As a few students complete a week of summer school, others entrench themselves in a summer job, three New London FFA members traveled to Madison on June 14-16. Serving as delegates for the chapter at the State FFA Convention were seniors Gabby Schiesser and Charissa Bohman. This past year’s chapter FFA president, Kacy Elliott also attended sessions, a career fair, workshops and saw a variety of State awards delivered to the 3,287 members and guests. The Wisconsin FFA is made up of 18,000 students, typically 7-12th graders, dating back to its start in 1929. The FFA’s motto remains to focus on premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
Local winners included Jared Manske, son of Matt and Kathy Manske, who competed against over 120 applicants in the area of dairy placement. With over 4,000 hours of working on his family’s dairy farm, Jared earned a silver proficiency award and will be attending UW-Platteville this next fall majoring in animal science.
Anna Schneider, daughter of Barb and Tim Schneider, earned the 6th Gold for her Environmental Natural Resource proficiency. Jennio-turkey sponsored her $90 cash award. Anna has volunteered over 300 hours in partnering with Mosquito Hill Nature Center, especially this last year with the butterfly house.
As a chapter, New London was awarded a bronze ranking in the area of National Chapter. This award looks at least nine activities that the chapter has planned, set goals and reflected on their accomplishments. Congratulations to the Waupaca FFA who were named the overall winner. New London was also awarded a red ribbon for their website www.newlondon.k12.wi.us/faculty/jmeske .
The FFA continues to be a diverse group with a connection to over 300 careers related to agriculture. While at convention, participants could make biodiesel from fryer grease, learn from speakers how to make small changes to lead to huge successes, or even tour Agracetus, a Monsanto research facility on 4.5 acres outside of Madison. Check out the Wisconsin FFA at www.wisconsinffa.org , or the National FFA at www.ffa.org