FFA News

November 5^th, Mount Gilead FFA members went to Highland to compete in the sub-district food science contest. Members that attended were Ben Hayes, Samantha Appleman, Kendra Hartman, Liz McAlister, Kayla Jordan, Taylor Watson, Brittany Broadwater, and Andrew Evans. The top scorers for the team were Kayla Jordan, Samantha Appleman, Kendra Hartman, and Andrew Evans.

November 19^th the members that qualified for districts went on to South Eastern High school for the district contest. These members were Samantha Appleman, Kendra Hartman, Liz McAlister, and Ben Hayes. They placed 7^th as a team.… Continue reading

The December 2013 Miami East-MVCTC FFA Member of the Month is Emily Beal of Conover. She is the daughter of John and Melissa Beal.

Emily was the high fruit seller in the FFA’s recent fundraiser. She sold over $2,100.00 worth of fruit and related items. Emily is a sophomore and second year member of the FFA. She has attended the National FFA Convention, participated in the FFA’s Princess For A Day for the March of Dimes, and competed in the chapter’s corn growing contet.

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 student 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 Agriculture Classroom, and will receive a special accolade in celebration of their accomplishment.… Continue reading

Zane Trace and Paint Valley travels to National FFA Convention

Zane Trace and Paint Valley started the trip to the National FFA Convention early Wednesday morning on October 30.  Zane Trace had 34 people attending and Paint Valley had 10 people attending.  Their first stop on their journey to Louisville, Kentucky was to Jungle Jim’s, the largest single story grocery store in America.  Here, they had a tour where they got to try a wide variety of foods, such as cheesy worms, dragon fruit, and sushi.

Once the bus arrived in Louisville, they headed straight to the Kentucky Expo Center for the FFA Career Show.  The Career Show is a huge event where companies and colleges from all over the country come and set up booths, giving students the chance to find learn about options they have in their future through agriculture.  “It was really cool to see what all I can do in agriculture once I get out of high school,” said Ann Shelby.… Continue reading

On Monday December 2^nd the West Holmes FFA took a Senior and Junior Parli team to the Sub-District Parliamentary Procedure at Cambridge High School . The senior team placed first, members who participated on the senior team were President – Mandy Taylor, Vice President – Shyann Kick, Treasurer – Chris Vansickle, Reporter – Payten Boring, Secretary – Marris Hoffee, Sentinel – Kara Leadbetter, Student Advisor – Jarrett Brooks, and Member Lexi Kinstle. The junior team placed 2^nd, the team consists of President – Marris Hoffee, Vice President – Paige Patten, Treasurer – Chris Vansickle, Reporter – Payten Boring, Secretary – Isaac Wine , Sentinel – Bryce Kelley, and Student Advisor – Jarrett Brooks. The Senior team then competed at Riverview High School on December 3^rd. The team placed 6^th. The teams conduct a meeting to demonstrate their knowledge of basic parliamentary law and the correct use of parliamentary procedures.… Continue reading

The Teays Valley FFA, in conjuntction with Nicole Perry as a Senior Project, held a Veterans Day assembly honoring our veterans. The Teays Valley FFA had a Veterans breakfast from 6:45-8:15am where 40 veterans attended. Following the breakfast was an assembly where the whole school attended. The entire FFA chapter, along with Nicole Perry, set up the breakfast and gym for the school-wide assembly. The Teays Valley Symphonic Chorus sang God Bless the USA, and Landon Forman sang “I’m Proud to be an American” with accompanist Cole Burley on drumset, Max Samlow on guitar, and Mr.Eric Farrel on piano. The assembly guest speaker was Jason Graven, Director of Internal Affairs for The American Legion. The Teays Valley FFA would like to thank all to those who attended from the community and a special thanks to the veterans who came and served our great country.… Continue reading

The West Holmes FFA held the Greenhand Degree Ceremony on November 18^th in the theater. First Dale Minyo spoke about following your dreams, then there was a slide show featuring the Greenhand members. The Greenhand members are Payten Boring, Jarrett Brooks, Jarrod Cain, Luke Eastep, Bryce Fortune, Wyatt Fortune, Ashton Haines, Erik Hanna, Marris Hoffee, Andrew Ivers, Bryce Kelley, Kyle Kick, Michael Klein, Austin McManaway, Logan Miller, Jake Mullet, Paige Patten, Austin Reining, Ashley Simpkins, Chris Vansickle, Takoda Weaver, Isaac Wine, and Taylor Yerian.… Continue reading

The Zane Trace FFA Chapter recently won it’s 6^th District 7 Food Science and Technology CDE Championship.  The competition was held at Zane Trace High School on Tuesday, November 12^th and featured 130 students from eleven different chapters in District 7. Prior to the contest, students completed an online exam that tested their knowledge of food safety, nutrition and handling.  Then, each student took part in five practicums related to food science.  The practicums included: aroma identification, flavor identification, customer complaint response, food safety and sanitation and the triangle taste test.  In each practicum students practiced many of the same skills that would be used by a food science professional.

The individual scores from the top four members of each chapter were tallied to determine the team placing.  The top four individuals from Zane Trace included: Kasandra Dalton (1^st), Mariah Cox (2^nd) Beau Bilek (4^th) and Nat Mavis (7^th) The team will now move on to compete in the State Food Science and Technology CDE at the Ohio State Parker Food Science Building on Saturday, December 7^th.… Continue reading

Members of the Fort Recovery FFA Chapter in Ohio were one of 44 teams participating in the National FFA Agricultural Tech. and Mech. Systems Career Development Event (CDE). The event was held in conjunction with the 86th National FFA Convention in Louisville, Ky.

The team, led by advisor Joe Hawk, was awarded a Gold emblem. Members also competed for individual awards with 166 other participants. Mitch Lennartz received a Gold emblem, Bryan Schoenlein received a Gold emblem, Alex Stammen received a Gold emblem, and Kaleb Timmerman received a Gold emblem.

The top ten individuals and the national winning team members received cash awards to recognize their success in the event. The cash awards and the agricultural technology and mechanical systems event are sponsored by the Firestone Farm Tires as a special project of the National FFA Foundation.

The National FFA Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems CDE is a competitive event that allows students to apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations.… Continue reading

On Monday, November 25, 2013, the Miami East-MVCTC FFA awarded 36 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. Maddy Buschur, State FFA President of the Ohio FFA Association, was the guest speaker.

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 deserving candidates were: Arron Adams, Taylor Baker, Jeremiah Batdorf, Katie Bodenmiller, Katelyn Burch, Makenzie Comer, Kira Cron, Rachel Davis, Austin Etherington, Micah Gaines, Gunnar Gearhart, Eli Gillum, Carly Gump, Andrew Harmon, Weston Hodge, Abby Jenkins, Jordan Johnson, Colton Kowalak, Emma Linn, Cody McConnaughey, Kyle Martin, Reagan Morrett, Austin Niswonger, Sidney Pelfrey, Kyle Persinger, Lance Reynolds, Trey Rush, Lorenza Savini, Courtney Sizemore, Kasey Starrett, Devyn Tennant, Isabelle Trevino, Kyle Webb, Alyssa Westgerdes, Ryan Williams, and Kayla Zirkle.… Continue reading

On Saturday November 2^nd, two members of the Mowrystown FFA had the honor of receiving their American Degree at the 86^th National FFA Convention. Those outstanding members were Taylor Bratton, and Kyle Dunaway. Approximately 3,500 American FFA Degrees are handed out each year at the National FFA Convention. That number represents less than half of one percent of all FFA members, making it one of the organization’s highest honors. Congratulations Taylor and Kyle!… Continue reading

On October 30^th-November 2^nd the West Holmes FFA Chapter travelled to Louisville, Kentucky for National convention. Members who attended were Clay Armstrong, Atlee Miller, Chris Sprang, Justin Lorentz, Eric Hanna, Jason Jenkins, Takoda Weaver, Dustin Neihaus, Carter Smith, William Hughes, Wyatt Mellor, Mandy Taylor, Beth Klein, Shyann Kick, Harlie Spurlock, Paige Miller, Lyndsey Davis, Payten Boring and Taylor Yerian.

On Wednesday the members went to Cincinnati to tour the LM animal farms. They learned how they took large bales and made them into smaller bags to feed to small animals. Next they went to Cargill, where they learned how the grain got put onto barges and sent down the Ohio River to New Orleans. Then they went to the first session of Convention where the Louisville basketball coach, Rick Pitino, spoke.

The first stop on Thursday was the Louisville Slugger Factory where the members learned how bats were made, and how they are made today.… Continue reading

At the 2013 National FFA Convention the Miami East FFA Alumni Chapter received a $1,000 Local Program Support from the National FFA Alumni Association. The National FFA Alumni Association offers grants to local FFA chapters to help them purchase needed items, such as computers, laboratory equipment, chapter supplies, official dress items, etc.

The Miami East FFA Alumni plans to use the grant monies received to support the learning efforts of the students enrolled in the Agricultural Education program at Miami East High School and the purchasing of the iCEV classroom curriculum. iCEV is an internet-based, curriculum source for agriculture students.

The overall objective for the iCEV Classroom Instruction and Independent Study program will allow online curriculum to be exposed to all students of the Miami East Agricultural Education Department. Specific goals include #1 – Utilize the iCEV online curriculum for instruction of 84 agriculture students. #2 – Utilize four student accounts so four students can complete independent study using iCEV.… Continue reading

A few weeks ago the Bloom Carroll FFA took a trip to Louisville, Kentucky for the 86th National FFA Convention. Louisville has a few attractions the chapter visited including the Louisville Slugger museum and the Lousivlle Zoo. On convention day the students listened to key note speakers and attended the career show. The national FFA officers did an amazing job to make sure all of the states that attended had a great time.  Rick Patino, the Louisville Cardinals basketball coach was the main key note speaker and it was a great honor and opportunity to have him at the convention. Brennan Costello, the central region Vice President inspired the entire room with his retiring address. I am now inspired to show my brave qualities because of him. The Bloom Carroll FFA chapter left with great stories to tell from the convention. Some members attended the convention for the first time and others had their last National FFA conventions as high school FFA members.… Continue reading

Four members of the Zane Trace FFA Chapter were recognized for their work in agriculture research during the 86^th National FFA Convention in Louisville.  In the National FFA Agrisicence Fair, Audrey Hoey and David Glass received third place honors and a gold rating in the senior team division of the food science and technology category for their research involving anthocyanin levels in blueberries. Sophomore member Nathanael Freeman was awarded second place honors and a gold rating for his research involving alternative methods for power systems.  Sophomore Mariah Cox received a silver rating for her research on producing plastics from potato starch.    In the national FFA proficiency award competition, graduate member Audrey Hoey received runner-up honors in the area of Food Science and Technology.  The proficiency awards are based on the skills and competencies a student has developed through their supervised agriculture experience (SAE) program.  All four members enjoyed the experience of being national finalists in their award areas and the honor of standing on the stage during the National FFA Convention. … Continue reading

The November 2013 Miami East-MVCTC FFA Member of the Month is Kelsey Kirchner. She is the daughter of David and Kathy Kirchner of Conover. She is a sophomore and second year member of the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter.

Kirchner recently participated in the 2013 National FFA Agriscience Fair with her partner, Katie Bendickson, in at the National FFA Convention in Louisville. The team placed 4^th in the area of Food Science, Division 3. The team qualified for the National FFA Agriscience Fair because they placed first in the State Agriscience Fair in May.

Kirchner has also participated in the FFA’s State FFA Convention, FFA Camp, and Parliamentary Procedures Career Development Event. Kirchner’s Supervised Agricultural Experience Program consists of Kelsey’s K-9 Kookies. She bakes and markets homemade dog treats at several local farmers markets and through social media.

Every month of the school year the Miami East-MVCTC FFA will select a student to be the FFA Member of the Month. … Continue reading

Knox Wilson is our 2013-2014 President. He is the son of Kerrick and Carole Wilson. He is a senior this year.  Lacey Hill is our 2013-2014 Vice President. She is the daughter of Chris and Lori Hill. She is a Junior this year.  Abbey Hill is our 2013-2014 Reporter. She is the daughter of Chris and Lori Hill. She is also a Junior this year. Adrianna Via is our 2013-2014 Treasurer. She is the daughter of Doug Via and Amy Bunger. She is a sophomore this year.  Next we have our 2013-2014 Student Advisor, Will Smith. He is the son of Scott and Ann Smith. He is a senior this year. Savannah Schneider is our 2013-2014 Secretary.  She is the daughter of Jimmy and Michele Schneider. She is a Sophomore. Next in our officer team we have our 2013-2014 Sentinel, Skyler Dougherty. He is the son of Skeeter and Shelley Dougherty.… Continue reading

The Anna FFA Chapter was chosen as the number one chapter in the Nation for chapter development at the 86th National FFA Convention in Louisville, KY last week.

A 6-week chicken feed trial, with a built-in service learning project and FFA awareness goal, led to the Anna FFA receiving this prestigious national award. Members of the 144-member chapter sought to increase FFA awareness amongst local businesses and organizations while giving back to the community. In their animal science class, members raised broiler chickens while conducting feed trials, observed the chickens being harvested and then donated more than 190 pounds of shredded chicken to the local Veteran’s Day luncheon hosted by the Anna Local Schools, feeding nearly 100 veterans and 500 students.

“What we feel is important about this chicken feed trial and bringing it to the students of Anna is that students are able to connect with the start-to-finish process of food production,” describes Sarah Heilers, Agricultural Education teacher at Anna High School.… Continue reading

The Ft. Recovery FFA Agricultural Engineering Team recently placed 1^st in the state out of 60 teams.  The Agricultural Engineering Team had to complete an extensive exam on the agricultural industry that included welding, mechanics, hydraulics, construction, electricity, mechanical power, concrete, and environmental safety, as well as an hands-on portion at the Ohio State Univeristiy.  The Agricultural Engineering Team members were Mitch Lennartz, Bryan Schoenlein, Alex Stammen, and Kaleb Timmermen.  Mitch Lennartz placed 1^st  individually out of 223 individuals.  Congratulations to the Ft. Recovery FFA Agricultural Engineering Team for their great success.  The team advanced to the recently held National FFA Convention in Louisville, Kentucky.… Continue reading

The Preble Shawnee FFA held their 3rd Annual Appreciation Dinner at Ron’s Pizza on Monday October 21st. Administrators, Mrs. Strickland from the Board of Education and several support staff were present at the Appreciation Dinner. The evening started with the officer team presenting the chapter’s Program of Activities and highlighting some of the favorite activities. The evening concluded with Wendell Meyers from Sinclair Community College as the keynote speaker. Meyers spoke on the articulation agreement between the agricultural education department and Sinclair. Agricultural Education students are earning college credit and a $3,000.00 scholarship to Sinclair.… Continue reading

Both the Paint Valley and Zane Trace FFA chapters area attended the FFA National Convention in Louisville, Kentucky from October 30^th – November 1st.   FFA members from these chapters have been working to pay their way to National Convention for the past couple of months.  On Friday, September 27^th they had the opportunity to earn money by selling ribeye steak sandwiches and cupcakes during the football game between Zane Trace and Paint Valley.  The game was held at Zane Trace and the ZT members set up prep tables, a serving area and grills to conduct the fundraiser.  Mr. Peters, the Paint Valley FFA Advisor, helped members to grill the steaks the right way while Mrs. Johnston, the Zane Trace FFA Advisor helped the students who were wrapping and selling the sandwiches. Together the two chapters sold 250 ribeye sandwiches at $5.00 each and profited just over $600.00.

The two chapters would like to thank Kroger of Chillicothe for providing the buns and condiments for the sandwiches and Mrs.… Continue reading