The New London FFA Alumni, which supports agriculture education, has had a busy month.
The FFA Alumni partnered with the New London FFA for a float in the St. Patrick’s Day Grand Parade. Kevin and Deb Korth drove the John Deere tractor that pulled a wagon with symbols of Wisconsin agriculture and bearing a sign: “Agriculture: We’ve always had hearts of green.”
Eighth-grader Megan Rose dressed up as Holstein cow and waved to the spectators. The wagon had been decorated by a number of high school students, including Becky Rose, Autumn Kloehn, McKenzie Bellile, Kyla Werner, Miranda Wheeler, Avery Eplett, Mitch Martin, Tanner Harris, Lakelann Groat, and Chase Fehrman.
A number of classroom animals — rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs — were on the float along with flowering and other ornamental plants from the school greenhouse. Some students walked along handing out candy and flyers about the toy show. Seventh grader, McKenna West rode her pony.
The 19th annual Toy and Craft Show was held on March 29 at Crystal Falls Banquet Hall. Despite freezing rain, attendance was excellent and vendors and exhibitors showed a wide range of crafts and displays.
Brad Olmsted from New London won the award for Best Farm Display. Anita Nallenberg from New London received the Best Crafters Award for her hand-crocheted and knitted baby outfits and accessories. Brothers, Dustin and Dylan Handschke of New London won the Best Toy Display for the fourth year in a row. The Toy Seller Award was presented by Carol Janke to Joel Larsen of Weyawega for his miniature barns and silos. Kade Johnson of Clintonville is still a student, but is becoming well-known for his detailed farm displays. This year his display won Best of Show.
After Janke made the presentations, Dr. Gary Lake thanked everyone for volunteering, displaying and attending. He made special reference to Glenn and Carol Janke of the FFA Alumni for their hard work and dedication.
Agricluture students Kyla Werner, Avery Eplett, Becky Rose, Megan Rose and McKenna West created a compelling FFA Display to let visitors know the sorts of activities that the money raised is used for.
A group of New London FFA Alumni traveled to Marion on Thursday, April 9 for the Section 8 banquet. Attendees included Ken and Harriet Roberts, Carol and Glenn Janke, Steffan Rachwal, Richard Ralph and Lake.
State Officer, Hallie Kopcznski provided the invocation and new Section 8 representative Candie Lehto, recently retired Assistant Superintendent from Oconto Falls was the Master of Ceremony. Amy Zernicke, who has done such a great job for the past several yearsm, will be receive the Honorary State Farmer Degree at the State FFA Convention in Madison in June for her outstanding contribution to agricultural education.