Indiana asks students to apply for Governor’s STEM awards

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Indiana Gov. Eric. Holcomb, Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Jennifer McCormick and Treasurer of State Kelly Mitchell are asking Hoosier students to submit applications for The 2018 Governor’s STEM Team (#GovSTEMteam).

Holcomb developed the competition in 2017 to highlight Indiana’s elite high school students for their work in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The program honors four outstanding high school students for their exemplary performance in one of the STEM subjects. Winning students each receive a $1,000 college scholarship from Indiana’s College Choice 529 Direct Savings plan and a letterman jacket identifying them as members of the Governor’s STEM Team.

Applications and nominations may be submitted online at https://secure.in.gov/apps/govstemawards and the deadline for nominations is 11:59 p.m. Eastern on April 22.

“Engaging students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics prepares them for life beyond high school,” said McCormick. “I am excited for the submissions we will receive and look forward to recognizing our students’ creativity and passion for STEM.”

The nominations will be reviewed by a panel of STEM experts, including teachers, college and university instructors, and staff from the Indiana Department of Education and the State Board of Education. Holcomb, McCormick and Mitchell will announce winners in May.

Tractor Supply searching for 4-H, FFA ‘Great Neighbors’

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. — The Tractor Supply Co. Mobile Fair Tour is looking for 4-H and FFA youth who showcase what it means to be a great neighbor.

Originating last year, the “Great Neighbor” Essay Contest is an experiential component of the retailer’s Mobile Fair Tour, a 24-stop journey across the United States that will begin its route June 1 in Kentucky and conclude Nov. 10 in Nevada.

4-H and FFA members living near one of the fair tour’s 24 stops can enter the contest by submitting an essay in response to the following prompt: “Choose one memorable 4-H or FFA experience and explain how that experience has influenced your development as a great neighbor in your community.”

Tractor Supply will recognize five winners at each of the 24 stops with a special ceremony at the Mobile Fair Tour footprint. Winners will be presented with a commemorative plaque and Tractor Supply gift pack.

The “Great Neighbor” Essay Contest closes April 29 at 5 p.m. CDT. To enter, eligible 4-H and FFA members should visit TractorSupply.com/FairTour to submit an essay and review contest rules and regulations and view a list of fair stops.

Last year, Tractor Supply recognized more than 90 4-H and FFA youth for their community contributions at 19 fair stops across the country. In addition to honoring contest winners, the Mobile Fair Tour features free, family-friendly activities and prizes to enhance the fair experience.

Get $1 scoops to support ag youth at Culver’s on May 3

PRAIRIE DU SAC, Wis. — Every scoop counts at Culver’s on Scoops of Thanks Day on May 3. Guests can get $1 single scoops of Fresh Frozen Custard, and all proceeds will go to FFA and other local agricultural organizations that strengthen American agriculture and the industry’s future leaders.

Scoops of Thanks Day is part of Culver’s Thank You Farmers Project. The project supports agricultural education programs, like the National FFA Organization, that encourage smart and sustainable farming practices.

To date the Thank You Farmers Project has raised more than $1.7 million in support of the National FFA, local FFA chapters and a variety of local agricultural organizations. To learn more about the program and how to get involved, visitwww.culvers.com/thankyoufarmersproject

Ohio FFA vice president visits Miami East-MVCTC Chapter

(photo in 6411)

CASSTOWN, Ohio — Recently, Ohio FFA State Vice President At-Large Milan Pozderac came to visit the members of the Miami East-MVCTC FFA Chapter. He spent the day in the two Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources classes sharing about how to thrive in the FFA organization, by finding ways to ways to follow their passion regardless of the risk of failure.

Pozderac is a graduate of Fredericktown High School. He is a freshman at The Ohio State University majoring in agricultural education. His duties require him to travel throughout the state conducting chapter visits, presenting speeches on behalf of Ohio’s FFA members and facilitating conferences and conventions.

The FFA members at Miami East greatly appreciated that he could take time out of his busy schedule to come and visit with them at Miami East High School.

MILAN POZDERAC HELPS Agricultural, Food and Natural Resources students learn about the importance of taking risks in life while playing a game of “Let’s Make A Deal.”

(Photo provided)

Purdue senior wins national wool contest in San Antonio

(photo of Lee in 6411)

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — Purdue University senior Claire Lee of Indianapolis was awarded first place in the Senior Category at the National Make It With Wool Contest in San Antonio, Texas. She made a floral wool dress and blue wool lined coat ensemble.

The national contest was held at the American Sheep Industry annual meeting. Claire will serve as the Senior Ambassador at next year’s competition in New Orleans. The national competition showcases and promotes the beauty and versatility of wool fabrics, yarns and fibers and encourages personal creativity in sewing, knitting, crocheting, spinning, weaving and other needlework arts.

All contestants must select, construct and model their own garment(s) made from more than 60 percent wool content. Contestants were judged on overall appearance of the outfit, sewing construction of all three garments and overall fit.

Zionsville Community High School senior Molly Grotjan, 17, was awarded fifth place in the Junior category with her navy blue lined skirt, lined color-blocked cream and navy top, and navy, gray and cream-colored cape with button closure.

Anita Hardwick of Crawfordsville was awarded fifth place in the Adult category with her blue and ivory wool blazer, top and skirt outfit.

The national contest is sponsored by the American Wool Council, the American Sheep Industry and American Sheep Industry Women. The state contest is sponsored by the Indiana Sheep Assoc.