• Edon

• Fayette

• Hilltop

• North Central

• Wauseon

NAT IONA L F FA WEEK F EBRUARY 1 8 - 25

T H E V I L L A G E R E P O R T E R T H E W A U S E O N R E P O R T E R

A Quick Look At Edon’s FFA Chapter

Without a doubt, one of the largest and most ac-tive Chapters around the area is located in Edon where thirty-eight percent of the high school student body is involved in FFA. Established by Charter in 1939, the Chapter and advisors Paul Stoll and Krista Cape will celebrate seventy-four years of progress during the An-nual FFA Parent and Member Banquet in March 2013.

Under Stoll’s and Cape’s guidance and leadership this school year, students have participated in team and individual judging contests, such as Ag Mechan-ics, Dairy Production, Poultry, Small Animal and Swine Production as well as in Career Development Events (CDE) ~ Grain Merchandising, Parliamentary Procedure, Rural Soils and Urban Soils, Farm Busi-ness Management and Dairy. Members have also attended State and National Conventions and have hosted several community activities including the an-nual Daddy-Daughter Dance and American Red Cross Bloodmobiles.

Hundreds of Edon students have experienced and enjoyed the variety of programs FFA has to offer and have earned awards and accolades for their efforts. To date, twenty students have achieved their American FFA Degrees and sixty-six their State Degrees.

Primarily a rural community, most chapter mem-bers at Edon High School are considered “farm kids” in the true sense of the word; however, many are not. Yet, regardless of background, they all choose to par-ticipate in FFA. Having an opportunity to develop leadership skills, to become involved with the commu-nity and learn more about careers in the agricultural field, has always attracted students to the organiza-tion. Upon high school or college graduation, many students continue to be involved in agriculture or its related fields.

Edon FFAChapter Activities

Throughout the year, members of the Edon FFA Chapter participate in a variety of educational op-portunities and recreational activities both within the community and across the area. Highlights since Feb-ruary 2012 include:

• 212° and 360° Leadership Conference• 73nd Annual Edon FFA Parent and Member

Banquet • Hosting the 14th Annual Daddy-Daughter

Dance at Edon Northwest Local Schools• FFA Leadership Camp• FFA Officers Retreat• Sponsoring American Red Cross Bloodmobiles

at Edon Northwest Local Schools• Sausage Sales at home football games• Chicken Barbeque Fundraiser during Edon

Heritage Days Festivities• Edon Heritage Days Parade Entry ~ 1st Place

Non-Commercial Division• Serving assistants at the Annual Edon Farmers

Cooperative Stockholders Meeting• State FFA Convention in Columbus ~ Chapter

members Dakota Parrish, Clay Parrish, Allison Towne and Ben Brown received State Farmer Degrees ~ Clay Parrish was elected State Offi-cer/District 1 President

• National FFA Convention in Indianapolis ~ Chapter members Joey Brown and Dezra Goe-bel were presented the American Farmer Degree

• Exhibiting livestock and shop projects at the Williams County Fair

• 2nd Place Honors ~ State Grain Merchandising Team Competition

• • Winner of the Williams County Fair’s First An-nual Shopping Cart Race

• • Saving pop tabs for charitable organizations• Individual Honors in State Grain Merchandis-

ing Competition ~ Matt Cook (4th Place); Devin Reetz (7th Place) and David Ackley (8th Place)

• 1st Place Honors ~ Williams County Parliamen-tary Procedure Team Competition

• 5th Place Honors ~ District 1 Parliamentary Procedure Team Competition

• 5th Place Honors ~ District Farm Business Management Team Competition

• 1st Place Honors ~ District Dairy Judging Team Competition

• Ford Trucks/Built Ford Tough – FFA Scholar-ship Program winners ~ Gabby Siebenaler and Payton Muehlfeld received $1000 each in schol-arship monies

With understanding, unselfish contributions and support from many individuals, the Chapter has been able to attain the goals it has set and to progress to the ranking it proudly proclaims.

EDON FFA OFFICERS … Installed last March as Edon Chapter Officers for 2012-2013 were: Front Row ~ Cassi Trausch, Assistant Reporter; Mariah Hantz, Secretary and Clay Parrish, President. Back Row ~ Kyle Long, Recreation Leader; Wyatt Zulch, Treasurer; Garrett Trausch, Chaplain; Dakota Parrish, Sentinel; Ben Brown, Vice President; Spenser Goebel, 2nd Vice President; Heath Brown, Historian; Alex Baker, Parliamentarian; Matt Cook, Student Advisor and David Headley, Reporter. Not pictured ~ Taylor Schwartz, 3rd Vice President.

2012-2013 Edon FFA Chapter Officers

The Reporter Wants to Know ... EDON FFA OFFICERSWhat Is One Lesson You Learned From FFA?

Clay ParrishPresident

“Through FFA, I’ve learned to never be afraid

to try new things.”

Dakota ParrishSentinel

“I’ve learned ‘profit’ is not a

dirty word.”

Mariah HantzSecretary

“One lesson I’ve learned is to measure

twice; cut once.”

David HeadleyReporter

“Mr. Stoll’s Philosophy Signs are a way of life.”

Ben BrownVice President

“I’ve learned how to use the biscuit maker.”

Taylor SchwartzThird Vice President

“I’ve learned how to use

jumper cables.”

Wyatt ZulchTreasurer

“The things you learn in Ag you can

actually use in life!”

Spenser GoebelSecond Vice President

“I’ve learned how to interact with

people through FFA.”

Cassi TrauschAssistant Reporter

“I’ve learned the best way to occupy my time is with

hard work and a great project.”

Kyle LongRecreation Leader

“Take every opportunity you can; you never know

who you will meet.”

Garrett TrauschChaplain

“I’ve learned more in Ag than in any other class

I’ve taken.”

Heath Brown Historian

“Paintballing with the FFA Officer Team

is where it’s at!”

PHOTO PROVIDED BY EDON FFA CHAPTER2012-2013 EDON HIGH SCHOOL FFA CHAPTER … Row 1(L-R) ~ Ms. Krista Cape, Advisor; Dakota Parrish, Sentinel; Matt Cook, Student Advisor; Wyatt Zulch, Treasurer; Kyle Long, Recreation Leader; Clay Parrish, President; Dave Headley, Reporter; Mariah Hantz, Secretary; Ben Brown, Vice President; Alex Baker, Parliamentarian and Mr. Paul Stoll, Advisor. Row 2 (L-R) ~ Taylor Schwartz, Third Vice President; Heath Brown, Historian; Spenser Goebel, Second Vice President; River Wicker, Reid Bowling, Kaleb Long, Kyle Gearhart, Garrett Trausch, Chaplain; Cassi Trausch, Assistant Reporter and Kaden Sapp. Row 3 (L-R) ~ Corey Icenhour, Zane Eicher, Julian Ridgway, Shane Carter, Brit-tany Combs, Corisa Brown, Kenny Ordway, Luke Price and Jordan Stuart. Row 4 (L-R) ~ Val Parrish, Kaylie Brown, Karlee Trausch, Autumn Joice, Destinee Riter, Taya Mason, Dylon Houser, Phillip Richmond and Rylee Smith. Row 5 (L-R) ~ Shane Kohl, Orion Dargitz, Jim Peckham, Landon Bloir, Jacob Prince, Nic Livengood, Tyler Seaman, Joey Fox, Nathan Engel and Kenny Fish. Row 6 (L-R) ~ Graeden Rupp, Hayden Runyan, Colten Lyman, Preston Thiel, Kaden Dulle, Crista Wortkoetter, Alex Busha, Brock Thiel, Connor Hug and Trevor Green.

2 - FFA Week Tribute 2013 THE VILLAGE REPORTER / THE WAUSEON REPORTER Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

2012-2013 Edon FFA Chapter

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Learning To Do

CHERRY PIE AND ICE CREAM DAY … During FFA Week 2013, teachers and staff at Edon Northwest Local Schools enjoyed a delicious mid-afternoon treat, compliments of the Edon Chapter. Ready to get things underway are Da-kota Parrish and Haley Jacoby, members of the “Pie Bake-Off” Committee.

TIME FOR DESSERT … Mr. Scott Staten receives his after-lunch snack.

“CHERRY PIE & ICE CREAM” DAYNational FFA Week At Edon High School

DELIVERY BOYS … Set to deliver “cool treats” to teachers in the high school wing are, from left, Reid Bowling and Kyle Gearhart.

Students Of All Ages Enjoy Annual FFA Petting Zoo

RYLEE KOKINIS holds one of the black Labrador mix puppies brought to the annual Edon FFA Petting Zoo.

MAN’S BEST FRIEND … Clay Parrish gets a warm wel-come from his dog, Zeke, as Reid Bowling looks on.

ALEXIS DULLE seems to have found a new friend.

NICE DOG … Jenny Cook takes a few minutes to play with one of several dogs on hand at the annual Edon FFA Petting Zoo.

BLAZE RESENDEZ holds one of the Lab mix puppies.

QUIET TIME … There’s no ruffled feathers here as Garrett Trausch calms his duck during the 2013 Edon FFA Petting Zoo.MRS. BARB FOGEL with one adorable little piglet!

DYLON HOUSER waits for anoth-er visitor to “steal” this adorable puppy from him at the 2013 Edon FFA Petting Zoo.

HUNTER HODAPP checks out one of the goats at the 2013 Edon FFA Petting Zoo.

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013 THE VILLAGE REPORTER / THE WAUSEON REPORTER FFA Week Tribute 2013 - 3

2013 FFA Week Edon Community Faces

Jim Bloir

Edon FFA1960-1964

Ron Swank

Edon FFA1960-1964

Roger Swank

Edon FFA1959-1963

Joe Headley

Edon FFA1972-1974

Capri Parrish

Edon FFA2006-2010

Kevin Walz

Edon FFA1974-1978

John Steffes

Edon FFA1958-1962

Dezra Goebel

Edon FFA2007-2011

James Wuebben

Edon FFA1972-1976

ETHAN GRIMM is all smiles as he holds this cute little puppy.

Doing To LearnMORE EDON FFA ON PAGE 8

4 - FFA Week Tribute 2013 THE VILLAGE REPORTER / THE WAUSEON REPORTER Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

Wauseon FFA 2012 - 2013 Year In ReviewWauseon FFA was very busy during

the 2012 year and had a lot of great suc-cesses! During the months of January and February, students took the time to showcase their Supervised Agriculture Experiences by filling out Proficiency Awards, State Degrees, and American Degrees. After many hours of hard work, the Wauseon FFA had seven stu-dents take 1st place in the state in their respective proficiency award area at the State Convention in May. Those seven were: Brock Rohrs in Specialty Crop Pro-duction, Austin Wagner in Forage Pro-duction, Brenda Saldivar in Veterinary Medicine, Kelly Fager in Ag Sales, Kira Andre in Dairy Production, Saul Triana in Diversified Livestock Production, and Ethan Bingham in Wildlife Management. Out of those seven, Kira Andre and Saul Triana went on to become a top four fi-nalist in the nation in their respective areas.

After a busy season of filling out award applications, it was time for the annual Wauseon FFA Banquet. During the annual banquet, the Wauseon FFA recognized the highlights of the year and enjoyed a delicious meal. Members rec-ognized students who filled out proficien-cy awards, State and American Degrees, Career Development Event Teams, and Honorary Chapter Degree Recipients.

During the month of April, the Wauseon FFA planned a Clean the Woods Day for the wooded area located near the new middle and elementary schools. The purpose for cleaning the woods was to make paths that were wide enough for two wheelchairs to roll throughout the woods. After receiving a Learning to Serve Grant from the National FFA Orga-nization, valued at $3,000, FFA members began planning for a day that would en-compass the whole FFA, students from other organizations in the high school, middle and elementary school students, as well as community members. Even though the weather was very challenging on that day, students were able to make a path that went completely around the woods. Since the grant that was received from the National FFA Organization is re-newable, the Wauseon FFA expects the project to be completed in June of 2015. The woods will be fully functional and will serve as an outdoor learning lab for learners of all ages and of all kinds.

During the month of May, Wauseon FFA members attended the State FFA Convention held in Columbus, Ohio. Wauseon FFA had a very successful con-vention in 2012 due to all of the hard work that students put towards their Supervised Agriculture Experiences. At the State Convention, five students were

awarded the State FFA Degree. Those students were: Scott Dennis, Lindsay Fager, Blake Gurzynski, Ariel Pfaff and Levi Weber. In addition to those students attaining that high level of achievement, Ethan Bingham, Austin Arps and Blake Gurzynski walked across stage to receive their 1st place banner in the Nursery and Landscaping Career Development Event. Those students went on to compete at the National Level at the National FFA Convention.

During the summer months, students continued to work on their Supervised Agriculture Experiences at home and at the school. This year, 10 students kept their pigs that were to be shown at the Fulton County Fair at the Animal Sci-ence Facility next to the school. Stu-dents also worked to keep the school farm functioning, as well as worked on their projects at home. Many students exhibited their projects at the Fulton County Fair. Also, during the summer months the newly elected officers went on a retreat to FFA Camp Muskingum to plan out the upcoming year as well we as do some team bonding. While there, the new officers had the opportunity to take part in a high ropes course.

Once the school year got started back up, FFA Members competed in the county and district soils competition and

did very well. Students also continued to work towards completing the woods project by planting flowering plants and bushes that will attract butterflies and humming birds.

During the month of October, seven FFA Members attended the National FFA Convention. The members that competed at the National Level for the Nursery and Landscape Career Development Event were: Steven Kolb, Nick Raabe, Ethan Bingham, and Austin Arps. Those stu-dents took 19th in the Nation and were given a Silver Ranking! In addition to those honors, eight Wauseon FFA Mem-bers received the highest degree in the National FFA Organization, the American FFA Degree. Those students were: Perry and Kira Andre, Justin and Kelly Fager, Ariel Pfaff, Brian Pike, Paige Frey and Crystal Van Pelt.

During the month of November, Wauseon FFA Members held their first Food for America Third Grade Program. FFA Members invited the entire third grade out to the woods to engage them in fun agriculturally related stations. Each third grader experienced 15 different stations ranging from: finding out where their pizza comes from all the way to how to properly wash hands so not to

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

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OFFICER TEAM ... The 2012-2013 Wauseon FFA Officer Team at their Summer Officer Retreat.

LANDSCAPE TEAM ... (L-R) Austin Arps, Nick Raabe, Steven Kolb and Ethan Bingham took 19th place in the National Nursery and Landscaping Career Development Event.

National Convention ... (L-R) Jacob Whitcomb, Ross Andre, Austin Arps, Lindy Myniher, Nick Raabe, Katee Roberts, Jean-Luc Robinson, Kelly Fager and Sam Norman all at-tended National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana this year.

AMERICAN DEGREES ... (L-R) Justin Fager, Crystal Van Pelt, Kelly Fager, Kira Andre, Ariel Pfaff, Perry Andre and Brian Pike all received the high degree in the National FFA Organization, the American Degree.

Ethan Bingham: Four Years Well-Spent In The Wauseon FFA ChapterSince the start of the Wauseon FFA

Chapter in March of 1930, it has been an integral part of the school. Many stu-dents have had their lives affected by the Wauseon FFA Chapter in its more than 75-year existence. One of these most recent students is Ethan Bingham.

Ethan Bingham is a senior at Wauseon High School and has been an FFA Mem-ber for all four years. When asked to look back on his years in FFA and the experi-ences he’s had as a result, Ethan said, “It gave me opportunities to do new things that I wouldn’t have had the chance to do if I hadn’t joined FFA.” Ethan believes that one of the best things about FFA is that it, “takes students outside of their comfort zone and pushes them to become better people.”

During his time in FFA, Ethan has most enjoyed National Landscaping Competi-tion, National and State FFA Conventions, Toys for Cheer Distribution Day, and kick-off day at ACE Hardware. But FFA isn’t just about enjoyable events and communi-ty, for most students, it’s also about learn-ing lessons and skills that will inform and assist them for the rest of their lives.

“I learned interviewing skills,” said Ethan. “That I will apply when I go for job interviews in my career field.” And Ethan did more than just learn these skills, he seems to have mastered them as evidenced by his 1st place finish in the Fulton Coun-ty Senior Division Job Interview Contest.

“I also learned how to identify various species of plants and animals,” Ethan said. “I will need these [skills] because I am going to Hocking College in the fall and

majoring in Wildlife Resource Management in hopes of becoming a Wildlife Officer.” Ethan, again, seems to already have a sub-stantial skill set in this area; what with his 2011 3rd Place State Wildlife Management Proficiency Award as well as his 2012 1st Place State Wildlife Management Proficien-cy Award.

There’ve been a couple awards listed so far, but Ethan has quite an extensive list. In 2009, Ethan received his Green-hand Degree, finishing top 20 in State Rural Soils. In 2010, Ethan received his Chapter Degree as well as being a part of the 3rd Place Team in Nursery Landscape in Ohio. Along with the previously men-tioned 2011 award, Ethan also participat-ed in the 6th Place Nursery Landscape Big E Team. Just last year, 2012, also in ad-dition to previously stated awards, Ethan won 1st Place in the Team Nursery Land-scape Contest, as well as 5th place in the event as an individual and 19th place in the National Landscape and Nursery Con-test.

It’s clear that FFA has been good to Ethan, but it’s not been given. It comes from working hard and putting forth the effort, as any FFA Member will tell you. Ethan Bingham has worked hard to devel-op the skills he needs in order to pursue the career he desires. With a work ethic like this, and the skills to get the job done, there’s no doubt that Ethan will, one day, accomplish his goal of being a Wildlife Of-ficer. Congratulations to Ethan Bingham, and all of the other students involved in FFA, on a great year and many more to come.

Earning To Live

It has been a very busy year for the FFA. They have done quite a few activi-ties this year. Since FFA week last year members have participated in a wide variety of contest, events and activities. First up was the Cooperative Education. Mackenzie Fruchey, Reba Rash, Sarah Kovar, and Jessie Torres competed in the cooperative education contest where there knowledge of co-ops was tested. This team placed 4th in the state and 2nd in the district. Up next for the FFA were the various contests that many FFA members competed in. These contest consisted of General Livestock Judging, Meats Judging, Poultry Judging, Dairy Judging and the Dairy Handlers con-test. Members on these teams traveled to the Ohio Expo Center early one Sat-urday in March. Members were not only able to compete in these various contest but they were able to meet and associ-ate with many other FFA members from around the state.

Following a spring full of contest the FFA members were in full force to put on the 6th Annual Fayette FFA Banquet. This year’s banquet was host to 185 FFA members, parents, guest and school of-ficials. The night was a great reflection of the many accomplishments that the chapter had throughout the year. This year some of the top awards were giv-en to the following FFA members. Star Greenhand was Miranda Minzey and Adrianna Hibbard. Start Chapter farmer went to Demi Powers. The Outstanding Junior award was presented to Patty Hookstadt with the Outstanding Senior award being presented to Sarah Kovar. Next up the Farm Credit Service 110% award was presented to Mackenzie Fruchey. Reba Rash was this year’s re-cipient of the DeKalb Award. The awards for the evening were wrapped up with a new memorial award. The Kellen Keiser Memorial award was given to Noelle Goodson.

With another successful night of hon-oring all of our FFA members the Fayette FFA was on the move again this time 30 FFA members were headed to the 84rd State FFA convention. The FFA conven-tion is a two day long event where FFA members, chapters and alumni are rec-ognized for their many accomplishments throughout the year. This year while at the convention, Amanda Gilmore par-ticipated in the State FFA Choir, while Jessie Torres and Sarah Kovar played with the State FFA Band. To wrap up the convention 2 Fayette FFA members walked across the stage to receive their State FFA Degree, this is the 2nd highest degree that a FFA member can obtain. Cole Burkholder and Spencer Keefer re-ceived their degrees that night.

With the school year coming to an end the Fayette FFA was still busy. Members were readying their fair projects and Su-pervised Agricultural Education projects for Mrs. Schultz to come and evaluate. Each member’s project is evaluated on-site each year by Mrs. Schultz. Along with home visits, Mrs. Schultz and 3 other FFA members headed to FFA

Camp Muskingum for a week full of fun in the sun. Mikayla Smith, Josh Smith, and Kamrin Hunter were the members who attended camp.

With the summer coming to a close and school back in session FFA mem-bers were out in full force readying proj-ects for the fair, preparing for soils con-test and planning a trip to the National FFA convention.

With the fair just ending, the FFA was just beginning again. Many of the mem-bers had animals or other projects to ex-hibit at the fair. It was great to see the FFA members shine in the events that they do all the time. The FFA is excited to have many new contests to so this year. While members were still busy wrapping up the fair there were also gearing up for another great year in Career Develop-ment events. First up would be the Ru-ral and Urban Soil judging contest. The Rural Soil judging team placed 1st out 22 teams in the district contest. Joshua Smith was also the first place individual. The other team members included: Mi-kayla Smith, Demi Powers, Cole Burk-holder, Collin McCabe, Patty Hookstadt, Thomas Ehman and Noelle Goodson. This was the first district contest that the Fayette FFA members have placed 1st in. The Urban soils team placed 3rd out 22. Members included 3 place individual Jessie Torres, MacKenzie Fruchey, Reba Rash, Sarah Kovar and Travis Pennington. Both teams were able to advance to the State soil judging contest. Next up was the District Dairy Foods and Dairy Judging contest. The dairy foods team placed 3rd out of 15 and was made up of members including: Allison Cuff (4th place individual), Reba Rash, Noelle Goodson, Joshua Smith, Patty Hookstadt, Travis Pennington, Presley Pennington. The dairy judging team placed 2nd out of 17 and members were Sarah Kovar (tied 1st place), Zayne Colegrove, MacKenzie Fruchey, Demi Powers, Taylor West, Cole Burkholder, Spencer Keefer, Alec Hylander.

The officers went to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. Those who attended were Alec Hyland-er, Noelle Goodson, Patty Hookstadt, Cady Stockburger, Cole Burkholder, Demi Powers, Miranda Minzey, Taylor West, Adrianna Hibbard, and Casen Burkholder. At National Convention the members attended many activities such as listening to Scott Hamilton speak, Brantley Gilbert and The Band Perry Concert, Buckeye Bash, and The Rally to Fight Hunger. The officers had a blast!

Wrapping up a year of FFA members prepare for the National FFA Week, held February 18 – 25. Fayette FFA members will be celebrating with a district wide spirit week, teacher luncheon and Ag. Olympics for both the elementary and Jr./High school students. This week will be a great week for the FFA members to show their pride in their organization and be proud of being part of the largest youth organization in our country.

INFORMATION PROVIDED

District One Awards Banquet! Best year that the chapter has had since 2006.

District Soil Judging contest. The rural team advanced to the State contest

FULTON COUNTY TRAP SHOOTEach year the Fayette Officer Team attend-ed the National FFA Convention in India-napolis, IN.

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FAYETTE OFFICER TEAM... Front Row left to Right: Noelle Goodson, Demi Powers, Cady Stockburger, Taylor West, Adrianna Hibbard, Miranda Minzey. Back row left to right: Casen Burkholder, Cole Burkholder, Alec Hylander, Patty Hookstadt

Fayette FFA, Year In Review

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Wednesday, February 27th, 2013 THE VILLAGE REPORTER / THE WAUSEON REPORTER FFA Week Tribute 2013 - 5

LivingTo Serve

6 - FFA Week Tribute 2013 THE VILLAGE REPORTER / THE WAUSEON REPORTER Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

History & Activities of the West Unity FFAThe FFA formed nation-

ally in 1928 and in West Unity in 1936 and has now been running continuously for the past 77 years. Dur-ing those years the program has only had six different instructors. This includes current instructor, Pat King, who is now in his thir-tieth year with the school and who enjoys teaching his students lifelong skills by having them participate in a wide variety of activities and coursework.

The West Unity FFA has been busy throughout the year as well as through-out FFA week. They began their activities in the fall with a bonfire hosted by member Matthew Schmitt for the purpose of getting to know one another, an activ-ity that would serve them well as they began to focus on teamwork in the group and moved on to other ac-tivities and events.

During FFA week, the West Unity FFA took some time to have some more

fun, which they shared with the rest of the school, by putting together a cornhole tournament and providing entertainment on the stage in the commons area by having an apple bobbing contest. The members of the FFA also showed their appreciation for the school staff during FFA week by preparing a picnic style meal for the staff to en-joy. It is estimated that the group served close to 75 staff members as well as themselves. The group also intended to have a cow milking contest during the week but the event was un-fortunately postponed due to the closing of school due to inclement weather. In the classroom the group also competed against one another in an engine and tools trivia game that was won by David Smith, who answered every question correctly.

However, the West Unity FFA is more than about hav-ing fun. Serving as Career

Development Events, the group participates in judg-ing contests throughout the year and have already par-ticipated in urban and ru-ral soil judging as well as a judging in agronomy. The group will also have mem-bers soon participating in Division 1 livestock man-agement judging, which will encompass and showcase their knowledge and skills in poultry, equine, and wildlife management.

Other upcoming events include sending a delega-tion of students to the state convention in late April or early May, the FFA banquet to be held on March 21, and small animal education day, in which the FFA will help educate younger stu-dents about small animals, sometime in May.

Students participating in the West Unity FFA take a specialized set of classes that include Introduction to Agriculture, Livestock Science, Agronomy, Agro-Business, and classes in mechanical sciences that focus on the sciences of a variety of subjects includ-ing engines, agriculture, electronics and construc-tion. The West Unity FFA learns these skills with the hopes of being able to better serve their community. It is in this spirit that he FFA helps with set design for the schools plays and musicals as well.

The West Unity FFA is generally comprised of ap-proximately 20-25 percent

of the school’s total enroll-ment. This is a number that King hopes he will see grow in the near future. King, as well as the students of the West Unity FFA encourage all students entering high school to consider joining the FFA because the activi-ties the group participates in as well as their course-work encourage teamwork, leadership, and responsibil-ity and because, while the students of the West Unity FFA have fun, they also gain hands on training and learn practical skills that they can apply throughout their lives.

HILLTOP FFA ... Front, from left – Jordan Athy, Joe Shilling, McCauley Frazer, Matthew Schmitt, Paige Semer, Brooke Chapin, Taylor Fisher, and Caitlin Meade. 2nd row, from left – Junior Brehm, Cody Appleton, Blade Leslie, Brooks Kuney, Kayne Grime, Taylor Collins, Courtney Underwood, Eric Beltz, and Andrew White. Back, from left – Jonathan Davis, Brandon McDaniel, Donald Aaron Nofziger, Andrew Thomas, Nic Shieber, Dalton Loveless, Hunter Casselman, and Rylee McCain. Missing from photo: Tim Knapp, Brady Livensparger

OFFICER PHOTO ...From left – Joe Schilling (Student Advisor), Joe Mohr (Treasurer), McCauley Frazer (President), Matthew Schmitt (Sentinel), Paige Semer (Reporter), and Brooke Chapin (Secretary) Missing from photo: Brady Livensparger (Vice President)

West Unity FFA Bio and Breakdown of Group

The West Unity FFA for the 2012-2013 school year consists of a total of 26 students. Of these there are ten freshman, one sophomore, six juniors, and nine seniors.

Past Local Ffa Members Active In The Community:

Over it’s 77 year history the West Unity FFA has grad-uated several students whom continued on to be success-ful in their fields and active in their community. Noted among these are Scott Maneval from Maneval Farms, machinist Chad Oxender, Chuck Eisel Junior from Ford Motor Company, machinists Phil and Dan Bleikamp, and Jessica Tracey who is now teaching agriculture at North Central schools.

Paige Semer – To take action and to be a team playerCourtney Underwood – I have learned how to be a leader.Rylee McCain – How to set up and operate the arc welder and the torchAndrew White – I have learned self responsibility.Dalton Loveless – ResponsibilityHunter Casselman – To respect people and their propertyJoe Schilling – I have learned how to safely run some of the tools in the ag shop.Andrew Thomas – I have learned that agriculture is not only a way of life, it’s a passion. In the West Unity FFA, I have learned how to care for others before myself and that, instead of always wanting to receive, FFa has taught me to desire to give.Taylor Collins – Never forget your safety glasses.Kayne Grime – Work hard, play harder. Expect the unexpected.Eric Beltz – If at first it doesn’t work, wing it.Joe Mohr – I learned that outside it is called soil and that inside it is called dirt.Brooks Kuney – It helped me became a better leader. I have learned life lessons. It has helped me work better with others.Caitlin Meade – I have learned to take chances and to not be afraid of messing up because every one does.Cody Appleton – Practical skills that I use everyday.Blade Leslie – Teamwork and leadershipJonathan Davis – FriendshipBrook Chapin - Teamwork

What Is One Lesson You Learned From FFA?

Hilltop FFA Members

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The Reporter Wants to Know ...

By: Kay RaypholtzTHE REPORTER

North Central High School’s Future Farmers of America (FFA) club kicked off FFA week with a pan-cake and sausage break-fast at the school in Pioneer on Saturday, February 16. Several other fun activi-ties were planned for the week including “dress like a farmer day,” FFA t-shirt day, dress in camouflage day, tractor drive in day, and a week long scavenger hunt. Prizes were given out to the best dressed for the theme of the day and for the winner of the scaven-ger hunt.

In years past, they have had one week in which they could only celebrate for two days during the week due to cancellations due to snow. Another year, FFA week was held during the spring when they did Ag Awareness for the elemen-tary school, and this year, the officer team decided to try celebrating FFA week in the official manner.

Jessica Tracey is a teacher at North Central High School and advisor for the club. She says: “Be-ing a small rural school, we tend to have what some would consider a small chapter. Our roster cur-rently contains 40 FFA members; I, however, feel that the size of the chap-ter means nothing next to what they accomplish, and I have been blessed to have an amazing group of FFA members for each of the three years I have been at North Central.”

“The background of the typical FFA member is changing from what most in our community remem-ber as typical FFA mem-bers when they were in high school. Very few of our members are involved first hand in production agriculture, and most are not sure what they expect when they enroll in the program. Most will go on to find a career that is not directly related to agricul-ture, but will have devel-oped an understanding and appreciation for the

industry responsible for feeding them. They always joke that they learn more life lessons from me than actual school related ma-terial, and honestly, this is something that I value, and they do too.”

She adds that: “I think it’s important for the com-munity to know that the face of FFA is changing every year. We are no lon-ger a club for farm kids. We serve a much different type of student; our goal is no longer to teach kids to be a functional part of a farm. We now focus more on developing an appre-ciation for the industry of agriculture, and molding them into good ‘agvocates’ for the industry. The cur-riculum has become much more science based, and we are changing out pro-gram to meet the demands of the ever-changing agri-culture industry.”

“Every chapter is differ-ent, and determines what is important for them to focus on. We compete in FFA judging contests, and have had many students successfully earn their State and American FFA degrees, but we choose to focus most of our energy on community service and showing the community of Pioneer that we are a valu-able asset to not only the North Central School sys-tem, but the community as well. This year alone we have donated roughly $3000 back to members of the community that have needed the support. We built a storage shed for the Pioneer Library, and are continuing to look for ways to remain present in the community. We’re a

small group, but some of the smallest groups pro-vide the biggest impact. The FFA members we serve are members of this com-munity and benefit from the things we do, so they are also passionate about giving back.”

In concluding, Ms. Tracey added that: “I feel in many small towns, there are still many misconcep-tions about FFA programs and what people think they ‘should be.’ We invite any-one to stop by any time and check out what we’re doing. While you won’t see what most deem as tradi-tional education, there is no doubt we are constantly learning. We just do it dif-ferently.”

Current officers are: President – McKayla Swank; Vice President – Brittany Laney; Secretary – Kirby Miller; Treasurer – Bralyn Wyrick; Reporter – Brady Zuver; Sentinel – Jordan Bailey; and Stu-dent Advisor – Emerald Newton.

Newly elected officers for the 2013 – 2014 school year are: President – Brady Zuver; Vice President – Kir-by Miller; Secretary – Adam Knepper: Reporter – Zan-dra Vassar – Sentinel: Jor-dan Bailey; and Student Advisor – Josh Sawyer.

The FFA club sponsors an annual fruit sale, sell-ing baskets of fruit, and they also garden a plot on school grounds and sell or donate the vegetables to help persons in the com-munity.

This year the club made an honorary member of custodian Norm Fiser fol-lowing his cancer diagno-sis. When Norm passed away in early February, FFA club members gath-ered together, dressed in uniform and paid their re-spects at his funeral. This is just one example of the sense of togetherness and family that embodies the local FFA club, and dis-plays the best of their members.

By: Kay RaypholtzTHE REPORTER

Pioneer resident and North Central High School senior McKayla Swank is this year’s FFA president. She has been a member all four years of high school, and first became interest-ed in the club during her eighth grade year while participating in a 9 week introductory program for FFA, and thought that it would be something fun to do when she entered high school. In addition to serving as president, she has served as club trea-surer in previous years.

She really enjoys par-ticipating in FFA con-tests such as evaluating dairy products, agronomy (displaying knowledge of plants and seeds), and participating in parlia-mentary procedure. Those who win contests move on to the district contest and can go as far as state to win a plaque. She has really enjoyed going to the annual state conventions in Columbus and national conventions in Indianapo-lis, Indiana. During her sophomore year at state, she received a Gold rating on her treasurer books and was honored by going on stage during the con-vention to receive a pin.

McKayla has been one

of 15 students during her freshman, junior and se-nior years to take a char-ter bus with other area chapters to Indianapolis for the national conven-tion. She describes it as always being a fun time as they have taken side trips to a pickle factory, a chocolate factory in Fort Wayne, and a popcorn factory. As part of the activities of the national convention, participants are usually able to go to a concert and one year were able to see Blake Shelton perform.

McKayla has also been a part of officer retreats in the Hocking Hills. In addi-tion to her many activities with FFA, this busy young woman participates in the high school band and choir, has been a team member in volleyball, softball, basketball, and serves as a cheerleader. This year she was senior attendant for homecom-ing. She also participates in the SOAR program for peer mediators, is a mem-ber of the drama club and will be in the musical in April, and is a member of In Flight, a small theatri-cal show group. During her high school career, she has also participated in the Future Teacher’s of America Club, the Span-ish Club, and has been on the student council dur-ing her freshman, sopho-more, and junior years. McKayla attends Pioneer United Methodist Church.

McKayla’s future plans include attending Bowl-ing Green State Univer-sity next fall where she will major in early child-hood education. She is the daughter of Rodger and Tammy Swank, and has a younger sister Alyssa.

North Central’s McKayla Swank Serves As Club’s President

Noah WolfrumI’ve made some good friendships in FFA.

Zandra VassarIt means family. Ev-

eryone is always there for each other. All the

grades (9-12) come together as one.

Brittany LaneyIt makes me a more productive person.

To me it means hard work and team work.

Emerald NewtonFFA to me means ‘ev-erything.’ Agriculture

is related to everything.

Hunter ForryIt’s a family tradi-tion. I have family

members who have received the highest

honors (the American Degree).

"WHAT DOES FFA MEAN TO YOU?”

FFA Week At North Central High School

STATE CONVENTION... Front: Adam Knepper, Brittany Laney, Latesha Koch, Dakota Pitts. Middle: Jordan Bailey, Brady Zuver, McKayla Swank, Kirby Miller, Zandra Vassar. Back: Devin Nafziger, Hunter Forry, Ethan Douglass, Bralyn Wyrick, Josh Sawyer, Taylor Douglass.

FRUIT BASKET ... Kayla Votaw assembles a fruit basket for their annual fund raiser

FFA PANCAKE ... Theses student were hard at work at the pancake and sausage break-fast (left to right) Hunter Forry, Brady Zuver, Zandra Vassar, Emerald Newton

FFA SHED... FFA members helped build a shed for the Pioneer Library-On roof: Evan Whitis & Jacob Brown. On ladders: Alex Proper and Donald Salley

Wednesday, February 27th, 2013 THE VILLAGE REPORTER / THE WAUSEON REPORTER FFA Week Tribute 2013 - 7

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The Reporter Wants to Know ...

RIBBON CUTTING: OPENING THE WOODS!

GREENHAND CEREMONY ... During the December Meeting, 41 new FFA members earned their first degree in the FFA, the Green-hand Degree.

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8 - FFA Week Tribute 2013 THE VILLAGE REPORTER / THE WAUSEON REPORTER Wednesday, February 27th, 2013

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The Reporter Wants to Know ... Current As Well As Past Edon FFA Members: What Is One Lesson You Learned From FFA?

Kolby ThielEdon FFA • 1997-2001

“FFA helped prepare me for the challenges

life has thrown at me.”

Rian WhitneyEdon FFA • 1998-2002

“FFA not only helped prepare me

for life’s adventures, but left me with

great memories that will last a lifetime.”

Reid BowlingClass of 2013

“Men do not stumble over

mountains, but over molehills.”

Kyle Gearhart Class of 2013

“There is no right way to do a wrong thing.”

Phillip RichmondClass of 2015

“I’ve learned to always finish what you start.”

Alexis MitchellClass of 2015

“If you hold an egg in the palm of your hand and

hold it straight out with a straight arm, you cannot

break it; however if you do it wrong, it will explode.”

Haley JacobyClass of 2014

“Idle hands are the devil’s playground.”

Trevor GreenClass of 2014

“I’ve learned that Shop Class is not recess.”

Corey HugEdon FFA • 1987-1991

“Paul Stoll is the best

teacher ever!”

Steve JuhaszEdon FFA • 1987-1991

“FFA taught me practical skills that I’ve been able

to use throughout life and gave me the opportunity to

have some great experiences.”

Kaden DulleClass of 2016

“Safety First ~ so I will keep all ten fingers!”

Kaylie Brown Class of 2016

“There are no chicken nuggets on a chicken.”

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contaminate their food. Students also got to plant tulip bulbs in the woods, which will bloom in the spring and will line the pathway. After a fun filled morning, FFA Members had a small ceremony to offi-cially open the woods. Those that came to the ceremony were the Wauseon FFA Officers, Mayor Shaw, School Board Mem-ber Larry Fruth, Community Partner Craig Rowe, Wauseon Cub Scouts, and Retired Wauseon Agriculture Instructor Jim Spiess. A small ribbon cutting cer-emony was held and tours were given after to show the progress that had been made since April.

To close out the year, the Wauseon FFA held its December Meeting and awarded 41 Greenhand Degrees to the new FFA mem-bers that met all of the requirements. This degree helps to lay the foundation that these students can build upon to achieve higher degrees in the FFA and become more successful. Those students that re-ceived their degree are: Austin Bachman, Mitch Bachman, Drake Banister, Kennedy Brellahan, Chase Brock, Abigail Byington, Hayley Chamberlain, Tyler Clausen, Dylan Clifford, Emily Franklin, Brandon Gibson, Colt Lange, Cale Meeker, Marcus Miller, Zoe Poling, Brady Rupp, Matthew Schaller, Aspen Schuette, Cody Spiess, Emalee Stewart, Kallie Strauss, Josh Whitcomb, Travis Adkins, Jose Armas, Kyle Brown, Gage Campbell, Mason Creager, Justice Donely, Matt Hampton, Faythe Hernan-dez, Devon Jones, Matt Kempher, Quinn McIntosh, Jessica Minturn, Sara Ruf-enacht, Abby Schmunk, Derek Schuette, Xena Smith, Audrey Thacker, Claudia We-ber, and Liz Morrow.

WAUSEON FFA ... CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 Wauseon FFA Year In Review ... Continued

EDON FFA ... CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3