Several area FFA Chapters were recognized as being some of the best in the state at the 91st Missouri FFA Convention in Columbia.
According to a news release, the Sweet Springs Chapter placed second; Boonville placed eighth; Marshall placed 12th; Carrollton placed 28th; and New Franklin 35th out of 347 chapters in the state; each earning a Top Chapter Award. Only 10 percent of state chapters receive a top chapter designation each year.
The Sweet Springs FFA advisors are Brent Niemeyer, Dennis Dohrman and Kristen Fenner. The Sweet Springs FFA growing leaders activities included Harvesting Career Skills. Established as an opportunity to promote hands-on involvement in agriculture, the activity allowed students to explore the research side of crop science. Chapter activities for the strengthening agriculture category included a smoke alarm survey. A local house fire inspired the chapter to see if there was a need for more smoke alarms in students’ homes. Members sent out surveys and applied for a Living to Serve grant. They used it to purchase 32 smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for families within the school district. Building communities activities included Santa for Citizens. This project provides gifts for children and senior citizens in the community. In addition, students served 174 meals at a free holiday dinner for the community.
The Boonville FFA advisors are Deanna Thies and Doug Henke. The Boonville FFA growing leaders activities included Leadership Olympics. Chapter members participated in leadership games designed to encourage students to use team work to accomplish tasks. After each task, the members reflected on what they learned. The chapter performed activities in the strengthening agriculture category including Operation #Agvocates. The agricultural advocacy committee selected current agricultural issues to feature on the chapter’s social media outlets. A total of 13 posts were created and viewed by 1,578 people. Building communities activities included Halloween at the Hospital. The chapter collected, packaged and delivered 250 toys to 35 children at the University of Missouri Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
The Marshall FFA advisors are Tyler Burgin, Emily Reed and Morgan Borts. Marshall FFA growing leaders activities included Key to Success and De-stress. This is a program that addresses issue of stress and anxiety and allows members to distribute stress management tools and resources throughout their school. Students learned to identify when stress is taking control, how to calm themselves and how to remain productive. Chapter activities in the strengthening agriculture category included Little Lunkers. FFA members spent the day teaching preschoolers and first graders about fishing and the aquatic life cycles, and took the students fishing. Students also hosted a scholarship dinner which raised $15,000 to help fund 17 scholarships for senior members. Building communities activities included Succulents for Seniors. Students were paired with residents of local senior living facilities to plant over 50 succulents. Members participated in the Missouri Conservation Department 100 Trees Campaign. By planting 100 trees in a day, members were able to leave a lasting impact on their community.
The Carrollton FFA advisors are Brooke Swindler and Matthew Praiswater. The Carrollton FFA growing leaders activities included Preparing Potential. Chapter officers held an officer preparation seminar where they explained their officer duties and gave tips for interviews and future officer success. Chapter activities in the strengthening agriculture category included organizing a petting zoo for local youth. Students in Kindergarten through fourth grade in the Carrollton Elementary School as well as local day cares and preschools attended the petting zoo. More than 500 children were taught about animal agriculture production within the county. Building communities activities included Constructing for a Cause. Members in the agricultural shop classes created a Kansas City Chiefs sign and small bench to donate to the community’s Help Services Cancer Auction. The auction raised funds for families who are suffering from cancer and need financial assistance with medical bills.
The New Franklin R-I FFA advisor is Chris McGowan. The New Franklin R-I FFA growing leaders activities included volunteering at the Riley Equine Center, a therapeutic center. Students were able to assist special needs adults with learning to ride and interact with the horses. The adults learned new skills and members had the opportunity to practice being in leadership roles. Chapter activities in the strengthening agriculture category included members bringing in their Supervised Agriculture Experience Program projects to present to the elementary school. SAE projects exhibited ranged from livestock to crops. Elementary students were instructed on ways agriculture influences their life, and chapter members gained skills in public speaking. Building communities activities included the chapter hosting an appreciation breakfast on Veterans’ Day. Every veteran who attended was able to take home a wooden American flag that the agricultural construction class made.
Top chapters compete for the National FFA Chapter Award. Winners will be announced this fall at the 92nd National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis.
The Missouri FFA has 25,375 members representing 347 chapters. The national organization has more than 669,000 members representing 8,630 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.