Thirty-Two Fillmore Central FFA members participated in the annual Nebraska State FFA Convention in Lincoln, April 3rd-5th. Each of our members competed in a Career Development Event or attended leadership development workshops and general sessions where keynote addresses, awards, and recognition's were given.
Our chapter’s events started off with Blake Nun & Bailey Hafer being interviewed for their Proficiency Award. They each were in the top three in the state in their perspective award area. The interview process and application review by the finalist judges determined their final placings. Bailey Hafer placed 2nd in Fiber & Oil Production - Entrepreneurship. Blake Nun places 1st in Landscape Management - Placement. His application will be evaluated at the national level.
The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is the host and facilitator for the State Career Development Events. The top 50% of the contestants receive ribbons with the top 10% receiving purple, the next 15% receive blue, the next 15% receive red, and the next 10% receive white. The top 5 teams and top 10 individuals were recognized on stage at Pinnacle Bank Arena when the final placings were announced. The Agriscience team, composed of all freshmen, received a white ribbon and placed 60th in the state. This team consisted of: Caleb Nun (red ribbon), Preston Komenda (red ribbon), Trevan Srajhans (red ribbon), and Wyatt Hatterman. The Agronomy team placed 51st in the state. This team was: Carlos Andujo (red ribbon), Bryson Hafer, Lilly Srajhans, Landyn Stephenson. The members that competed on the Farm Ag Business Management were: Dylan Gewecke, Dominic Harding, Cole Nedrow, Jaret Potthoff. The Natural Resource team scored the highest out of all Fillmore Central teams. They placed 16th in the state. The members that participated on that team were: Wyatt Rayburn (purple), Brecken Hoban (blue), Carson Asche (blue), and Chase Myers. The last team that competed was the Livestock Management team. Ella Cook, Ellie Janing, Mackenzie Mumm, Austyn Nun, and Blake Nun all competed on this team.
Several members of the chapter, including: Blake Nun, Bryson Hafer, Carlos Andujo Lopez, Carson Asche, Jaci Howell, Alexis Saatmann, Jayden Stofer, Landyn Stephenson, Mackenzie Mumm, Harley Schultz, Lilly Srajhans, Caleb Nun, Emma Egger, Kenize Joy, Wyatt Hatterman, Addison Treinen, and Haley Reinsch all visited the state capital during state convention. They talked to Senator Tom Brandt and listened to some of the debate on a bill that was present on the floor.
Many of our members participated in the “Living to Serve” Meal Packaging which provides meals for areas that are hit by natural disasters or are sent oversees to help people with food insecurity. The members who served in this manner were: Ella Cook, Emma Egger, Hunter Fintel, Dylan Gewecke, Wyatt Hatterman, Brecken Hoban, Ellie Janing, Kenize Joy, Preston Komenda, Chase Myers, Cole Nedrow, Austyn Nun, Blake Nun, Caleb Nun, Jaret Potthoff, Wyatt Rayburn, Haley Reinsch, Alexis Saatmann, Lilly Srajhans, Treygan Srajhans, Trevan Srajhans, Jayden Sofer, and Addison Treinen.
Between the more major events, members attended Leadership Workshops, visited with representatives at the college and career exhibitor booths, and networked with other Nebraska FFA members.
Six of our seniors received their State FFA Degree, which is the highest honor a state association can bestow on its members. The State Degree is a culmination of their years of being involved in the FFA, earning money and working hours in their Supervised Agricultural Experience, and serving their community. Our six seniors who now have the certificate, chain and emblem charm to wear on their jacket are Mackenzie Mumm, Lilly Srajhans, Dylan Gewecke, Bryson Hafer, Cole Nedrow, and Blake Nun.
Congratulations to all the members that participated at the state competition and were able to be a part of the great experience.
Peyton Komenda
Fillmore Central FFA Reporter