BELLVILLE FFA MEMBERS CROWNED NATIONAL CHAMPIONS
(courtesy Rod Vincent)
For the third time in five years, Bellville FFA is a national champion.
Bellville FFA competed last week at the 95th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis. The Nursery Landscape Team, consisting of Kylee Svinky, Emily Spiess, Lauren Lassus, Rachael Hohlt, and Stewart Poffenberger, earned top honors out of over 40 teams competing throughout the nation.
The team performed numerous skills, from identifying over 250 plants and tools, a sales presentation, calculating a landscape drawing, as well as many skills used to be successful in the landscape industry. Svinky was second high point individual, with Lassus coming in third, Spiess placing fourth and Hohlt finishing eighth. This was the second time in school history FFA members have been National Champions in the Nursery Landscape Contest.
The Conduct of Chapter Meetings Team had a strong showing as well, placing second at the national competition. This was the best showing that a Texas team has had since the contest was introduced.
(courtesy Rod Vincent)
The members were asked to perform a demonstration of an official FFA meeting as well as take an exam over Roberts Rules of Order. The team had to advance through three rounds to be recognized on the national stage. Team members included Jaylen Tesch, Lydia Huebner, Wesley Shackelford, Jack Luedeker, Quinn Huffman, Ainsley Hancock, Gracie Johnson and Taylor Eckelberg. Five team members received perfect scores on their exam.
Meanwhile, Maddie Diezi qualified to the semifinals in the national creed competition. Over 50 teams participated in the competition, which had Diezi recite the FFA creed and answer questions on the field of agriculture.
(courtesy Rod Vincent)
Ten members also received their American Farmer Degree at the convention, the highest degree offered to members who finish their four years in the FFA, earn over $10,000 in their supervised agricultural experience (SAE) project and complete 50 hours of community service. Members who were recognized are Talyn Dierking, Gabby Eskew, Ashlin Gordon, Canute Janish, Jacob Kolwes, Kaylin Krebs, Kyle Peschel, Hunter Schumann, Emily Shupak and Daelyn Warmke. Less than one percent of members earn this award.
I have nothing but high respect for FFA programs. FFA programs teach our young future leaders so much about life. How to participate and conduct meetings, develop public speaking skills, how to manage financial matters, assume civic responsibility and much more. Bellville FFA along with Burton FFA consistently bring home state and national awards. Congratulations on a well run program.