FFA News

Jake Zajkowski, Anthony Wayne High School senior, competed in the Ohio FFA Job Interview Career Development Event on Saturday, December 5, 2020. Jake qualified for the contest by winning both the sub-district and district level contests. He then submitted a cover letter and resume, virtually interviewed for a hypothetical job, and wrote a follow-up letter during the state contest. Jake earned 3rd place in division 4, which included 12th grade FFA members from across Ohio. Jake said, “I had a great time competing at the state job interview CDE for the first time. I am very grateful for the opportunity to improve my communication and employment skills.” Anthony Wayne FFA is a satellite of Penta Career Center.… Continue reading

The Milton-Union MVCTC FFA Chapter held their annual fruit sale this November. Congratulations to our Top 5 Fruit Sellers! In 1^st place Erica Pratt, in 2^nd place Tyler Kress, in 3^rd place Darby Welbaum, in 4^th place Sydney Smith, and in 5^th place Gracey Bloomfield! Thank you to everyone who bought and sold fruit this fall; we appreciate all of our supporters of our FFA Chapter.… Continue reading

By: Chloe Shumaker, chapter reporter

On Thursday, December 3rd, the West Holmes FFA participated in the District 2 parliamentary procedure contest. The contest requires members to run a proper business meeting and respond to oral questions about parliamentary law. The team placed 2nd out of 6 teams. Team members were: Chairman – Natasha Averbukh, Secretary – Cora Crilow, Sarah Irwin, Chloe Shumaker, Jess Miller, and Becca Schuch.  Alternate members were Ally Ogi, Samantha Kendall, and Olivia Sampsel.  

On Tuesday, November 24, the West Holmes FFA participated in the sub-district parliamentary procedure contest. The senior team consisted of Natasha Averbukh, Cora Crilow, Ally Ogi, Sarah Irwin, Chloe Shumaker, and Jess Miller, they placed 1st and qualified for the district contest.  Alternate members were Becca Schuch, Samantha Kendall, and Olivia Sampsel.… Continue reading

Benjamin Logan FFA Members participated in the Topgolf field trip, provided by The Wells Foundation. This foundation’s mission is to push the bounds of philanthropy and create value for the community through social innovation, impact investing and leadership development. The founder, Tony Wells, is a Benjamin Logan FFA Alumni. He has recently reached out to the FFA to encourage students to take part in helping support and shape the future of agriculture. 

Topgolf is a global sports entertainment company with heated, outside bays, pointing to driving ranges. Students were transported to Topgolf by bussing where they were introduced to Tony Wells. Each golfing bay had 5 students, to which the students were provided with unlimited food and drinks, as well as 3 hours to golf. Each group got to pick the game version that best fit their abilities. All students were very thankful for this opportunity where many say that they had the time of their lives.… Continue reading

This year doing the vegetable table for the Bellville Street Fair was a little different due to the given circumstances. Luckily we were still able to put up a very nice table. This year the theme was to educate people about what FFA really is. The junior and senior members of the FFA worked very hard to get everything prepared for the table. We were very fortunate to still have the opportunity to set up the table for the community and to advocate what FFA is all about. We got first in the judging contest and are looking forward to next year’s street fair!… Continue reading

This fall the Clear Fork FFA Chapter from Bellville, Ohio has been very well represented in the show ring at a national level. 

In October, four of our members made their way out to the American Royal in Kansas City. Savannah Harriman and her brothers Hayden and Logan represented us very well competing with their market lambs and placing very well. Also, they have competed at many jackpots with their lambs even winning their breeds. Colton Boyer has built a small herd of Herefords over the past few years for his SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience). This year he raised a few heifers of his own and wanted to see where they would rank in the country so he took them to the American Royal to compete.

Then in November several more of our members made their way to the North American International Livestock Exposition in Louisville, Kentucky. Caroline Tilton has been exhibiting cattle at the North American for a few years now. … Continue reading

During the virtual 93rd National Convention 7 West Holmes FFA members received their American Degrees.  The recipients are Hayley Davis, Taylor Feikert, Drew Mast, Abby Rohr, Logan Schlauch, Gabby Sherman, and Hunter Smith. This is the highest degree achievable in the National FFA Organization and is given to roughly 2% of the membership each year.  The American FFA Degree shows an FFA member’s dedication to his or her chapter and state FFA association. It demonstrates the effort FFA members apply toward their supervised agricultural experience and the outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement they exhibited through their FFA career. American FFA Degree recipients show promise for the future and have gone above and beyond to achieve excellence. The requirements to earn the American FFA Degree is set forth in the National FFA Constitution. To be eligible to receive the American FFA Degree, members must meet qualifications such as receiving a Greenhand, Chapter, and State FFA Degree, holding active membership for the past three years, completing secondary instruction in an agricultural education program, and operating an outstanding supervised agricultural experience program and earning or investing at least $10,000, 50 hours of community service, and demonstrating leadership abilities and outstanding scholastic achievement are also required.… Continue reading

Benjamin Logan FFA members participated in the Job Interview CDE. This contest was completed online for the first time ever, due to COVID-19. The Ohio Job Interview CDE is designed for FFA members to practice and demonstrate the skills needed in

seeking employment in all areas of agriculture. Each part of this event simulates real world experiences that students will have when seeking employment in the future. The participants first completed job applications followed by a job interview. To end the contest, the competitors emailed a follow-up letter. Benjamin Logan Participants include: Senior, Emily Roth; Junior, Maria Henderson; Sophomore, Owen O’Brien; and Freshman, Katie Workman. Jase Stathas was our first year junior/senior participant for division 5. Jase placed 3rd in his division because of his outstanding interviewing skills in the district. Owen also placed 3rd in his division with the great effort he put in and his experience in the district.… Continue reading

Greenhand FFA Degree, Chapter FFA Degree, State FFA Degree, and American FFA Degree. Each of these degrees have different requirements, As a freshman, the Greenhand degree is offered. The Greenhand is a degree given to first-year high school students who have demonstrated that they have a thorough understanding of the history and purpose of FFA and have an SAE plan. The requirements to applying for this degree are:

• Enroll in an agricultural education program and have satisfactory plans for a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE).
• Learn and explain the FFA Creed, FFA Mission and Motto, and FFA salute.
• Describe and explain the meaning of the FFA emblem and FFA colors.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the FFA Code of Ethics and the proper use of the FFA jacket.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the history of the organization, the chapter constitution and bylaws and the chapter Program of Activities.
• Own or have access to the Official FFA Manual and the Official FFA Student Handbook.

Benjamin Logan FFA Members – Chase Miller, Peyton Henry, Kaiden Munz, Libby Siefring, and Alexis Sutherly recently competed in the Wildlife Management Career Development Event.  The team led by Kaiden Munz placed 36th in the state.  The purpose of the virtual event was to stimulate interest and to promote instruction in the areas of fish and wildlife management, as well as to provide recognition for those who have demonstrated skills and competencies as a result of natural resources instruction through a written examination, wildlife identification, understanding pond management, and identifying game laws and safety.    … Continue reading

On Tuesday, November 17, 6 West Holmes FFA members participated in the wildlife management competition. They answered questions about identifying mammals, birds, reptiles/amphibians, fish, and equipment as well as questions over wildlife conservation practices and regulations on hunting and fishing. The team placed 33rd out of 78 teams. Individually Beeca Schuch was 97th, Alysa Pringle was 165th, Addison Yates was 225th, Clay SHepler was 282nd, Maison Carter was 307th, and Ashley Tate was 332nd. There were a total of 492 individuals… Continue reading

On Monday, November 2nd, the West Holmes FFA chapter held their annual Chapter and Greenhand degree ceremony. The meeting was called to order by president Jayme Pennell. After conducting opening ceremonies, they went into officer reports and new business. The following motions were passed, Jess Miller moved and Ally Ogi seconded to conduct Greenhand and Chapter Degree Ceremonies. Garrett Houin moved and Taryn Grassbaugh seconded to send all leftover fruit to local food pantries and Share-A-Christmas. Sarah Irwin moved and Garrett Houin seconded to send members to MFE virtual or in-person Dakotah Ringwalt moved and Dawson Doretich to participate in virtual bell ringing as recommended by the Community Service Committee. Blaine Winkler moved and Dyllan Bender seconded to purchase fish for the tanks and pay for supplies that go with them. Amy Hughes moved and Samantha Kendall seconded to participate in Virtual Leadership Night at South Central on December 2nd. Pacee Miller moved and Tyler Eichelberger seconded to adjourn.… Continue reading

West Holmes FFA members participated in the 39th National FFA Convention held virtually from Texas.  Members completed a virtual notebook which consisted of watching general sessions, retiring addresses from National Officers, and doing different activities like designing your own t-shirt, testing your FFA knowledge, and doing different workshops on leadership and service. Members also had the chance to interact with other members across the country, national FFA officers, educational institutions and agricultural businesses. They also had access to the FFA Blue Room, where they had the chance to explore innovations and new technologies, learn about agricultural careers, and envision a more sustainable future. The FFA Blue Room is a part of National FFA’s focus on technology and innovation through Blue 365.  Though a virtual convention was not as fun as a traditional convention, every FFA member at West Holmes had the opportunity to participate in the convention, which is a first for the chapter. … Continue reading

The December 2020 Miami East-MVCTC FFA Member of the Month is Keira Kirby. She is a sophomore and second year member of the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter. Her parents are Kenny and Jenni Kirby of Piqua.

Keira was recently named the top fruit salesperson in the chapter’s annual fundraiser. She sold over $5,000 in fruit and related items. She is the highest selling person in 20 years. She also participated in the 2020 Virtual National FFA Convention. Her Supervised Agricultural Experiences consists of market lambs and breeding goats.

Every month of the school year the Miami East-MVCTC FFA will select a student to be the FFA Member of the Month.  The officer team will nominate one member that has been actively involved in the FFA chapter, school and community activities.  If selected, the member will be recognized at the monthly FFA meeting, have their picture displayed in the Miami East Ag Room, and will receive a special accolade in celebration of their accomplishment.… Continue reading

By: Libby Carpenter, Chapter Reporter

Members of the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter recently participated in the 2020 Miami County Novice Parliamentary Procedure Career Development Event. The competition was hosted virtually.

Placing first and participating was Novice Period 4 – Team Blue were team members Chair – Ayla Gilbert, Vice Chair – Reagan Howell, Secretary – Ella Fine, and Student Advisor – Jadyn Bair.

Participating was Novice Period 4 – Team White were team members Chair Thomas Wallace, Vice Chair Caleb Richter, Secretary – Kaden Weldy, Reporter – Hunter Randall, Sentinel – McKayah Musselman, Student Advisor – Jadyn Maingi, with General Members – Wil Puthoff and Landin Putnam.

Participating in Novice Period 6 – Team Blue were team members Chair Fletcher Harris, Vice Chair Alaina Helsinger, Secretary – Maya Bowsher, Treasurer – Martin Desautels, Reporter – Devon Abshire, and Student Advisor – Conner Adamson.

Participating in Novice Period 5 – Team White were team members Chair – Logan Phillips, Vice Chair – Abigail Kadel, Secretary – Elisabeth Norman, Treasurer – Nick Prince, Reporter – Brooklyn Taylor, Sentinel – Jacob Roeth, Student Advisor – Ty Roeth, with General Members – Brayden Link, Devan Nix, Kyle Larson, Kyle Vernon, and Madison Maxson.… Continue reading

As all FFA members know being able to participate in the CDE contests is very important because we need these to be able to pass our class, but also these are great ways to learn new  skills that you carry throughout your life. Since the 2019-2020 school year got cut short, most FFA members were not able to compete in some of the more popular CDE’s such as livestock, equine, and poultry judging, as well as wildlife. When we finally returned back to school most of us had many questions regarding how the contests would go on this year due to the fact that the chapters were not able to compete in face to face competitions. Once we started getting back into the swing of things, we finally got the word that most of the CDE’s for now were going to be completed virtually. As probably many others, we weren’t quite sure what this was going to look at when it came to taking the online test.… Continue reading

By: Chloe Shumaker, chapter reporter

On Saturday, November 7th, The West Holmes FFA participated in the district 8 trap shoot contest at the Jefferson County Sportsmans Club. Team 1 with a score of 168/250 consisted of Jayme Pennell 37, Tyler Eichelberger 36, Wyatt Myers 34, Addison Yates 32, and Dyllan Bender 29. Team 2 with a score of 129/250 consisted of Becca Schuch 42, Emma Stitzlein 40, Amy Hughes 28, Laina Croskey 18, and Ashley Tate 1. Team3 had a score of 101/200 and consisted of Kalan Bowling 29, Maison Carter 25, Olivia Sampsel 24, and Logan Vansickle 23. Team 1 placed 3rd overall, team 2 placed 6th overall and team 3 placed 7th overall. There were a total of 8 teams in the contest. We had 4 girls get in the top 5 overall female shooters.  Becca Schuch was 1st with a 42, Emma Stitzlein was 2nd with a 40, Amy Hughes was 4th with a 28, and Olivia Sampsel was tied for 5th with a 24.… Continue reading

The Norwayne FFA hosted it’s 11th Annual Fall Benefit on Friday, November 13 and raised over $24,000 for the Hilson and Ritzman families. Both families are outstanding members of the community and have been in the Norwayne School District for several years. Mr. Hilson was the groundskeeper and junior varsity baseball coach at Norwayne High School for several years. Mrs. Ritzman is the librarian at Norwayne Middle School, and was chosen this year due to her husband’s Stage 3 Esophageal Cancer. Because of COVID restrictions, this year’s benefit featured a drive-thru meal in the parking lot of Norwayne High School and an online silent auction. Some of the items featured in the silent auction were themed baskets, tools, collectors items, giftcards, and toys. Students called local businesses from the school district and asked for a donation, where students then arranged a pick-up/drop-off process. Norwayne’s Annual Benefit would not be successful without the support of these local businesses and also our community members.… Continue reading

By: Chloe Shumaker, chapter reporter

During the virtual 93rd National FFA Convention at the end of October, West Holmes FFA member Jayme Pennell was recognized as a national proficiency finalist in the Environmental Science and Natural Resource Management category.  As a part of the national competition, Jayme had to create a 5-minute video explaining his supervised agricultural experience and answering questions for the judges.  Jayme’s SAE involves reclaiming 11 acres of family land where he planted pine and hardwood trees, planted food plots for pollinators, and constructed a water source from a pre existing spring on the property.  Jayme will receive a pin and a $500 monetary award for being a finalist. Congratulations Jayme!… Continue reading

On Sunday, November 22, 2020, the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter awarded 34 new members their Greenhand FFA Degree. The Greenhand Degree is awarded to first year members of the FFA, and is the first award that can be received. Each member awarded received a pin to be worn on their FFA jacket and a certificate of achievement.  

In order to receive the Greenhand FFA Degree the members must be enrolled in an agriculture class, have plans for a Supervised Agricultural Experience Program, learned and explained the FFA Creed, Motto, Salute, Mission Statement, Code of Ethics and uses of the FFA Jacket, Colors, and Emblem, and demonstrated an understanding of the FFA’s history, chapter constitution and by-laws. The Greenhand FFA Degree is the first of four degrees that an FFA member can earn.

The students earning the degree were Devon Abshire, Conner Adamson, Jadyn Bair, Maya Bowsher, Martin Desautels, Ella Fine, Ayla Gilbert, Fletcher Harris, Alaina Helsinger, Michael Hohenstein, Reagan Howell, Abigail Kadel, Kyle Larson, Brayden Link, Jadyn Maingi, Madison Maxson, McKayah Musselman, Devan Nix, Elisabeth Norman, Lindsey Ott, Kynlee Patton, Logan Phillips, Ava Prince, Nick Prince, Wil Puthoff, Landin Putnam, Hunter Randall, Caleb Richter, Jacob Roeth, Ty Roeth, Brooklyn Taylor, Kyle Vernon, Thomas Wallace, and Kaden Weldy.… Continue reading