By Maddi Helget

Chapter Reporter

More than 67,000 student leaders swarmed to Indianapolis, Indiana, at the 92nd National FFA Convention Oct. 29 – Nov. 2. The streets were flooded with blue jackets as students spread the message of agriculture, learned about leadership and service, competed in rigorous career development events, and met fellow FFA members from across the nation.

Students were exposed to an agricultural based career expo, heard dynamic speakers, and were inspired by energetic and motivating general sessions at the largest annual student convention in the country.

Twenty-five Sleepy Eye FFA members attended the national convention, including Cassidy Hacker, Parker Neid, McKenzie Cselovszki, Morgan Hoffmann, McKenna Dockter, Trey Heidersheidt, Maddison Helget, Millicent Sorenson, Adam Johnson, Brennen Meyer, Cali Rossbach, Emma Fischer, Hailey Meinert, Isaac Johnson, Jacob Schultz, Kalli Christensen, Katelyn Capacia, Maranda Braulick, Martina Nienhaus, Miah Brown, Nayzeth Luna, Sarahi Carerra, Syarrah Ulrich, Taylor Lambrecht, and Jack Schroepfer.

Four Sleepy Eye members competed in the National Poultry Career Development Event (CDE). They included Cali Rossbach, Maddison Helget, Martina Nienhaus, and Emma Fischer. The team earned this trip by placing first in the state of Minnesota in April. The team received a silver rating while Cali received gold individually, Martina and Maddi received silver, and Emma received bronze. The National CDE included many different aspects dealing with chicken and turkey parts, judging, processed products, egg evaluation, oral reasons, and a team activity.

Twelve Sleepy Eye FFA members competed in the National Quiz Bowl Contest during National Convention week. The Quiz Bowl Contest consists of taking a 100 question knowledge test on the history and current information of the FFA.

The National Jr. Quiz Bowl team 1 consisting of Trey Heiderscheidt, Morgan Hoffmann, Adam Johnson, and Katelyn Capacia placed 7th out of 41 teams. Trey and Morgan tied for high scorer on Team 1 earning 23rd out of 143 individuals.

The National Jr. Quiz Bowl team 2 consisting of Nayzeth Luna, Miah Brown, Brennen Meyer, and Syarrah Ulrich placed 17th out of 41 teams. Nayzeth was the top scorer on team 2 team.

The National Senior Quiz Bowl team consisting of McKenna Dockter, Maranda Braulick, Kalli Christensen, and Taylor Lambrecht placed 18th out of 63 teams. The top scorer on the Sr. Team was McKenna.

During Convention, the Sleepy Eye FFA was named a Three-Star National Chapter for growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture activities that the Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter highlighted in their National Chapter Award application. Three stars is the highest ranking being awarded by National FFA. Officers Maranda Braulick and Kalli Christensen accepted this award on behalf of our chapter.

The Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter had six American FFA degree recipients, including Cassidy Hacker, McKenzie Cselovszki, Parker Neid, Jon Mickelson, Isaac Nelson, and Isabella Portner. This is the highest award bestowed upon a FFA member. Three members were in attendance to get their award on the main convention stage including: Cassidy, Parker, and McKenzie.

In addition to attending the FFA Convention, members were also given the opportunity to attend several tours, including Broken Wagon Bison, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Ozark Fisheries, and Not Just Popcorn. Members learned about various aspects of agriculture and industry, from traditional to nontraditional, while on these tours. The convention also featured a country music concert by Old Dominion and a Hypnotist Show by Jim Wand.

While at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, several of the Sleepy Eye FFA members took time to work behind the scenes at the KNUJ Media Booth. They assisted Jim Bartels in interviewing different FFA Chapters around the state of Minnesota about their convention experiences and FFA activities.

The Sleepy Eye group who volunteered included Morgan Hoffmann, Trey Heiderscheidt, McKenna Dockter, Maranda Braulick, Brennen Meyer, Syarrah Ulrich, Millicent Sorenson, Sarahi Carerra, Kalli Christensen, Nayzeth Luna, Miah Brown, Katelyn Capacia, and Hailey Meinert. Twelve members also interviewed on the radio about their own experiences and activities they are participating in for FFA.

“I am so very proud of all of the members who attended and competed at nationals. They worked very hard to achieve their level of success and it was extremely exciting to see them do so well. Less than 1% of the FFA members in the nation earn the opportunity to compete at the National Level and we had 16 members from our chapter competing. What an elite group to be a part of,” FFA Advisor Mary Hoffmann said.

“We also want to thank our Sleepy Eye Ag. Boosters, local businesses, and the Sleepy Eye School District for supporting our National Competitors and Sleepy Eye FFA National Convention Delegates. Without your support, many of our members would not have had the funds to attend the convention. We truly appreciate your contributions to helping our members to learn about career opportunities, leadership, and service,”advisor Hunter Klontz said.