FFA News

By: Georgia Gamble, 2020-2021 Utica FFA Reporter

On March 11^th, the newly elected Utica FFA Officer team for 2020-2021 attended the District Officer Training Event held at Fairfield Union High School. The attendees included Emily Hill (President), Kenneth Davenport (Vice President), Olivia Dickson (Secretary), Matt Swafford (Sentinel), Todd Orr (Student Advisor), Abby Paxton (Treasurer), and Georgia Gamble (Reporter).The training session was run by the Ohio FFA officer team which kicked it off with a few icebreaker games. Many of the attendees enjoyed the games and commented how fun they were. The officer team then introduced themselves, and divided the students into groups based on their newly elected positions. In these breakout sessions, the officers learned the responsibilities of their positions and how to best benefit their chapter. The training event concluded with everyone coming back together and having some delicious cookies and a tasty pop.… Continue reading

The Anthony Wayne-Penta FFA banquet was held virtually during the week of March 30, 2020 on the chapter’s social media accounts. Each day, the officers announced a number of new award winners. Highlights of the week included star greenhands Jaden Moosman and Megan Burke, and star chapter member Lily Fries. The outstanding junior was Jake Zajkowski while the outstanding senior was Reegan Kehres. The Les Disher Leadership award recipient was Patrick Miller. Top scholars in each grade were 8th grade, Summer Muhlenkamp; 9th grade, Nick Wacha; 10th grade, Anna Wright; 11th grade, Genevieve Mackey; and 12th grade, Reegan Kehres. The 110% award went to Winn Sharp. Mr. Volunteer was awarded to Oliver Aldridge, and Miss Volunteer was awarded to Vesta Miller. The week wrapped up with awarding the Honorary Chapter FFA Degrees to community members DJ Gase and Andrew Teet. Finally, the announcement of the 2020-2021 officer team took place. The officers include President Jake Zajkowski, Vice President Oliver Aldridge, Secretary Anna Wright, Treasurer Mikalyn D’Amore and Reporter Vesta Miller.… Continue reading

The April 2020 Miami East-MVCTC FFA Member of the Month is Ashlee Deaton. She is a freshman and first year member of the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter.

Ashlee recently competed in the Marysville Invitational Poultry Evaluation Invitational Competition. She helped the team place in the Top 15 teams out of almost 50 teams. In the State Animal Behavior and Welfare Career Development Event Ashlee placed 35 out over 275 contestants. Additionally, Ashlee competed in the District 5 Agricultural Sales Career Development Event. She helped with the Princess For A Day to benefit the March of Dimes. Her plans for a Supervised Agricultural Experience program is breeding rabbits.

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

The Ohio Department of Education and Ohio FFA made the decision to cancel the 2020 Ohio FFA Convention, but there are still many member accomplishments to celebrate this spring. The newly announced 2020 Ohio FFA Celebration will highlight members from across the state during this timeframe including Proficiency Award Areas, Star State FFA Degrees, Agriscience Fair, National Chapter Awards, the 2020-2021 Ohio FFA State Officer Team, and more.

FFA members and supporters can tune into Ohio FFA social media channels throughout the week of May 4-8 for the online event. A full schedule of the student recognition and announcements to be made during the 2020 Ohio FFA Celebration will be released in the coming weeks. Be sure to join in the conversation May 4-8 and cheer on FFA members during these unprecedented times using #CelebrateOHFFA.

In addition, the Ohio FFA has made the decision that all placings including State Winner for Agriscience Fair, National Chapter, Proficiency Awards and Star State Degrees will be determined by application score for 2020.… Continue reading

The Benjamin Logan FFA got the privilege to compete in the Agricultural Power state competition held at the University of Northwestern in Lima, Ohio. The team of Bradey Ackley and Matt Black competed and worked as a team to diagnose and repair problems in various diesel engines. They placed 10th in the state of Ohio and both students were awarded a $1,000 college scholarship to attend the University of Northwestern this CDE serves as an authentic assessment designed to evaluate students’ knowledge in recognizing and repairing malfunctions in agricultural and/or industrial power equipment. The skills Agricultural Education students’ employ in this CDE is the same skills required by agricultural and industrial technicians. This was a great experience for the students and we are excited to see what next years’ competition holds.… Continue reading

The Ohio Department of Education and Ohio FFA have made the decision to cancel the 2020 Ohio FFA Convention according to an email from Matt Winkle, Ohio FFA Advisor.

On March 9, 2020 Governor DeWine issued an executive order declaring a state of emergency in Ohio due to the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak; and on March 30, 2020 ordered Ohio’s school-building closure until May 1st. The coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic continues to escalate in the U.S. and Ohio, raising numerous issues and questions. The Governor has made it clear to limit large gatherings regardless of their sponsorship or purpose.

The Ohio Department of Education and Ohio FFA remains committed to protecting the health, safety, and welfare of its members. Therefore, it has been determined that the 2020 Ohio FFA State Convention is cancelled. In addition, all in-person events and competitions scheduled through May 1st have been postponed until further notice.

“The decision to cancel and postpone events was not made lightly,” said Winkle.… Continue reading

By Meredith Oglesby, OCJ FFA reporter

On March 7, students, advisors and supporters flooded to Marysville, Ohio for a jam-packed day of contests. At Marysville High School students were competing in the state public speaking career development event (CDE), and across the road students were laser focused at the Marysville Invitational preparing for the state spring skills contests that was just a few weeks away.

Little did students know this would be the last contest hosted before COVID-19 had different plans for the remainder of their school year. On March 12, Gov. Mike DeWine ordered all kindergarten through 12 grade schools closed until April 3 — maybe even the rest of the academic year. COVID-19 has left the world in a state of uncertainty. The daily changes have shocked local communities — disrupting work schedules, school schedules and the many events planned for the start of spring.

Ohio FFA is no different.… Continue reading

March 23 and 24, students from across the country will come together online, to learn best practices on sharing the importance of agriculture. It’s part of National Ag Day – a day that not only celebrates agriculture but provides an opportunity for those in the industry to share the importance of agriculture with a broader audience.

The future of agriculture is strong – and this is evident in many student-led agriculture organizations. This week, student leaders from FFA , 4-H, AFA and MANRRS will join together to share information on the critical role agriculture plays in our culture and economy.

“National Ag Day gives students from agriculture youth organizations the chance to work together and share to our national government leaders of the importance of agriculture and agriculture education. The skills the students learn this week, they’ll be able to use as they move forward in life and strengthen agriculture along the way,” said Celya Glowacki, advocacy and literacy officer, for the National FFA Organization.… Continue reading

On Tuesday February 4th, the West Holmes FFA chapter participated in the Berlin Farmstead Fundraiser. Members split between waiters, hostesses, and table cleaners. People from the community came out to support the West Holmes FFA chapter and enjoyed a nice meal. Members had fun being able to serve their community. We would like to thank everyone that came out to support the West Holmes FFA.… Continue reading

On Saturday, March 7, Emma Sutherly competed in the State FFA Public Speaking Contest held at Marysville High School. Emma is a sophomore and second year member of the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter.

Emma competed in the Beginning Prepared Public Speaking Career Development Event and placed 4th overall in the state competition. She advanced to the state contest after placing first at the county and second at the district contests earlier in February.

Emma’s speech was entitled, “Could Chevon Save the World’s Food Supply?” Emma’s speech addressed the possibility of goat meat to fit the growing food security needs of the an increasing population. Her speech was 5-7 minutes in length and answered questions related to her speech.… Continue reading

By Lara Spurlock, Chapter Reporter

Lindsey Spurlock, 2019 Bellevue grad, will walk across the stage at FFA State Convention for a shot at a state title. Agricultural Proficiency Awards recognize FFA members who have specialized in a skill through a Supervised Agricultural Activity (SAE). Spurlock is 1 of 4 finalists in the area of outdoor recreation after several rounds of evaluation. Spurlock was awarded 3rd place as a state finalist in 2019. She will return to the conference with an opportunity to interview with judges and a state title this May. “I think that I am a stronger candidate this year than I was last year in my proficiency category. I have had room to grow and accomplish more”(Spurlock). Lindsey’s SAE consists of working as a tour guide and gift shop manager at Seneca Caverns. She now attends Ohio State ATI majoring in Animal Sciences to use her knowledge in agriculture to her best advantage.… Continue reading

To celebrate National FFA Week, the Fort Recovery FFA Chapter held a truck and tractor drive in to help promote agriculture and the National FFA Organization.

Twenty four FFA members drove in tractors to win the following: Biggest Horsepower, Smallest Horsepower, Oldest by Year, Newest by Hours, Cleanest, and Best Restored. The award for the biggest horsepower went to Logan Hartnagel, and smallest horsepower was won by Dylan Ranly.  Cole Bergman won the award for oldest, and Ben Grieshop won newest.  Clark Knapke received the award for cleanest, and Bailey Bergman was awarded best restored.

Forty one FFA members also drove in trucks to win the following:  Loudest, Cleanest, Newest by Year, Oldest by Year, Most Miles, and Junkiest.  Dylan Ranly won the award for loudest, and Peyton Brunswick received the award for cleanest. Jay Brown won the award for newest, and Cole Bergman won the award for oldest and the Junkiest award went Mitch Post.… Continue reading

The State FFA Evaluations were recently held at the Ohio FFA Center in Columbus, Ohio.  Several members of the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter competed in various competitions.  Members became eligible for State Evaluations by placing at District Evaluations in February.

State FFA Degrees – Juniors Natalie Bair, Adam Bensman, Makayla Brittain, Libby Carpenter, Paige Pence, Rylee Puthoff, Lauren Wright and senior Elizabeth Bair submitted applications to receive the State FFA Degree.  Their applications were approved, and they will receive their Degrees in May at the State FFA Convention in Columbus.

American FFA Degrees – Graduates Liza Bair, Kylie Blair, and Zach Kronenberger applied to receive the American FFA Degree. Their applications were reviewed and will now be submitted to the National FFA Organization. If approved by National FFA they will receive their degree at the National FFA Convention in October.

Proficiency Awards – Members applied for a district and state proficiency award.… Continue reading

By Meredith Oglesby, OCJ FFA reporter

Each year during the week of George Washington’s birthday, middle school and high school students across the nation celebrate how the FFA organization is making an impact in their state and local communities. FFA week serves as a time for students to share the impact of agricultural education, interact with alumni and celebrate the organization.

The first national FFA week took place in 1948 and was chosen during the week of the first president’s birthday to honor the impact he had on agriculture. This year FFA week was Feb. 22 to 29 and Ohio FFA members were busy executing events and activities to share the story of agriculture and agricultural education.

The Franklin Monroe Chapter, located in Darke County, hosted several events throughout the week for FFA members, school staff and students. FFA members participated in theme days throughout the school week, which included hat day, western day, FFA Wednesday, camo day, and agriculture occupation day.… Continue reading

Miami Valley Career Technology Center (MVCTC) FFA Chapter has a primary goal to follow the National FFA Mission, which is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for career success through agricultural education and Career Development Events.

The Veterinary Science Seniors recently went to the Young Leaders Conference sponsored by The Ohio State University and Alpha Gamma Rho and Sigma Alpha.  The purpose of the 2020 Young Leaders Conference is to provide a unique opportunity for students to improve their leadership skills, experience professional development, and advance communication abilities.  These are just a few of the fundamental qualities that the conference works on developing to help the students succeed in their future endeavors.  A variety of Ohio State University faculty and industry professionals came in to present to the students.  The students gained a better sense of how to become a leader in the agricultural world.… Continue reading

On February 13th, the West Holmes FFA Chapter attended sub-district speaking at Plymouth High School.

The categories were FFA Creed Speaking, Beginning Prepared Speaking and Extemporaneous Speaking. Garrett Houin competed in the FFA Creed Speaking Competition. Garrett Houin was 2nd in his division. In Beginning Prepared Speaking, which is writing a 5-7 minute speech, Chloe Shumaker spoke about the pro and cons of tail docking in sheep and cattle. Chloe placed 2nd in her division as well. In advanced prepared, which is a 5-7 minute speech of an agricultural topic Bree Houin spoke about precision agriculture in which she talked about 20/20 vision, she received 2nd place. In Extemporaneous Speaking, which is drawing a random agricultural topic and writing a 4-6 minute speech on it in a half hour. Jayme Pennell competed in that area and received 1st overall. All members proceeded to Districts Speaking at Northmore High School on February 18th. … Continue reading

On February 10th the West Holmes FFA Chapter joined 9 other FFA chapters and  rented out the Snow Tails tubing park in Mansfield! 15 members attended the event and enjoyed an evening of fun and comradery.. Members include; Josh Carter, Dyllan Bender, Alysa Pringle, Kylie Ramirez, Chloe Shumaker, Ally Ogi, Pacee Miller, Ethan Feikert, Maddie Stitzlein, Rebecca Sprang, Olivia Sampsel, Jayme Pennell, Dawson Doretich, Sarah Irwin, Taryn Grassbaugh, and Tyler Eichelberger. Members had the opportunity to snow tube for 3 hours and they were able to have pizza and drinks.… Continue reading

The Milton-Union MVCTC FFA Chapter recently took 4 members to compete in the Miami County Public Speaking CDE. Tyler Kress competed in the freshman students only, Darby Welbaum competed in the Beginning Prepared contest with a speech she wrote and memorized herself. Jackson Kimmel and Gracie Guldemond competed in the extemporaneous contest in which they received a topic and have 30 minutes to research and write a speech, and then deliver their speech to the judges. Members Darby Welbaum and Jackson Kimmel moved on to the District 5 contest the following week!… Continue reading

The March 2020 Miami East-MVCTC FFA Member of the Month is Isaac Beal. He is the son of John and Melissa Beal. He is a freshman and first year member of the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter.

Isaac is a member of the General Livestock Evaluation team and recently placed 3^rd high individual at the Patriot Invitational competition. He also placed 2^nd in the county Creed Speaking Competition and 4^th in the District job Interview Event. His Supervised Agricultural Experience program consists breeding goat and market wethers.

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