More 3,000 Wisconsin FFA members and advisors from over 250 schools attended the Wisconsin FFA Convention in Madison.
Attending from Manawa FFA were members Adam Michalowski, Andrew Scheller, Saharra Lane, Lexi Smiles, Ethan Michalowski, Matayah Pethke, Megan Pethke and FFA Advisor Sandy Piechowski Cordes.
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.
The Manawa FFA Chapter applied for the National Chapter Award and received a gold ranking in the state as well as a certificate for being a “Superior” chapter.
The chapter was recognized for their overall Program of Activities focusing on three major areas: student development (seventh in state), chapter development (fifth in state), and community development (gold ranking). The application has been selected to go on for national consideration.
Adam Michalowski was the recipient of the “Three Star Leader Award.” The award recognizes selected chapter members for stellar involvement in activities in Student Development, Chapter Development and Community Development.
The chapter also received first place in the state award for Membership/Recruitment, an application that is written solely by the FFA officers summarizing recruitment and retention projects.
Manawa FFA received third place overall in the state for the Food for America program. This award recognizes chapters for their promotion of agricultural literacy.
Among the highlights of the chapter’s “Food for America” program is a Day on the Farm field trip to Triple B Produce for the Manawa third graders to promote careers in agriculture and teaching students about agricultural commodities.
Lexi Smiles and Adam Michalowski served as the official delegates for the Manawa FFA Chapter. Delegates were responsible for representing the chapter at the business session and selecting the section’s state FFA officer.
Andrew Scheller was selected as a first year member of the FFA Honors Chorus. He participated in rigorous rehearsals and performances during pre-session concerts and during sessions. The FFA Honors Chorus will also perform at the Wisconsin State Fair in August.
Megan Pethke earned a gold rating in the State FFA Talent Show, which showcased her singing talents.
Saharra Lane, Ethan Michalowski and Matayah Pethke volunteered in the Courtesy Corp, a behind the scenes group that assists to make sure the convention runs smoothly.
Members heard from nationally recognized motivational speakers Barrett Keene and Jermaine Davis. They also attended workshops, participated in a Career and Business Expo, viewed displays of outstanding FFA achievers and participated in the convention.
The FFA members also enjoyed magician Leeman Parker, who is featured on America’s Got Talent, as well as a lively dance.
The Wisconsin Association of FFA provides over 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 to develop premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agriculture education.
For more information about the Manawa FFA, contact Sandy Cordes at 920-596-5826 or via email at [email protected].
To join the Manawa FFA Alumni, the support group of the local FFA chapter, contact Randy Steingraber at 920-538-2072. A person does not need to have been an FFA member to support the goals of the organization.