News : Successful District Convention Highlights Leadership, Awards, State Qualifiers

Pictured:

Front row; Will McKenna, Levi Lutz, Ali Lutz, Abby McKenna, Jenna Grovert, Nora Grovert, and Madeline Pingenot.

Second row; Andrew Allsup, Jackson Lloyd, Bridgette Castle, Bri Dulin, Kenzie Rhinehart, Zane Helter, Jameson Demuth, and Cole Birker.

Third row; Zoey Dods, Katelyn Fleming, Aiden Lukaszka, Presley Waters, Kirsten Pettit, Kassidi Brunssen, Kendalyn Appleby, Will Kreutner, and Leif Allen.

Fourth row; Ellee Greider, June Bodeker, Jolie Seidel-Beltran, Lily Ann Hesson, Will Geiger, Vincent Bowen, Wyatt Shaver, and Sophia Newton.

Fifth row; Wes Lacey, Rachel Henry, and Dallas Dee.

By: Co-Reporter, Abby McKenna

At this year’s FFA District Convention, the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter had an outstanding showing, with members competing across a wide range of Career and Leadership Development Events. Their hard work, preparation, and dedication truly paid off, bringing home numerous awards and several advancements to the state level. A major highlight of the convention was Ciara Dods being elected as the South West Subdistrict Vice President. This incredible accomplishment reflects her strong leadership and commitment to FFA. 

Other competitors had the opportunity to perform their best.

The Ag Issues team, consisting of Abby McKenna, Jenna Grovert, Nora Grovert, Colton Birker, and Madeline Pingenot, earned 3rd place and were named Gold Alternate. In Extemporaneous Speaking, Raine Wheeler placed 1st Gold and will advance to the state competition. In the Greenhand Quiz, Will Kruetner earned a Bronze rating. The Experience the Action team Zoey Dods, Lily Ann Hesson, Jackson Lloyd, Jolie Seidel-Beltran, Presley Waters, Aiden Lukaszka, and June Bodeker received a Silver rating. Bridgette Castle earned Bronze for the Chapter Website, while Kendalyn Appleby received Silver in Creed Speaking. The Parliamentary Procedure team of Levi Lutz, Kassidi Brunssen, Ali Lutz, Ciara Dods, and Andrew Allsup earned 1st place Gold and will also advance to state. In the Chapter Program, Zane Helter, Kenzie Rhinehart, and Bri Dulin received a Gold rating. In officer book competitions, Levi Lutz earned 2nd place Gold in the Treasurer’s Book, Abby McKenna received 1st place Gold in the Reporter’s Book, and Sophia Newton received 1st place Gold, and all record books will advance to state. In Prepared Public Speaking, Will McKenna earned 2nd place Gold and will compete at state. The Ag CSI team Wesley Lacey, Vincent Bowen, William Geiger, Rachael Henery, Dallas Dee, and Ellee Grieder earned a Gold rating. In Farm Business Management, Leif Allen placed 26th. Wyatt Shaver received Silver in Ag Sales. In the Chapter Quiz, Katelyn Fleming and Jameson Demuth earned Silver ratings, while Kirsten Pettit achieved 1st place Gold.

Overall, the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA chapter had an incredibly successful District Convention, with many members earning top honors and advancing to the state level. We are proud of everyone who competed and represented our chapter so well. Congratulations to all participants on their hard work and achievements!