| Spotlight on Youth - Feb. 16, 2011 |
|
|
|
Farm Credit Salutes FFA during National FFA Week
LOUISVILLE, Ky. —During 2010, ag lending cooperative Farm Credit Services of Mid-America contributed almost $140,000 to FFA projects and programs in Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee. This includes two major initiatives to help with camp improvements at state facilities in Indiana and Ohio.
“Whether sponsoring local competitions, state degrees, or assisting with building projects, we can think of no better way to support today’s youth than through initiatives such as these,” said Dick Poe, senior vice president for the association. “With National FFA week starting on February 19, we wanted to take a moment to congratulate the youth who participate in this quality youth organization.”
Poe went on to say that contributions to programs such as FFA demonstrate how cooperatives can do best by supporting youth interested in agriculture and the betterment of rural America. “Our FFA leaders and vocation ag teachers who support these programs are ensuring our youth have positive experiences. They are helping today’s youth develop character and build strong leadership standards, and we appreciate their efforts.”
Support to programs like FFA represents Farm Credit’s commitment to allocate stewardship dollars to programs that build leadership and encourage teamwork in rural America’s youth. Farm Credit Services, headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, gives back to local communities through its FCS Support for Agriculture Stewardship Program. The program targets funds to agricultural projects and educational initiatives, giving priority to youth and young farmers.
Amanda-Clearcreek FFA attends national convention
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The National FFA Convention is an annual convention where FFA members from around the nation come together. Members from all 50 states and two U.S. territories attend. This year, it was held in Indianapolis, Ind. Its been held there since 2006 and will be there until 2013. It will then be moved to Louisville, Ky.
During the National FFA Convention, members of the Amanda-Clearcreek FFA Chapter attended many sessions that consist of the current National FFA officers and many guest speakers discussing their life experiences with inspiring, knowledgeable, and motivational material. Then at the end of the convention, the new National FFA officers are announced. Also, there is a lot of free time for the members to enjoy the Career Show and learn about different career choices for their future. This year, the Amanda-Clearcreek FFA chapter had 26 attendees.
These members included: Travis Ball, Devan Boyer, Josh Cordle, Madison Darnell, Jared Dilley, Mikiala Drake, Tyelar Garee, Jacquelyn Gibson, Mike Hite, Cheyenne Jepsen, Katie Krile, Amber McCreary, Aaron Miller, John Miller, Samantha Miller, Brad Minnard, Adrian Osborn, Kayla Porter, Daniel Quincel, Macy Riffle, Caitlin Robinson, Sara Russ, Seth Sayre, Katerina Sharp, Carrie Stoneburner and Rachel Stoneburner.
Other than members attending the convention sessions and taking educational tours in the area, the chapter had two major activities that enhanced the convention experience.
First, the chapter’s Agricultural Communications Career Development Event (CDE) team consisting of Daniel Quincel, Sara Russ, Kayla Porter, John Miller and Caitlin Robinson competed at the national level, placing fifth as a team. Second was the awarding of the American FFA Degree to three of the chapter’s members, the highest degree the FFA can bestow upon a member.
The three American FFA Degree winners for the chapter this year were: Josh Cordle, Ryan Davis II and Judd Ellinger. Each member is required to have a SAE projects (Supervised Agriculture Experience), participate in numerous FFA activities, be involved in organizations outside of the FFA and have a satisfactory academic record. Members must have earned the State FFA Degree and be a graduate to be eligible for the degree.
Judd Ellinger is a 2008 Amanda-Clearcreek graduate and he now attends Walsh University, where he is an education major and an active member of the football team. Ellinger’s SAE project was mainly breeding goats and numerous agricultural jobs. Ellinger served as a chapter officer by completing two terms as the chapter’s sentinel. Though, Ellinger, was eligible to apply in 2009, he was unable to apply for the degree. It is a testament to his dedication that he returned in 2010 to earn his degree.
Ryan Davis II is a 2009 graduate and he is now attending Wittenberg University. His SAE projects involved grain production, where he was quite successful at the state level in various award categories, placing in the top four in the state six times. Davis was also a member of 2008 Agricultural Communications CDE team which placed fourth in the nation and was active in many other aspects of the Amanda-Clearcreek FFA chapter.
Cordle is also a 2009 graduate and is currently attending the Ohio State University. His SAE project consisted of a small mowing business. Josh completed two terms as the chapter’s Reporter and was a very active member. He was part of the 2007 State Winning Agricultural Communications CDE team and the 2009 State Winning Environmental and Natural Resources CDE team. Cordle went on to be part of the 2008 National Agricultural Communications CDE team with Davis.
The convention is a great way to meet people from other chapters and learn what they do different. |
| 2/16/2011 |
|
