HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania FFA members were honored during the state FFA’s mid-winter convention Jan. 11 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg. On hand for the event were Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding and Secretary of Education Pedro Rivera. Redding, himself a former FFA member, thanked the group for helping to make the 100th Pennsylvania Farm Show memorable.
“Agriculture and FFA share a rich tradition of ‘telling the story’,” Redding said, noting that 100 years ago, 41 percent of Pennsylvanians lived and worked on farms compared to 2 percent today.
New Erie Co. chapter
Rivera joined leaders from the Union City FFA in Erie County to receive their charter as the newest and 150th FFA chapter in Pennsylvania. Four state star finalists were named, including Caitlyn McConn, McGuffey FFA Chapter, State Star in Agribusiness; Katey Bleacher, Manor FFA Chapter, State Star in Agricultural Placement; McKenzie Yorletz, Cumberland Valley FFA Chapter, State Star in Agricultural Production; and Libby Baker-Mikesell, Greenwood FFA Chapter, State Star in Agricultural Science.
State degrees
The Keystone Degree was bestowed upon 387 FFA members, the highest honor earned at the state level, with more than 5,000 FFA members cheering them on.
In addition, the Pennsylvania FFA Alumni Association awarded 553 first-year members their own official FFA jacket. Each student went through a competitive application process, which involved writing an essay.
• • •
MEDINA, Ohio — As a new tradition, the Black River FFA chapter hosted “Cookies with Santa” Dec. 16 at the elementary school. The event was open to all Black River elementary students, kindergarten through fifth grade. The chapter provided the elementary students an experience to meet Santa and participate in a variety of arts and crafts activities.
Members involved included Eric Cordonnier, Madison Edwards, Meghan Gallagher, Suzanne Packard, Tony Strojin, Sierra Sturgill, William Warner, Kelly Wilson, John Bricker, Jarrett Foster, Jessica Peak, Brenna Walters, Bailey Moore, Conner Braig, Collin Burnett, Alexander Campbell, Shane Mesko, Hannah Moskal, Hailee Baker, Hailey Park, Allen Slaven, and Kelly Wilson.
• • •
JEROMESVILLE, Ohio — The Hillsdale FFA senior parliamentary procedure team competed at the state competition, placing first, and will now compete and represent Ohio at the national convention next fall. Team members were Maryellen Bliss, Sydney Long, Shelbi Long, Libby Hohler, Ben Raudebaugh, Bethany Heiby, Sean Fitzsimmions and Sarah Lifer.
The Novice Parliamentary Procedure team also competed at the state competition, and placed second in the preliminary heat. Team members were president, Carly Miller; vice president, Blayne Bartter; secretary, Sophie Goon; treasurer, Madison Eaton; reporter, Alex Becker; sentinel, Lexi Courtney; student adviser, Molly Moffet; and member, Alena Arnold.
• • •
SMITHVILLE, Ohio — Ten members of the Smithville FFA attended an Ohio FFA leadership night, hosted by state FFA officers. The event was held at Northwestern High School Jan. 11. Students learned leadership and team-building skills, as well as the opportunity to meet members from other FFA chapters in Ohio. The Smithville FFA members who attended are Jacob Studer, Reilly VanLanen, Amanda Steiner, Thomas Becker, Chris Tomic, Abby Stoll, Savanna Rummell, Noah Navratil, Hayley Unkefer and Willow Baer.
