State FFA Convention 2014
32 Members of the Elgin FFA Chapter traveled to the 86th State FFA Convention April 9th - 11th.
Members participated in Ag Mechanics, Agri-Science, Floriculture, Welding, Natural Resources, Agronomy, Farm Management, Meats Evaluation, Natural Resource Speaking, and Jr. Public Speaking. Brandon Funk was a State Star finalist for his Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) in placement and was recognized with his parents and advisor during the Friday night session held in Pershing Auditorium. Five seniors also received their State FFA Degree during the Friday night session. Corin Pelster, Brett Kinney, Mallory Fangman, Bailey Carpenter and Brandon Funk were awarded this high honor. During the 1st general session held Wednesday evening, the FFA chapter was recognized for their efforts to earn over $1000 through the I Believe in the Future of Ag Campaign”.
Other highlights include Alois Warner making finals out of 24 competitors and earning a 4th place finish in Jr. Public Speaking and Karissa Dicke earning a gold merit medal for her Natural Resource speech about wind energy. The Agir- Science team (Kelsey Welding, Elianne Heilhecker, Taylor Sehi and Elizabeth Selting) coming of a district championship performance ended up earning 3rd place in the state. Taylor Sehi was the top scorer for the team with a 7th overall finish. Eli earned a blue ribbon, Liz a red ribbon and Kelsey a white ribbon.
Trent Bauer was recognized for his 3rd Place Finish for his Small Animal Care and Management Proficiency.
Other ribbon winners were:
Ag Mechanics team placed 17th overall. Jon Meis and Tanner Welding earned a red ribbon while Brett Kinney earned a white ribbon.
Agronomy team members Brandon Funk and Tanner Welding earned a red and blue ribbon.
Floriculture team member Mallory Fangman earned a blue ribbon, Baylie Schiltmeyer a red ribbon and Corin Pelster a white ribbon.
Meats Evaluation team member Dylan Behnk earned a red while Austin Miller earned a white ribbon.
Natural Resource team member Chase Preister earned a white ribbon.
Welding team placed in the top 25% with Jon Meis earning a 16th overall finish in O/A welding and blue ribbon. Taven Cameron earned a white ribbon in ARC welding and Andrew Fangman earned a white ribbon in MIG welding.
Up next for the chapter is the annual chapter Banquet which will be held April 24th at 6:30pm in the EPS gym. Guest speaker is Trey Mogenson a 2013-2014 State FFA Officer from Cedar Rapids. Many "pots" with a variety of plants from the greenhouse will be sold during the banquet again this year. Greenhouse sales will be held April 30 - May 2nd.