By Cody Hartman

The St. Louis Future Farmers of America chapter has been busy since the start of the second semester.

Our chapter wrapped up and raised $850 from our winter fundraiser of Nuts and Candies, Poinsettias and Holiday Greenery.

Currently, our chapter is collecting pop can tabs for the Michigan FFA service project. They will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House Charities during the State FFA Convention in March.

Thanks to Matt Bernia for the photo.

Furthermore, we are currently fundraising for the Gratiot County FFA Meals of Hope service project. The Alma, Ashley, Breckenridge, Ithaca and St. Louis FFA chapters are joining forces to prepare meals for those who are less fortunate. We hope to package 10,000 meals to be given back to our Gratiot County community. Each chapter needs to raise $500 to achieve this goal. If you wish to donate to this cause, please contact Mr. Bernia at mbernia@stlouisschools.net.

FFA News

Last December, Chapter Secretary Jaden Simmons applied for the #SpeakAg Grant through the Michigan Farm Bureau.

Our chapter was selected to receive a Silver Award of $500 to promote agriculture education. The FFA plans to use this money to enhance and build our Fall Harvest Fest and provide more educational experiences to elementary students.

We had three members who participated in Leadership Development Events this year. They competed at the district level at Chesaning High School on Jan. 29.

Skylar Rodriguez competed in Extemporaneous Public Speaking, received District Silver, second place and moved on to compete at the regional level on Feb. 13 at Delta College, where she received Regional Silver.

Jenny Brown and Julia Hawley competed in Job Interview, where Jenny received District Gold and fourth place and where Julia received District Silver and tenth place. The chapter is very proud of their accomplishments.

Members also applied for the Michigan FFA Academic Excellence Award, which recognizes FFA members who have worked hard in their academics. Earning Gold Awards were Kassidy Acker, Brooklyn Aikens, Joslyn Clark, Luke and Noah Harry, Jaden Simmons, and Keagan Young. Receiving Silver were Chloe Baxter, Jenny Brown, Luke Maxwell, and Skylar Rodriquez.

The Michigan FFA Outstanding Junior Award recognizes FFA members who have exemplary SAE’s (supervised agricultural experience), community service hours, dedication to the FFA and academic achievement. Chapter members who will receive Outstanding Junior awards are Chloe Baxter, Jenny Brown, Luke Maxwell and Skylar Rodriguez.

The State FFA degree is the highest honor the State Association can bestow upon a member. This is awarded to senior FFA members who have completed two or more years of agricultural education, have a Superb supervised agricultural experience and are dedicated to carrying on the best traditions of an agricultural life.

Our seniors who are receiving their state degrees are Kassidy Acker, Corban Allen, Michael Hrabal, Taylor Marr and Jaden Simmons.

Congratulations to all our members. They will be recognized on stage at the Michigan State FFA Convention in March.