CASSTOWN, Ohio — The Miami East FFA Chapter recently hosted its 54th annual parent-member Banquet.  Over 275 parents, members, and guests were attendance at Miami East Junior High Auditorium.

One highlight of the evening included recognition in the area of national achievement. In 2012, the chapter was ranked in the Top 10 out of 315 chapters in the national chapter application. Also, the chapter placed in the Top 10 in the areas of student development, chapter development and community development. The Miami East FFA application was then sent on for national judging and the chapter was named a 3-Star National Chapter during the 2012 National FFA Convention.

For 2013, the chapter ranked again in the Top 10 in the state. Miami East FFA was also a Top Ten competitor in all three areas of development. Members will now compete to be No. 1 at the Ohio FFA State Convention.

In 2012, National FFA Convention graduate Kyle Roeth earned the American FFA Degree. 

Also, during the 2012 State FFA Convention Miami East had 25 students compete in the State Agriscience Fair. Rian Kingrey and Olivia Edgell placed first in the state and competed in the National Agriscience Fair. They placed third in the national competition.

In 2013, three officers, Lauren Williams, Kendra Beckman, and Rebekah Eidemiller submitted officer books for review at the district evaluations. All three earned a gold rating. They will be further recognized during the 2013 State FFA Convention this May.

Graduates Meagan McKinney and Amanda Bartel are amongst Miami East’s record-setting group of state proficiency finalists. They will also compete and be recognized at the 2013 State FFA Convention.

FFA members are given the opportunity to earn four degrees during their membership in the organization. The first is the Greenhand Degree represented by a bronze pin. Students were recognized during the parent-member banquet that reached the second degree presented – the Chapter FFA Degree. Twenty-three candidates met the minimum qualifications for this degree and were in attendance at the banquet to receive recognition. The candidates were Brady Anderson, Mark Beaty, Jennifer Brown, Ashlee Bussen, Casey Copeland, Danielle Danielson, Olivia Edgell, Colin Gump, Amy Hahn, Austin Honeyman, Grant Hodge, Katie Jenkins, Rian Kingrey, Allie Patton, Cody Reid, Emma Rife, Megan Smock, Allyson Supinger, Brittany Taylor, Chris Teaford, Jarrett Willougby, Nick Woolever and Davey Wright  

One of the premier goals of the FFA is to promote leadership among its students.  The Miami East FFA Chapter would not be able to do special projects without some very special people.  There were two individuals recognized with the Honorary Chapter FFA Degree because of their involvement in the Miami East FFA Alumni Chapter – Mr. Mark Bartel and Mrs. Brenda Coverstone.

High scholastics are also an important part of each high school student’s life. Results of the students with the highest academic records in their entire high school career include: agriculture, food, & natural resources – Stephanie Millhouse; animal science – Jarrett Willoughby; business management – Junior – Kelly Rindler; and business management - Senior – Emily Johnson

Emily Johnson, Colin Hawes, Hunter Sharp, Andrew Kowalak, Sarah Pyers, Danielle Danielson, Kelsey Kirchner, Emily Beal, Hannah Davis, Eliza Hershberger, Rebekah Eidemiller and Lauren Williams were recognized for selling over $1,000 worth of fruit during the chapter’s fruit sales. Emily Johnson was the highest selling fruit sales FFA member. 

The State FFA Degree is the highest degree received in the state.  About two percent of the state’s FFA membership earns their State Degree.  In May, four members of the Miami East FFA Chapter will receive their State FFA Degree.  Senior Sarah Pyers and Juniors Kolin Bendickson, Daniel Bodenimller and Lindsey Roeth were recognized.

The American FFA Degree is the highest degree for a member to receive in the National FFA Organization. This degree will be bestowed upon three members at the upcoming National FFA Convention this fall. Graduates Amanda Bartel, Jacob Eidemiller and Meagan McKinney will receive their degrees in October in Louisville, Ky. 

The 2013-14 Miami East FFA Chapter Officers were also installed during the banquet. They are as follows: Historian Colin Hawes, Chaplain Olivia Edgell, Sentinel Kolin Bendickson, Student Advisor – Lindsey Roeth, Reporter Rebekah Eidemiller, Treasurer Madeline Davis, Secretary Lauren Williams, Vice President Kelly Rindler and President Kendra Beckman.

MADISON, Wis.— Fort Wayne, Ind., hosted 230 students from 37 college dairy programs for the Dairy Challenge Academy and contest, April 4-6. This North American event was hosted by Purdue University, Michigan State University and The Ohio State University.

Students converged in Fort Wayne from all corners of the U.S. – from Maine to California and Washington to Florida – plus two Canadian provinces. These students are training to be leaders in dairy careers – future dairy farmers, researchers, educators, financial analysts, nutritionists, farm service providers and veterinarians. 

Collegiate participants visited five dairies in the Fort Wayne area to learn how to best help dairy farmers evaluate and adapt their farm management to meet operational goals and profit expectations. Dairy industry experts presented cutting-edge research, new programs and career opportunities to students. 

North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge (NAIDC) is funded through generous support by 130 agribusinesses and dairy producers. This year, 2013, brought the first-ever Dairy Challenge Academy, which expands the educational program and enables 100 more collegiate students to participate. This is also the first time Indiana hosted the national event, although Purdue University hosted the Midwest regional in 2008.

Over its 12-year national history, Dairy Challenge has helped prepare over 4000 students for careers in dairy and agriculture. At Dairy Challenge, each team of students puts textbook knowledge to the ultimate test – consulting for an actual dairy. Teams inspect an operating dairy, analyze farm data and conduct a question-answer session with farm owners. Then each team develops recommendations for the dairy, which will be presented to farm owners and a panel of five judges – including dairy producers, veterinarians, farm finance specialists and industry personnel. 

More information about NAIDC s available at www.dairychallenge.org/calendar_news.php