Growing up in a farming community and winning the Kentucky FFA state talent competition led Dillon Carmichael to his full-time career as a country music artist and performer.
In a full-circle experience, the former FFA member was the star of the show during the National FFA Convention, sharing the stage with Lainey Wilson. It was ann experience that Carmichael says is a very emotional experience for him, at the top of his bucket list (maybe even above playing the Opry.)
But, the artist really stole the show for us when he interviewed with FFA reporter Taleen Hanna during the convention.
“In some way, shape, or form, I’ve been involved with the national convention over the years,” he told Hanna. “I love it, and I have my best memories here.”
As part of the 90th anniversary of the FFA jacket, Hanna and Carmichael reminisced about his involvement in the National FFA Convention and what his FFA jacket meant to him.
“I wish that I still had my FFA jacket. It was lost in a tragic circumstance that was out of my control,” Carmichael told Hanna. “I was going to keep it forever. It was so special.”
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In an exchange that ended with some tears from Carmichael, Central Region Vice President Karstyn Cantrell handed off a jacket made for the artist and embroidered with his name and hometown, Burgin, Kentucky.
“It’s a small gift in appreciation from everyone at National FFA,” said Hanna. “We’re so proud of you, everything that you do, and thank you for being such a wonderful representation for National FFA.”
Bringing the exchange full circle, Carmichael performed on stage in his new FFA jacket for convention attendees from across the nation.
»Related: What your FFA jacket best says about you