BERLIN, Ohio — The Hiland FFA chapter spent the week of March 23 showing the student body and staff what FFA means.
Each day of the week was assigned a theme and animal for the chapter’s petting zoo during lunch.
Monday was animal print day. Natalie Lovell brought her horse, Yoda. Shear Equipment and Direct Action Co. operated a booth to promote ag based businesses.
Tuesday was America day and featured a donkey in the petting zoo.
On Wednesday, the chapter celebrated its greenhands and had green day along with a camel.
Thursday was royalty day. Some of the boys wore dresses and wigs. With some help, Isaiah Yoder, Ryan Mast, and Luke Weaver, borrowed some dresses and wigs and dressed as their own version of princesses.
The chapter concluded the week with Rodeo Day. Students wore their boots, hats, buckles and plaid clothing. Tanner Nuenschwander also brought in his Texas Long Horn, Gemstone.
* * *
HANOVERTON, Ohio — The United Local FFA chapter celebrated its 60th anniversary at the annual 2014-2015 banquet April 1 at 7:30 p.m. in the school cafeteria.
Rich Beidelschies, of Monsanto Co., and local farmer, Tim Herron, presented a check from the Farmers Grow American Communities project to the United FFA for $2,500. The chapter plans on using the funds to further its scholarship program and make needed repairs to its tractor.
Some of the year’s contest highlights included Adrienne Bock’s perfect score on her secretary book; J.R. Himes, first place on the online state dairy test and first overall at the ATI dairy contest; and Becca Bock going to state in extemporaneous speaking.
This year, two state FFA degrees were awarded to two chapter officers, Cole Courtney and Himes. They will receive their degrees at the Ohio FFA State Convention May 1.
The Star Greenhand award was given to freshman Becky Bernet for being the most active first-year member.
The Star Chapter Farmer Degree was awarded to Joseph Kataro. He received his state degree as a junior and is the only state degree recipient in the senior class.
Honorary membership was awarded to one of the school’s substitute teachers, Gary Sell. Sell helped with a two-day trip for the dairy judging team and has substituted for Mr. Sutton.
Finally, the retiring 2014-2015 officers inducted the 2015-2016 officers including Austin White, president; Rebecca Bock, vice president; Himes, sentinel; Bernet, student adviser; McKenzie Walton, secretary; Kelly Heffinger, treasurer; and Emma Snyder, reporter.
* * *
DIAMOND, Ohio — The 63rd Southeast FFA banquet was held in the Southeast High School Auditorium March 26.
The two seniors receiving their state FFA degrees were Jessica Fesemyer, and Nelson Hughes. The Star Greenhand award went to Amber Zavara.
The Star Chapter Agricultural Placement award went to Nelson Hughes, and the Star Chapter Farmer award went to Brandon Loebick.
The Star Agricultural Mechanic award went to Matt Bennett.
The Honorary Chapter FFA degree went to Jeff Kiko of Kiko and Associates. The chapter granted $6,500 in scholarships to its graduating seniors. Those members were Alex Lange, Alexis Parcell, Jessica Fesemyer, Alesha Pack, Brandon Loebick, Nelson Hughes and Trevor Lipply.
After awards, the new 2015-2016 officers were installed. The president is Caroline Rohal; vice president, Amber Zavara; secretary, Danielle Whitted; treasurer, Ashley Hench; reporter, Victoria Tarter; parliamentarian, Kelsea Ebie; sentinel, Seth Johnson; and chaplin, Adam Michael.
The chapter raised more than $8,500 this year, between the student service auction and the donated items.
In May, the chapter will hold the annual petting zoo and farm safety day at the high school, with all of the district’s fourth-graders. Members will also attend state convention April 30-May 1.
