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Manawa FFA attends State Convention

Over 3,200 Wisconsin FFA members, advisors and guests representing over 250 schools attended the 82nd annual Wisconsin FFA Convention at the Alliant Energy Center of Dane County in Madison.

Attending from Manawa FFA were members Anthony Hass, Katie Sanderfoot, Aurora May, Courtlynn Oltz, Elliot Eklund, Caryn Frazier, Joe Kaczorowski and FFA advisor Sandy Piechowski-Cordes.

The theme for this year was “Powered by Potential.” This week is a celebration of the student success and recognition of FFA activities conducted across the entire state of Wisconsin.

FFA is making a positive difference in today’s schools and communities. The convention highlighted a year of service and success for students in Wisconsin Agricultural Education and FFA and celebrated individual and chapter achievements. FFA activities and award programs complement instruction in agricultural education by giving students practical experience in the application of agricultural skills and knowledge gained in their classes. The FFA organization’s major objectives are to develop agricultural leadership, cooperation, and citizenship.

Members heard from motivational speakers Jonathon Sprinkles, Aric Bostick, and national FFA officer James Flatt. Students attended workshops, a phenomenal Career and Business Fair, viewed displays of outstanding achievers in the FFA and participated in the high-energy convention.

Anthony Hass and Katie Sanderfoot were the official delegates representing the Manawa FFA Chapter. Delegates were responsible for representing our chapter at the business session and selecting our section’s state FFA officer. Stacey Kunde of Winneconne was elected as the Section 8 FFA Officer.

FFA members can receive honors for an application pertaining to their Supervised Agricultural experience projects. Members Caryn Frazier received a gold ranking for Small Animal Production (placement) and Joe Kaczorowski also received a gold, for his Poultry Production project.

Both were recognized on stage for their achievements. Anthony Hass was the state winner in the area of Forage Production (placement). He created a display for the Hall of Stars and has sent his form on for consideration at the national level.

All three members received a financial award for their projects. Kaczorowski and Hass were also named sectional winners and received plaques for their accomplishments. Anthony also received a scholarship from Farm & Fleet Supply for his continuing education at UW Shortcourse in Madison.

Manawa FFA had their first member ever compete in the Talent Contest. Elliot Eklund ably represented our organization, playing guitar to a Guns N Roses song. He was selected as a gold rated participant, and has been nominated to compete for national honors.

Aurora May and Amanda Much were selected to be members of the prestigious State FFA Honors Chorus but Amanda was traveling to Costa Rica and unable to participate. Aurora participated in rigorous rehearsals and performances during pre-session concerts and during sessions. The State FFA Chorus will also be showcasing their talents at the Wisconsin State Fair in August.

The Manawa FFA Chapter applied for the National Chapter Award received a silver rating this year. The chapter was honored for their overall Program of Activities focusing on three major areas: student development, chapter development, and community development. Katie Sanderfoot represented the chapter on stage.

Manawa FFA received a gold ranking for their “Food for America” program again this year. This award recognizes chapters for their promotion of agricultural literacy. Among the highlight’s of the chapter’s “Food for America” program is a Day on the Farm field trip for the 3rd graders, assisting with the Movin’ and Munchin’ program, promoting careers in agriculture, teaching students about agricultural commodities, and the 4th grade’s Get Fit, Fueled program. Katie Sanderfoot accepted the gold ranking of 5th place in the state for the chapter.

Katie Heschke was the recipient of the “Three Star Leader Award”. The award recognizes a selected FFA member from chapters for being actively involved in activities in Student Development, Chapter Development, and Community Development.

The chapter also received a 4th place in the state award for Membership/Recruitment (accepted by Courtlynn Oltz), and the PRIDE award for increased membership (received by Joe Kaczorowski).

The Wisconsin Association of FFA provides nearly 18,000 members with an opportunity to gain life skills through hands-on learning. The Manawa FFA is grateful for the support of the school district, parents, and community as we work together develop premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agriculture education.

For more information about the Manawa FFA, please contact Sandy Cordes at 920-596-2524 ext. 3027 or via email at [email protected].

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