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Holmen FFA chapter gets recognition at state event

The Holmen High School FFA chapter was recognized as one of the top 10 chapters in Wisconsin recently at the state FFA convention at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison.

As a result the chapter’s application will be sent on to the national FFA to compete with chapters throughout the nation. Results will be announced at the national FFA convention in Indianapolis in October.

Members of the Holmen FFA chapter who attended the state convention included, from left: front, Kayla Witt, Rachel Winther, Megan Kelly,Tiffany Hsu, Ellen Clark; back, Ian Hackett, Colin Hundt, Garett Heineck, Alexia Nelson, Sara Niccum, Haley Konsela, Kirstin Torgerson, Isaac Hackett, Elaine Snowberger, Christy Purnell, Lexi Renk, Nick Torgerson, Grace Kube and Alex Ness. Photo by Jo Anne Killeen

In addition, HHS FFA chapter member Megan Kelly was honored at the Three Star Leaders award banquet. The Three Star Leaders are chosen on the basis of assisting in FFA activities that has led the chapter in receiving national chapter recognition. The chapter was also recognized for its outstanding Food for America program placing fifth in the state.

Kelly and Garett Heineck received their state degrees on stage Wednesday of the convention. The state FFA degree is the highest degree an FFA member can obtain on the state level. To receive the state degree, a member needs to have a supervised agriculture experience project and have earned and productively invested $1,500 or worked 1000 hours with their project.

FFA State Honors Chorus members Alex Ness and Ellen Clark performed at the convention, both auditioning and securing solo parts. They also will perform at the Wisconsin State Fair in August. Clark also competed in the state talent competition, singing “Just a Dream” by Carrie Underwood. Clark received a gold rating and a nomination to perform at the national FFA convention.

Other highlights at the state convention included the following:

The Holmen FFA Web site, updated by Rachel Winther, received a blue ribbon (third in state).

The chapter scrapbook created by Sara Niccum received a blue rating and was recognized on stage.

Members Kirstin Torgerson, Nick Torgerson, Kayla Witt, Megan Kelly, Sara Niccum and Rachel Winther as a team performed the open and closing ceremonies for the first time and placed first runner-up.

Haley Konsela and Megan Kelly placed in the zoology agriscience competition. Konsela, whose yearlong project compared two poultry feeds with different protein percentages, finished with a silver rating. Kelly, whose yearlong project compared exercise methods in market lambs, earned a gold rating and third place in the state.

Ian Hackett, Isaac Hackett, Grace Kube and Colin Hundt were members of the Environmental team placing eighth in the state competing in team and individual events, with Ian Hackett placing among the top 25 individuals.

Elaine Snowberger, Tiffany Hsu, Lexi Renk, Christy Purnell, Grace Kube and Colin Hundt participated in “FFA on the Hill,” touring the state Capitol and meeting with state Rep. Mike Huebsch and discussing the importance of agriculture classes in schools.

Kayla Witt and Ian Hackett were selected as state delegates voting on FFA constitution changes and selecting the section 3 state officer. Holmen FFA members also participated in many leadership and team building workshops during the four-day convention as well as the Life Expo Center where several business’s and colleges visited with members about their future plans.

Holmen FFA member and state FFA officer Emily Lezpona did an outstanding job during the four-day convention, said Holmen FFA adviser Roger King, thrilling the convention with her inspirational moment and speaking abilities.

Highlights of the convention can be viewed on the chapter Web site at www.holmenffa.org.

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