FFA Week involves chapter, community

     Monticello High School students participated in National FFA Week Feb. 20-24. This is a week where local FFA chapters promote FFA and agriculture while developing leadership skills.

     On Monday, FFA members competed at sub-district convention at Western Dubuque High School. Other schools that participated were Western Dubuque, Linn-Mar, Midland, Cascade, North Linn, Anamosa, and Central City. For Monticello, Alex Britt, Adam Schmitt, Lydia Lange, Rachel Nelson, Maddie Gudenkauf, Colten Thies and Kristen Roher received a silver/alternate to districts in conduct of meetings. Tyler Kuper received bronze in agricultural sales. Gabby Gadient was awarded silver for prepared public speaking. Grace Gadient received a gold/alternate to districts in job interview. Marissa Recker, Megan Heinrich and Jordan Lorenzen each earned gold and Austin Martin silver in chapter tests. The students moving on to district convention are Travis Heinrich in Creed Speaking, and Wesley Henderson, Kirklen Kiburz, Breanna Adams, Jacob Manternach, and Gavin Cooper in Parliamentary Procedure. All received a silver rating.

     On Tuesday, students participated in a kernel count at lunch. The students were to guess how many kernels were in a jar in order to win a candy bar. There were 1,824 kernels total. Taylor Manternach had the closest guess and won the candy bar.

     Wednesday was Drive Your Tractor to School Day. Members met at the Jones Regional Education Center, and they drove in a big procession to Monticello High School. Freshman Travis Heinrich stated, “It was a great day with great weather. Could not have asked for a better day to drive a cabless tractor.”

     Thursday, high school students had the opportunity to wear plaid or flannel in recognition of the agricultural community.

     Friday, FFA members created agricultural related activities such as bale stacking and bucket carrying relays for middle school and high school students.

     Upcoming events include FFA District Convention and greenhouse sales. District Convention will be held at Monticello High School on March 11. Students who place in the top two or three in each event will advance on to State Convention held on April 9-11 at Iowa State University. The students in greenhouse are getting it up and running. Plants will be for sale in late April. Please keep a watch out for the sign by the high school.