Northwestern-Wayne
FFA Chapter
Northwestern FFA Participates in Operation Christmas Child
This fall, the Northwestern FFA Chapter is choosing to participate in Operation Christmas Child. This program is headed by Samaritan’s Purse, a nationwide, non-denominational Christian, non-profit organization that provides spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. The FFA will be taking donations from now until November 12, 2018. During this time of collection, the chapter will be accepting donations of items such as, personal care items, clothing and accessories, crafts or activities, toys, and a personal note if you wish. Please only donate the specific items listed in this link provided; https://www.samaritanspurse.org/operation-christmas-child/what-goes-in-my-shoebox-suggestions/. If you wish to partake in this service event, you may deliver donations to the front office at the High School, in care of Northwestern FFA.
Northwestern FFA Participates in Farm Tour
On October 13th and 14th, the Wayne County Farm Tour was held at the Tegtmeier farm. During this event, people from the surrounding areas came to tour the farm. This tour included the Sunny-Side Feeds bird seed operation, Sunsational Oil, where the family manufactures food grade sunflower oil, which is also a part of their farm to fork operation. During these two days, Lowe & Young, donated various tractors and equipment for the family to display in order for the public to learn about the process in which their food is planted, cared for, and harvested. There were also wagon rides for spectators to see the use of bees as pollinators, and how specialty crops, like peas and pumpkins are raised. The Northwestern FFA chapter members that volunteered to help were: Rilee Ammon, Jayden Berry, Cassidy Brown, Jeffery Guidetti, Lizzy Howman, Valerie Imhoff, Max Madrill, Carter Melicant, Mackenzie Nowell, Kaitlyn Praisler, Abby Ramseyer, Blake Riel, Beth Schaefer, Desiree Smith, Riley Stull, and Brock Tegtmeier. The members helped by parking cars, serving food, working the kids agricultural stations, like the plant science station, pumpkin painting, agricultural coloring pages, and the children’s pools filled with corn, and soybeans.
FFA Members Compete at World Dairy Expo
On Tuesday, October 2nd four members of the Northwestern FFA traveled to Madison, Wisconsin, to participate in the the National Dairy Cattle Judging Competition. The competition was held at the World Dairy Expo. Members were asked to judge four classes of dairy cattle on their structure, udder quality, breed characteristics, and answer questions regarding the shown cattle. The team, earning 5th out of more than 130 teams, consisted of Lizzy Howman, David Miley, Kyle Piscione, and Riley Stull. Individually placing out of 365 participants, Howman was 23rd, Miley was 40th, Piscione was 60th and Stull was an alternate for the team.
Ag in the Classroom
On October 12th, the Northwestern FFA officers and selected members ventured to the Elementary School, where they taught the 1st grade students about the various types of trees. During this lesson, the members took the students on a nature walk behind the school, to the Ag Laboratory. On this trip, the students learned about the types of trees and greenery growing on the property. The members that helped with this lesson in Ag in the Classroom were; Austin Beegle, Arianna Borton, Alex Borton, Zoey Dudte, Avery Garver, Lizzy Howman, Valerie Imhoff, Kara McKay, Cody Morrow, Leeanna Ruegg, Tori Rogers, Riley Stull, Craig Wellert, and Haley Wilson.
Northwestern FFA Attends National FFA Convention
On October 23rd- 27th, members from the Northwestern FFA Chapter traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana for the National FFA Convention on a charter bus with West Holmes, Licking Valley and Smithville FFA Chapters. Beth Schaefer, Tori McConnell, Austin Beegle, Alex Borton, Savannah Hunt, Sasha McConahay, Jordan Melegari, Kaitlyn Praisler, Abby Ramseyer, Leeanna Ruegg, Valarie Imhoff, Riley Stull, Jadeyn Berry, Ari Borton, Zoey Dudte, Avery Garver, Dugan McLaughlin, and Tori Rogers attended.
On Tuesday, members traveled to Newport, Kentucky to BB Riverboats. During the evening, the group of students and staff dined on the boat, saw the sights of the Ohio River, and participated in line dances.
On Wednesday the members toured University of Kentucky College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, where they had the opportunity to tour the meats lab and Ag campus. After the visit, they traveled to Churchill Downs to visit the track where the Kentucky Derby and many other races are held to learn about the history of the track. Wednesday evening, members attended the first general session of the 91st National FFA Convention. The opening session began with the Opening Ceremonies performed by the National Officers, as well as the National FFA Band and Chorus Grand Entry. The keynote speaker, Kyle Schelee spoke on not allowing fear to take over your thoughts, and starting with a new mindset after a set back. After the speaker, members had the honor to go to see Garth Brooks in concert.
On Thursday morning, members toured Caito Foods. Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, this company is a produce distributor to major stores like Giant Eagle and Kroger from as far East as the Coast to as far West as Colorado. Included in this company’s shipping inventory are fresh fruits and vegetables, organic foods, and non perishable items, among other products. The members then went to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway to tour the track and museum, where they had an opportunity to kiss the bricks. After the tour, the group attended the National FFA Career and Business Expo and shopping mall before dinner at Logan’s Roadhouse.
On Friday, members visited Fort Harrison State Park where they took a tour on horseback. Members also attended the sixth and seventh general sessions. In the sixth session, all of the National Proficiency Awards were presented. The
seventh session consisted of awards for the National Public Speaking and Job Interview CDEs. Judson Laipply, best known for his performance in the Evolution of Dance video clip, spoke on the reality of life’s struggles, and how life evolves.
On Saturday, the members attended the eighth General Session. In the eighth session, two Northwestern FFA Members received their American FFA Degrees. Katie Stull, daughter of Brad and Molly Stull, and Riley Murphy, daughter of Cheryl and Nathan Murphy, received this degree. Unfortunately members were unable to attend President Trump’s speech, but made do with listening over the loudspeaker on the bus as the members traveled home from a fun and educational time in Indianapolis.
Northwestern-Wayne FFA Members receive Ohio Agribusiness Certifications
This year, 9 members of the 2020 graduating class of the Northwestern-Wayne FFA Chapter have earned the Ohio Agribusiness Association-Agribusiness and Production Systems Certifications. With this recognition, these students have been verified to have expertise in the areas of agriculture, agribusiness, and production systems. These members consisted of Brock Tegtmeier, Maddy Cherry, Austin Beegle, Alex Borton, Dyan Martin, Mackenzie Nowell, Kaitlyn Praisler, Abby Ramseyer, and Kenny Strait. This certification is an industry-recognized agribusiness credential, that provides verification of high school experiences in areas of agricultural expertise. All students that received this certification were enrolled in a career-technical agricultural program, and have completed four years of an agricultural course offered at Northwestern High School, along with the Agribusiness capstone class. These student’s SAEs fall under the category of either entrepreneurship, placement, or research-driven project, and must also pertain to the agricultural industry. Students must document a minimum of 500 hours of work experience on their project, achieved scores in three of the following WebXam categories; Agriculture Food, and Natural Resources, Animal and Plant Science, Plant and Horticulture Science, Animal Science and Technology, Agronomic Systems, Mechanical Principles, Structural Engineering, Livestock Nutrition, Selection, and Management, Livestock Science, Science and Technology of Food, Environmental Science for Agriculture and Natural Resources, or Greenhouse and Nursery Management. Students apply in May, and they are then selected based on their qualifications and applications that have been submitted.
Northwestern-Wayne FFA holds Feed a Farmer Event
The first annual Northwestern FFA Feed a Farmer event was held on October 14th at Centerra of West Salem, as well as Commodity Blenders. This event was very successful. The officer team and members severed approximately 60 meals that day. The chapter wanted to hold this event to thank the local farmers in the area for all that they do for this community as well as this country. Northwestern FFA would like to thank the Northwestern High School kitchen staff for helping us prepare the food for our event, as well as Commodity Blenders and Centra of West Salem for donating their facilities.
Northwestern FFA competes in Soil Judging CDE
This year the Northwestern-Wayne FFA chapter competed in both Urban and Rural soils Career Development Event. The contest is designed to educate students on how to evaluate soil for both Urban and Rural use. Each team evaluates the soil based on different characteristics to determine what the land can be used for. The urban land and soil judging CDE is an educational activity designed as a practical method of teaching students to evaluate land and soil to determine its potential use for urban, homesite, and other non farm uses. The Agricultural Soils CDE is an educational activity designed as a practical method of teaching students to evaluate land and soil and to make decisions when faced with soil related issues that affect agricultural production.
This year the Urban team consisted of Valerie Imhoff, Desiree Smith, Cassidy Brown, Jadeyn Berry, Gabby Ream, and Jacoby Gilbert.
The Rural team consisted of Cole Wharton, Craig Wellert, Dugan McLaughlin, Kirsten Boreman, Kaleb Badger, Haley Caldwell, and Kade Tegtmeier.
The teams both competed at the county, district, and state level. All students were successful in their areas. On October 7th, at the county level in Shreve, both teams placed well. The Urban team placed 3rd and the Rural team placed 2nd. Cole Wharton from the Rural team and Valerie Imhoff from the Urban team placed first individually in their respective contests.
On October 13th, the teams once again competed. The Urban team placed 2nd and the Rural team placed 1st at the district level. Valerie Imhoff from the Urban team placed 4th individually, Desiree Smith from the Urban team placed 5th individually, and Cole Wharton from the Rural team placed 1st individually in their respective contests.
On October 20th, the teams competed in the first ever online state Soil Judging contest. The teams experienced a new format of competition, and learned a lot through the experience.
Ohio FFA Association Recognizes Northwestern-Wayne FFA Members
This year, the Northwestern-Wayne FFA chapter is proud to announce that there were a total of 11 members of the chapter to be recognized for their accomplishments and hard work on the state level. This is a major accomplishment that takes a lot of effort on behalf of the members.
This year, Riley Stull, Lizzy Howman, Alex Borton, Val Imhoff, Kaitlyn Praisler, Desiree Smith, and Craig Wellert all received high levels of recognition from the State FFA organization. The state degree is the highest honor that the Ohio FFA Organization can bestow upon a member, and is represented by a golden charm. Members who earn this degree have shown high levels of dedication and involvement in the FFA organization. Proficiencies are meant to recognize high levels of excellence in specialized fields and are a way for members to advance and strive in their SAEs.
Riley Stull is the daughter of Brad and Molly Stull and received her state degree this year. She is involved in Husky Hyper, Student Council, National Honor Society, STAR, Junior Fair Board where she currently serves as the Vice President, 4H Awareness Team as well as being crowned the 2020 Wayne County Fair Queen. During her involvement in the FFA she has participated in Parliamentary Procedure, Dairy Cattle Judging, Urban and Rural Soils, Floriculture, and General Livestock Judging. Riley is currently serving as the chapter Vice President.
Lizzy Howman is the daughter of Sara and the late Mike Howman. Lizzy received her state degree this year. Lizz currently serves as the chapter Secretary and is involved in Congress Community Church Youth Group, 4H, FFA, National Honor Society, and Varsity Basketball. She has participated in many Career Development Events through FFA including; Parliamentary Procedure, Floraculture, Rural Soils, and Dairy Cattle Judging. Along with her state degree, Lizzy also earned a 4th place state ranking in her Dairy Production proficiency area.
Alex Borton placed 3rd in state with his Fruit Production proficiency area. He is the son of Jim and Sherri Borton, and a long-time FFA member. He is a 2020 graduate and is attending college at Ohio State University. While in high school, Alex served as the FFA’s Student Advisor and Treasurer. He also participated in Ag Power and Diagnostics, Dairy Foods, and many community service and fundraising activities.
Val Imhoff is the daughter of Bruce and Jamie Imhoff. Val also received her state degree. She is a senior, and has been in FFA for 4 years. She is also the President of the Northwestern-Wayne FFA chapter, and an active member of the chapter. She has served as the secretary and an assistant officer as well. Her other FFA Activities include: Parliamentary Procedure, Job Interview, Soils, Food Science, Floriculture, Dairy Foods, and Ag in the Classroom. Val is also a member of STAR.
Kaitlyn Praisler is the daughter of Jeff Praisler and Kathy Wood. She received her state degree and is a 2020 graduate. Kaitlyn attends Morehead State University in Kentucky. She participated in 4H, IEA, and other showing organizations. While involved with the FFA chapter Kaitlyn participated in many fundraising and community service activities, along with Equine Judging and Food Science.
Desiree Smith is the daughter of Chad Nussbaum and Randi Brenner. She is a senior, and received her state degree this year. She is involved with 4H, Yearbook, Cheerleading, Foreign Language Club, and has been involved with FFA for 4 years. She is currently serving as the Student Advisor for the Northwestern-Wayne FFA chapter. Desiree is an active member of the chapter and her FFA activities consist of Wildlife, Public Speaking, Parliamentary Procedure, Ag Sales, Floraculture, Food Science, community service activities, and fundraising activities.
Craig Wellert is the son of Craig Wellert Sr and Carrie Wellert. He is a senior this year and received his state degree. Craig is involved with FFA, 4H, Northwestern soccer, WCJFB, and is a 4H camp counselor. Within the FFA, Craig is an active member of the chapter, and has served as the Sentinel. He also has participated in Rural Soils, Parliamentary Procedure, Ag Power Diagnostics, and General Livestock.
Also this year, our officers upheld their high standard of excellence with the Treasurer, Secretary, and Reporters books receiving a gold-rating from the Ohio FFA Association. Congratulations to Abby Ramseyer and Alex Borton for your gold-rated Treasurer book, Lizzy Howman and Val Imhoff for your gold rated Secretary book, and Jordan Melegari and Avery Garver for your gold rated Reporters book.
Congratulations to all members on their accomplishments, the Northwestern-Wayne FFA chapter recognizes and appreciates all your efforts.