Ag Communications: Bri Dulin, Kirsten Pettit, Nora Grovert, and Jenna Grovert received 8th place Gold.

Poultry Judging: Aiden Lukaszka, Izzy Graveman, Bridgette Castle, and Presley Waters received Gold.

Farm Business Management: Wyatt Shaver, Leif Allen, Andrew Allsup, and Cole Birker received Gold. 

Chapter Display: Izzy Gravemen, Kendalyn Appleby, Jolie Seidel-Beltran, and Kirsten Pettit received Gold. 

Levi Lutz received 1st place Gold for Treasurer’s Book.

Sophia Newton received 1st place Gold for Secretary’s Book. 

Ben Buhr received State Champion for Swine Production Entrepreneurship Proficiency Award in addition to being a Star Over Iowa in Ag Production Finalist.

Will McKenna received Gold for Prepared Public Speaking.

By: Co-Reporter, Bri Dulin

April 19th to 21st, 2026, The Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter proudly attended the State Leadership conference. A total of 35 members were given the opportunity to attend leadership workshops, career exploration shows, business sessions, and compete in various competitions. Members also had the honor of taking stage to be recognized with multiple awards, highlighting their dedication and success. Congratulations to all members for their hard work, commitment, and outstanding representation! The results and recognitions from the convention are:

Star Over Iowa in Ag Production Finalist: Ben Buhr

Rising Star Finalist: Abby McKenna

Treasurer’s Book: Levi Lutz - 1st Gold

Secretary’s Book: Sophia Newton - 1st Gold

Reporter’s Book: Abby McKenna - 3rd Gold

Ag Communications: Bri Dulin, Jenna Grovert, Nora Grovert, and Kirsten Pettit - 8th Gold

Farm Business Management: Andrew Allsup, Leif Allen, Cole Birker, and Wyatt Shaver - Gold

Chapter Activity Exhibit: Jolie Seidel-Beltran, Kendalyn Appleby, Kirsten Pettit, and Izzy Graveman - Gold

Prepared Public Speaking: Will McKenna - Gold

Poultry Evaluation: Bridgette Castle, Aiden Lukaszka, Izzy Graveman, and Presley Waters - Gold

Chapter Quiz: Ciara Dods - 6th Gold and Zane Helter - Gold

Greenhand Quiz: Madeline Pingenot - 5th Gold and Zoey Dods - Gold

Team Ag Sales: Braedon Hepker, Zyla Mullinex, Katelyn Fleming, and William Kreutner - Silver

Ag Biotechnology: Kenzie Rhinehart, Jackson Lloyd, June Bodeker, and Kendalyn Appleby - Silver

Parliamentary Procedure: Levi Lutz, Ciara Dods, Kassidi Brunssen, Andrew Allsup, and Ali Lutz - Silver

Extemporaneous Speaking: Raine Wheeler - Silver

State Band: Kassidi Brunssen, Zane Helter (Solo), Aiden Lukazska, and Madeline Pingenot

State Chorus: Presley Waters

Courtesy Corps: Ciara Dods, Bridgette Castle, and Jameson Demuth

Proficiency Awards: Ben Buhr (Swine Production Entrepreneurship) - 1st Gold (Advance to Nationals), Jameson Demuth (Equine Science Placement) - 1st Gold (Advance to Nationals), Abby McKenna (Turf & Landscape Maintenance) - 2nd Gold, Kirsten Pettit (Small Animal Production & Care) - Gold, and Bridgette Castle (Ag Education) - Bronze

WLC Scholarship: Raine Wheeler

State Committee Participation: Will McKenna and Ciara Dods

Massing of the Flags: Jameson Demuth

Teach Ag Signing: Will McKenna (Northwest Missouri State University)

Special Citation: Duane Fisher

National Chapter Award: Gold

Iowa Degree Recipients: Ali Lutz, Raine Wheeler, Levi Lutz, Ciara Dods, Braedon Hepker, Andrew Allsup, Kirsten Pettit, and Ben Buhr

Elected to State Office: Andrew Pingenot - Northeast State Vice President