in the local Block and Bridle Club.
 
The student must write an essay and send an official transcript stating number of credit hours completed and GPA, and also include a summary of Block and Bridle activities and other activities they’re involved in.
 
“I was very proud of myself because I had to write an essay and I was nervous I wasn’t going to receive the award,” said Wilson. “There are so many worthy sophomores that attended the convention. To be the first person to attend college in my family and win an agriculture award, I was very honored.”
 
On the way to Michigan, the group stopped in Kansas City and Chicago. They toured the Best Harvest Bakeries in Kansas City and the Chicago Board of Trade. When they arrived in Michigan they listened to a speech from an agricultural lobbyist. They also toured Michigan in two groups, and attended a banquet and a dance. After the convention they toured Fair Oaks Farm and the Budweiser Brewery.
 
“We are not an organization that competes in activities,” said Pratt sophomore Katie Becker. “We are an educational organization for anyone who wants to join. We take part in non-competitive activities, educate people on agriculture, participate in service projects and hold activities for other students on campus.”
 
The Block and Bridle organization hosts the Ag Olympics on campus annually. This event allows PCC student teams of four, to compete in different events.
 
“Block and Bridle is an organization for anyone who has any interest in animal agriculture,” said Hunter. “Anyone can join but this year it is mostly Agriculture majors. During our meetings we discuss what upcoming activities and fundraising opportunities are ahead of us.”
 
The Block and Bridle Club holds their meetings every other Monday in room 130 at 7 p.m.
 
Press Release by Harley Walker, PCC student