Freeman FFA Enjoys Success at State FFA Convention
by Tony Jensen
April 03, 2005
The Freeman FFA Chapter brought 41 FFA members to State FFA Convention in Lincoln from March 30th through April 1st. Throughout the convention, members watched different sessions, participated in leadership workshops, and competed in various state competitions.
Taylor Hesseltine won first place in the junior public speaking contest, with a speech entitled "Grapes: Nebraska's Alternative Crop". Hesseltine talked about the history of grape production, how grapes are planted, produced and harvested, and the growth of the grape industry in Nebraska. By winning this contest, Taylor gets a trophy, a first place medal, and a $100 cash award.
Tim Nieveen received his State FFA Degree, which is the highest degree attainable at the state level. In order to receive this degree, Tim had to have an outstanding Supervised Agricultural Experience, demonstrate leadership at the chapter level and above, and participate in a number of school and community activities.
Megan Milke auditioned and was accepted into the 2005 State FFA Convention Choir. More than 300 individuals auditioned and less than 100 were accepted. On Wednesday, Megan met the rest of the choir and had a rehearsal. On Thursday and Friday nights, the choir performed at the 3rd and 6th sessions of the State FFA Convention at Pershing Auditorium.
Kim Riens received a bronze medal in the Job Interview Competition. In this competition, FFA members write a letter of application and develop a resume, fill out a job application, go through a job interview, and write a follow-up letter.
Brooke Wallman and Stacie Goracke participated in the Legislative Breakfast at State Convention. These young ladies had the pleasure of enjoying breakfast with Senator Dennis Byars of Beatrice and then proceeded to the State Capitol to watch a legislative session.
Seventeen members participated in Career Developments at State Convention. They include: Ag Communications team (Jaycie Vanderbeek, Denae Wolken, Megan Milke, Katie Schoen), AgriScience team (Jerod Nieveen, Blake Ebbers, Shanon Fittje), Ag Sales team (Kristin Kroese, Steph Dorn, Stacie Goracke, Melissa Hottovy), Meats Evaluation team (Emily Jurgens, Ashley Weyers, Taylor Hesseltine), and Nursery and Landscape team (Michelle Horstman, Andy Stanley, and Brent Heble). Those earning ribbons in this group include: Blake Ebbers - Blue, Michelle Horstman - Blue, Shanon Fittje - Red, Jerod Nieveen - Red, Katie Schoen - White, Andy Stanley - White.
Nine junior high FFA members participated in a workshop for junior high members and then competed in agriculture quiz bowl. These members include: Anna Jurgens, Kyle Schlake, Evan Buss, Natalie Lenners, Nathan Milke, Aubrey Banks, Phillip Schoen, Sara Marker and Matt Nieveen.
"We had great results at State Convention this year," said Mr. Jensen. "These students have worked hard, and their results at the state level are evidence of that. Congratulations to everyone on their successes. You have a lot to be proud of."
