Elgin Public/Pope John FFA Celebrates National FFA Week

Front row left to right: Eli Heilhecker, Calli Krebs, Heather Bauer, Lizzy Mlnarik, Taralyn Baum(Chapter Sentinel), Ally Wemhoff, Karissa Dicke, Lauren Seier, Leslie Nichols, Breanna Carr, Kyle Schumacher, Hunter Reestman Second row left to right: Zoey Bergman, Kelsey Welding(Chapter Secretary), Austin Dohmen, Maire Meis(Chapter Jr. Advisor), Lydia Behnk, Liz Selting(Chapter Reporter), Kaylee Martinsen, Kira Widger, Nicki Payne, Hayes Miller, Ervin Dohmen Third row left to right: Mrs. Schwartz (Chapter Advisor)Taylor Sehi, Justin Funk, Miles Schrage, Lexie Heithoff, Trey Baum(Chapter Vice President), Seth Schumacher, Liam Heithoff, Andrew Fangman, Geoffrey Carr, Joseph Bailey. Back row left to right: Grace Henn, Cole Preister, Dylan WIdger(Chapter Treasurer), Alois Warner(Chapter President), Dylan Behnk(Chapter Parliamentarian), Chase Preister, Kenny Bush, Chad Bode, Kalin Henn.

During National FFA Week, a host of activities are planned to raise awareness about the role the National FFA Organization plays in the development of agriculture's future leaders and the importance of agricultural education.

The Elgin Public/Pope John Chapter is joining more than half a million FFA members in celebrating the role agriculture plays in everyday life by sharing their message of agriculture and agricultural education throughout the country.

FFA Week always runs Saturday to Saturday and encompasses Feb. 22, George Washington's birthday. This year, the week kicks off on Feb. 20 and culminates on Feb. 27.

The weeklong tradition, which began in 1948, was designated by the National FFA Board of Directors in recognition of Washington's legacy as an agriculturalist and farmer. FFA was founded by a group of young farmers back in 1928. Its mission is to prepare future generations for the challenges of feeding a growing population. Founding members of the organization taught generations that agriculture is more than planting and harvesting — it involves science, business and more.
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FFA continues to help the next generation rise up to meet new agricultural challenges by helping members develop their own unique talents and explore their interests in a broad range of career pathways. Members progress to enjoy careers as biologists, chemists, veterinarians, engineers and entrepreneurs.

This organization also provides opportunities for members to build relationships with others in the agricultural industry, both locally and beyond.  

Chapter Reporter Liz Selting said, "I really enjoy FFA because I get to be with my friends in and out of school and meet new people from all over Nebraska that share my interest in agriculture and leadership."

Dylan Widger, Chapter Treasuer said, "I love FFA because of the people I meet and the places I get to go. Without FFA, I would not have made numerous friends that I met on trips across the nation."

On Monday, Nebraska State FFA Officer Trevor Spath visited the EPPJ chapter, facilitating leadership workshops in different ag classes and visiting with chapter members.  The chapter also posted agricultural facts around the school and community.

"It is exciting to see so many agricultural education programs in schools across the state. Along with those programs is the opportunity to for students to be active in The National FFA Organization. FFA is a big part of agriculture in the classroom," Spath said. "Through FFA, students gain technical skills in a variety of agricultural related fields, connect with FFA members from across the nation, and network with business and industry people. These are just a few examples of how FFA and agricultural education can benefit a student, school, and community."

The Elgin Public/Pope John FFA chapter is using this week to help share the message of agriculture with their fellow students as well as with their community.

Throughout the week, the chapter is hosting a coloring contest with the elementary schools.  The chapter is also recognizing their teachers and school administrators on Thursday.  

Members are also celebrating agriculture in fun ways through different meals and activities in the ag room. Some members also drove their tractors to school on Wednesday. 

It's also an opportunity to give back to their community through service projects and is also a perfect time for members to recruit students to become FFA members.

On Friday, the chapter is hosting a crazy hat day where every student at both schools can pay a dollar to wear a hat during the day.  The money collected will be donated to St. Jude Children's Hospital. 
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Chapter Officers: Back row left to right: Dylan Widger (Treasurer), Trey Baum (Vice President) Dylan Behnk (Parliamentarian) Middle row left to right: Taralyn Baum (Sentinel), Alois Warner (President), Elizabeth Selting (Reporter) Front row left to right: Kelsey Welding (Secretary), Marie Meis (Jr. Advisor)

The Agricultural Demonstration Team of Lexie Heithoff and Trey Baum earned 1st place at the District X FFA Leadership Development Event in Valentine in January. In April, they will compete at the Nebraska State FFA Convention in Lincoln

An 18' x 24' greenhouse is being constructed. The Elgin FFA and Ag Ed departments will use the greenhouse for educational purposes and FFA spring plant sales. Vegetables will be grown for the lunch programs at Elgin Public and Pope John schools as well as for the local senior center.

Elgin FFA competed in the District X range judging contest held North of Chambers, NE in September.