ASHLAND — Future Farmers of America members in Ashland County have been busy competing in evaluations as the various chapters enter the spring season.
With spring also comes annual banquets for many chapters, where members have been recognized for their leadership, grade point averages and record books, among other feats.
Ashland City Schools
Early in March, Ashland City Schools FFA competed in general livestock judging at the Wilmington College Invitational, finishing 53rd out of 900 total participants. Students on this team included Bronson Shafer, Anszley Wilson, Olivia Cox and James Keener.
Ashland FFA also recently traveled to the Marysville Invitational, where both its meats and general livestock teams placed.
The meats team finished 9th and included Madeline Kellogg, Riley Hiller, Sage Runion and Justin Karper. The general livestock team finished 57th and included Anszley Wilson, Amber Harry, Raelee Weiler and Nick Cartwright.
At the District One Invitational March 10, both teams moved up in their placements.
The meats team finished in third place, led by Madeline Kellogg, who finished in first place overall, along with Kaden Arangelovich, Riley Hiller and Justin Karper. The general livestock team finished 21st, led by Anzsley Wilson, who finished 4th out of 380 participants, along with Madison Hoffman, Cooper Smith and Camryn Cox.
At the middle school level, the general livestock team also saw success, finishing in second place with Tanner Wolfe, Wyatt Kinner, Olivia Cox and Nick Cartwright.
The Southeastern Judging Invitational on March 11 also provided an opportunity for Ashland FFA to showcase its skills. The meats team finished in fourth place — Madeline Kellogg, Riley Hiller, Ciadra Trukovich and Kaden Arangelovich. The general livestock team placed 12th, which was its best finish to date — Anzsley Wilson, James Keener, Addilyn Brodie and Sage Runion.
“The kids put in the time, the practice and often when no one is watching just trying to do better and hone in their skills,” Ashland FFA advisor Tod Fox told Ashland Source. “It is not only the students but also the parents who drop their kids off at 6 in the morning and pick them up well after school is over.
“They are starting to make some noise at these contests and they keep getting better each week,” Fox added. “Special shout-out to Dave Bishop, Luke Crone, and Cameron Brandt for making an impact and coaching all these wonderful students.”
Upcoming Ashland FFA events include the Ohio State Meats Contest April 9 and State Meats Contest April 30.
Hillsdale
On March 19, Hillsdale’s FFA Chapter had its annual parent-member banquet at the Hillsdale High School.
“This banquet recognized the FFA member’s achievements in the Hillsdale Chapter as well as honor those who have donated time and helped the chapter in any way,” Hillsdale’s FFA reporter Emily McGovern wrote to Ashland Source.
McGovern shared the following awards given to members at this year’s banquet:
Hillsdale FFA Alumni donated gift cards and trophies to recognize students for their efforts selling fruit and barbecue. Baylee Weber placed third selling $2,165, Gage Madsen placed second selling $2,805, and Jake Hoverstock placed first selling $3,540.
Star Greenhand Award
Baylee Weber received the Star Greenhand Award. This award is given to the most active first-year member who has earned the most points, has a plan for a strong supervised agricultural experience program and has demonstrated leadership within the FFA and the community at large.
Star Chapter Degree
Gabe Murawski received the Star Chapter Degree. This award is given to the chapter’s most active second, third and fourth year member who has a plan for a strong supervised agricultural experience program and has demonstrated leadership within the FFA.
Outstanding Member Award
This award is given to members who earned the second-highest points, as well as showed leadership and dedication inside and outside of the classroom.
Two freshmen, three sophomores, two juniors and one senior received the Outstanding Member award, including freshmen Rosalynne Weekley and Logan Garn; sophomores Braydon Rakovec, Owen Hoffman and Seth Crytzer; juniors Emily McGovern and Zoey McBride; and senior Mark Abel.
Scholarship Award
This award is given to members who have the highest Agriculture GPA.
Recipients of the scholarship award included Mark Abel and Ethan Goodwin for the Capstone class, Katelynn Smeltzer and Lacey Fickes for Greenhouse class, Bradey Krichbaum for the Mechanical Principles class, Zoey McBride for the Livestock Selection class, Lillyan Amend for Agriculture Business class, and Ethan Miller and Olivia Burgess for Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources class. Berkey Trophy donated plaques.
Record Book Evaluations
Hillsdale’s FFA Alumni evaluated FFA member’s record books based on detail, accuracy and organization. Recipients included Baylee Weber and Rodalynn Mast for Ag, Food and Natural Resources; Ethan Goodwin for Capstone; Zoey McBride for Livestock; Emily McGovern for Mechanical Principles; Lillyan Amend for Ag Business; and Mark Abel and Emily McGovern for Greenhouse.
Ashland FFA also awarded people in the larger community with recognition for their service to agriculture, agricultural education and FFA.
Ashland Source invites Ashland County FFA chapters to share updates on student accomplishments each month. Contact emma@ashlandsource.com to be included in next month’s round-up.
