Over the past school year, students in the Crookston FFA Chapter have been competing for a spot to attend the MN State FFA Convention. This year, 26 Crookston FFA members have earned that spot! These members will be traveling down to the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, for their competition. “I am so proud of these members. We have worked hard and earned a spot for these students to attend.” Said Mrs. Whitney Rupprecht, Ag Ed Teacher & FFA Advisor.
The Horse Evaluation Team placed 1st at Regions, which secured their spot at State. Brianna Colborn, Naomi Olson, Kendal Bergquist, and Ella Huffman will be representing CHS. “The horse contest is a lot of fun but is challenging. We practice 1-2 times per week in the mornings.” Brianna Colborn explained. Students in the horse contest judge six classes of horses and complete a comprehensive knowledge exam.
With two individuals competing and taking home both 1st and 2nd, Joslyn Wallace and Taylor Weiland have been preparing for State for some time. Joslyn’s speech is about Bees and the effects they have on people. Taylor’s speech is on the need for Agricultural Education. These two wrote a 6–8 minute speech in MLA format and will present it to the judges in multiple rounds. “Mrs. Rupprecht told me that she was signing me up for a speech, and I just went with it. I have been working very hard writing, memorizing, and practicing my speech.” Joslyn Wallace explained.
Small Animal Vet Science Team, consisting of Samantha Rezac, Emily Shea, Hope Alexander, and Lexi Reinhart, will look at various animal body systems, take an exam, and identify breeds of dogs, cats, birds, fish, rabbits, reptiles, and parasites. “I love all of the FFA events. I am very excited for State!!” said Hope Alexander.
Coming in with a big moo, the Dairy Evaluation team consisting of Avery Mathews, Emelia Hoerner, Taylor Schulz, Taylor Weiland, and Joslyn Wallace will judge at least four classes of dairy cows, complete a record analysis of a dairy farm, and take a comprehensive exam of their knowledge in the dairy industry. “The exams and records were really hard! I also have gotten better when I have to give reasons to the judges.” Taylor Schulz explained.
Parliamentary Procedure is a way to run a successful, fair meeting. Students have learned the procedure using Robert’s Rules of Order and will travel to State to host a mock meeting and complete an exam on the rules of parliamentary procedure. The team is made up of President– Allysen Wagner, Vice President-Avery Mathews, Secretary-Teagan Fanfulik, Treasurer-Addie Schiller, Reporter- Brea Lessard, Sentinel-Lydia Olson, Student Advisor-Emilee Smith. “Parli is really fun but hard. I love being President and running the meeting, but it puts a lot of pressure on me to do it right.” Allysen Wagner explained.
The Landscape team, consisting of Rylee Solheim, Adalyn Hanson, Jocelyn Johnson, and Allysen Wagner, will be identifying commonly used trees, shrubs, plants, and tools. Additionally, they will be completing a practicum which will allow them to put their knowledge to the test. “I am excited to attend!” Rylee Solheim said.
FFA Member, Addison Schiller, has memorized all five paragraphs of the FFA and will recite it to a panel of judges, followed by questions. “This is really helping me with my public speaking skills. I want to do this again next year!” Addison Schiller explained.
Crookston FFA has 3 top placing Proficiency applications. The applications are based upon a student’s Supervised Agricultural Experience, a.k.a. their work-based learning activities. Libby Salentine won the region event, and her application was advanced to State, where it was announced that she was among the top three! Libby’s application was on her experience with Agricultural Education in the classroom. “I have learned so much working with Mrs. Rupprecht,” Libby explained. Clay Hanson won the region event, and his application was also advanced to State, where it was announced that he was in the top three as well! Clay’s application was on his work experience with a local fiber and oil crop farm. Joslyn Wallace placed 2nd at the regional event, and her application advanced to the State. “My SAE is working on a farm where we raise organic edible beans. I love what I do and hope to be a crop farmer one day.” Joslyn Wallace explained.
Only a handful of individuals are selected, but Libby Salentine will have the honor of being an Ag Ambassador at the MN State FFA Convention. Libby will receive training in how to communicate with businesses. From there, she will be working with CEOs and Presidents of companies to convey the message of agriculture and FFA. Joslyn was also selected as the one representative from Region I to be on the 22-23 State Officer Nominating Committee. Joslyn will travel to State FFA Convention early and host numerous rounds of interviews to select the new officer team. Her job is to represent all of Northwest Minnesota in selecting the new team.
Mrs. Rupprecht and the Crookston FFA Chapter were one of 3 schools awarded the Models of Innovation-Strengthening Agriculture for her work to create awareness and education in agriculture. After a lengthy application, Crookston FFA was awarded and will be recognized for its work at the chapter level. Crookston ranked Gold and Superior, and the application will be advancing to the National FFA Competition. “I am very excited to have these students compete and get a ton of experiences from State FFA Convention. It has been three years since Minnesota has held a State Convention, and these students are getting an amazing opportunity!” Whitney. Rupprecht explained.
The Crookston FFA Chapter will travel to the University of Minnesota for the State FFA Convention from April 24-26, with a chance to go to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, on October 26.
Pictures of the State-bound students and teams can be seen below.
