St. Mary’s Students of the Day for the month of October. These students demonstrated the virtue of “reverence” or showing your deepest respect for things of God. Pictured (back row): Cameron Domeier (2nd grade), Charles Currans (4th grade), AlleeJane Hoffmann (4th grade), Anthony Braulick (5th grade), Elizabeth Fischer (3rd grade), Nora Braulick (2nd grade) and Evelyn Maurer (3rd grade). Front row: Sophia Halibur (kindergarten), Calvin Mathiowetz (kindergarten), Janie Pelzel (2nd grade), Emmaline Braulick (4th grade), Samuel Schultz (3rd grade), Xavier McKeown (1st grade) and Quinn Walter (1st grade).

The Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter members attended the 97th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. Pictured L to r – front: Katie Emmett (advisor), Aranza Tovar Garces, Madi Martinez, Kamille Capacia. Middle: Carter Lazatin, Alex Confer, Anna Johnson, Paola Gonzalez, Candy Castorena, Noah Rossbach. Back: James Moore, Dawson Friton, Kayden Klein, Mateo Hornsby, Daniel Armstrong, Mary Hoffmann (advisor).

The Sleepy Eye FFA Poultry Team received 19th place in the nation out of 42 teams. Pictured l to r – Emerson Johnson, Logan Ludewig, Ari Krzmarzick, and Zack Dominguez. There were 168 individuals in the Poultry Contest.

Lucia Martinez Paredes participated in the National FFA Choir, including being a soloist. She was selected from an audition tape and sang with others from across the country at the convention sessions.

Kayden Klein was the first place Overall Individual in the National Quiz Bowl Contest (Senior Division) out of 212 individuals.

The 97th National FFA Convention took place from October 22-26, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. In attendance were over 70,000 FFA members and guests from around the country, along with some of our own dedicated members. The city was encompassed with the colors of blue and gold as FFA members spread the message of agriculture. Members learned how to be successful in life and met many new members from across our nation.

Nineteen Sleepy Eye FFA members attended the National Convention including: Daniel Armstrong, Kamille Capacia, Candy Castorena, Alex Confer, Zack Dominguez, Dawson Friton, Paola Gonzalez, Mateo Hornsby, Anna Johnson, Emerson Johnson, Kayden Klein, Ari Krzmarzick, Carter Lazatin, Logan Ludewig, Lucia Martinez Paredes, Madi Martinez, James Moore, Noah Rossbach, Aranza Tovar Garces. Katie Emmett and Ms. Mary Hoffmann were the chaperones for the trip.

Students were exposed to an agricultural based career expo, heard dynamic speakers, and were inspired by energetic and motivating general sessions at the largest annual student convention in the country.

During Convention, the Sleepy Eye FFA was named a THREE Star National Chapter for growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture activities that the Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter highlighted in their National Chapter Award application. Three stars is the highest ranking out of 1, 2, or 3 stars being awarded by National FFA. Officers Anna Johnson and Carter Lazatin accepted this award on behalf of our chapter.

The Sleepy Eye Poultry Team competed at the National Convention earning 19^th place in the nation. Team members consisted of Zack Dominguez, Emerson Johnson, Ari Krzmarzick, and Logan Ludewig. The team earned this trip by placing first in the state of Minnesota in April. All members of the team received a silver ranking with Zack Dominguez being the highest scorer on the team. There were 42 teams competing in the Poultry Contest. The National CDE included many different aspects dealing with chicken and turkey parts, judging, processed products, egg evaluation, oral reasons, and a team activity.

Fourteen Sleepy Eye FFA members competed in the National Quiz Bowl Contest during National Convention week. The Quiz Bowl Contest consists of taking a 100 question knowledge test on the history and current facts of FFA.

The National Sr. Quiz Bowl team #1 consisted of Kayden Klein, Mateo Hornsby, Carter Lazatin, and Noah Rossbach. The team placed 2^nd in the nation out of 59 teams. The top scorer on the Sr. Team #1 was Kayden Klein who was the Overall Winner of the Quiz Bowl Contest out of 212 individuals!

The National Sr. Quiz Bowl team #2 consisting Daniel Armstrong, Alex Confer, Anna Johnson, and James Moore earned 12^th place team. Anna Johnson was the high scorer on Team #2 earning 7^th place overall out of 212 individuals.

The National Jr. Quiz Bowl team consisting of Madi Martinez, Kamille Capacia, Paola Gonzalez, and Candy Castorena placed 8^th out of 28 teams. Madi Martinez was the top scorer on the Jr. team.

The Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter had six American FFA Degree Recipients including: Sophie Gustafson, Morgan Hoffmann, Adam Johnson, Sophie Kyllonen, Leisha Martinez, and Gracie Sellner. This is the highest award bestowed upon a FFA member. Only 2% of all FFA members receive this prestigious award.

Lucia Martinez participated in the National FFA Chorus while attending the convention. She auditioned this summer and was chosen by National FFA. She arrived on Saturday before convention to start practicing with the members from around the country. Lucia was able to perform with the choir at Convention Sessions and do a solo part as well.

Along with the FFA Convention, members were given the opportunity to attend several tours in Indiana. The tours include: Broken Wagon Bison, Fair Oaks Farms (Dairy and Swine), Louisville Slugger, and Churchill Downs. The convention also featured a rodeo and hypnotist. Our members were able to get great hands-on learning experiences and opportunities while making lots of memories.

While at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, most of the Sleepy Eye FFA members took time to work behind the scenes at the KNUJ Media Booth. They assisted Jim Bartels and Larry Baumgardt in interviewing different FFA Chapters around the state of Minnesota about their convention experiences and FFA activities. Advisor, Mary Hoffmann, conducted some interviews while at the convention as well. Our members also interviewed on the radio about their own experiences and activities they are participating in for FFA.

We want to thank our Sleepy Eye Ag. Boosters, local businesses, and the Sleepy Eye School district for supporting our FFA chapter and providing the chance for our members to attend convention. Without your support, our members would not have opportunities like these.

Students of the Month October  2024

6th     –  Katelyn Whittington

3rd     – Nolan Deibele

5th     – Josie Heiderscheidt

5th      –  Logan Hinderman

4th     –  Antonio Sanchez

4th     –  Trygve Coulson

  3rd     – Waylon Schauman   

2nd     – Lakeyn Hose 

2nd     – Atticus Saari   

6th     –  Andres Sanchez

1st     – Valentina Walter

1st     – Jesus Vidales  

Kdgn – Hanna Sellner 

Kdgn – Pyper Price

Taylor Berkner is an eleventh grader at Sleepy Eye High School and has been involved in FFA for five years. Taylor joined FFA to learn more about agriculture, how to better communicate with others, and how to become more responsible. Taylor is the Social Media Reporter this year and she likes being able to post the Sleepy Eye FFA Highlights on the FFA’s Instagram. Taylor is on the Market Plan CDE team. She likes the team because it’s fun and she gets to present with her team at State. Taylor’s SAE involves growing, picking, and selling her pumpkins in our community. Her favorite FFA activity is the FFA Lock-in. Taylor is looking forward to bonding with the officer team more as the year goes on. Since joining FFA, Taylor has learned how to take ownership when talking to others and overall communication skills. Achievements Taylor is most proud of include 1^st place at Regions for the Vegetable Production Proficiency Award and the Chapter Top Scholar Award.

Cameron Moore is a Junior at Sleepy Eye Public School and has been in FFA for two years. Cameron joined FFA because it seemed like fun and he could participate with his friends. His favorite FFA activity is the Lock-in as well. Cameron is looking forward to more Lock-in’s and . While being in FFA, Cameron has learned about all of the amazing opportunities you can participate in through FFA all year round. An award Cameron is most proud of is this Member of the Month Award.

Izzy Kunkel is a Senior at Sleepy Eye High School and is in her fifth year of FFA. Izzy joined FFA so she could hang out with friends. Her CDE team is Food Science and Izzy likes creating new food products with her team. Izzy’s SAE is her job at Walmart. Her favorite FFA activity is the Ohio Exchange Trip. This year, Izzy is looking forward to attending the State Convention to get her State FFA Degree. Since Izzy has joined Ag. Classes, she has learned more landscaping and pruning skills. The awards Izzy is proud of earning are her Discovery, Greenhand, and Chapter Degrees.

Kayla Hecht is a Senior at Sleepy Eye High School and has been in FFA for five years. Kayla joined FFA because she wanted to make new friends. Kayla is on the Trap Shooting CDE Team and really enjoyed getting to be at the Governor’s Pheasant Opener Media Shoot. Her SAE is working at Dairy Queen. Kayla’s favorite FFA activity is the Ohio Exchange Trip. Something she would like to try in FFA is the Food Science Team and going to the State FFA Convention. Since being in Ag. Classes, Kayla has learned more about landscaping skills. Kayla is most proud of winning the Top Woods Project at the Minnesota State Fair this year.

The Sleepy Eye FFA Dairy Team took 1st at their Region contest in Pipestone. The team included: l to r Dustin Portner, Lucia Martinez Paredes, Charlie Hoffmann, Rachel Portner (1st place Individual), Jared Portner, and Isaac Christensen.

The Sleepy Eye FFA Soils Team placed first at the Region VI Contest in Sherburn. Pictured l to r – front: Wyatt Feucht (1st place Individual), Oliver Trebesch, Ethan Feucht, Carson Sellner

The Sleepy Eye FFA members competed in their first Region VI Contests on October 3 and 10, 2024.  The Dairy Team and Soils Teams placed 1^st in their contest! The Poultry and Horse Teams both took 2^nd and the Forestry Team received 4^th place.

For the Dairy Contest, Rachel Portner, Jared Portner, Dustin Portner, Lucia Martinez Paredes, Charlie Hoffmann, Isaac Christensen evaluated several classes of Holstein dairy cows and heifers on October 3^rd in Pipestone.

They also answered questions on one class of cows and recited reasons on the other class of cows. They judged a pedigree class where they judged cows based on their records and a sire selection class where they chose the best bull for their cow as well. The final portion of the contest is a team activity with dairy trivia and management questions.

The Dairy team placed 1^st out of 7 teams and Rachel Portner was the highest scorer in the contest and earned 1^st place individual.

On October 10^th, FFA members competed in four other Career Development Events (CDE’S) at Sherburn in the Region VI Fall CDE competition.

In the soils contest, members judge different soil profiles, and identify soil characteristics, including texture, depths, and erosion potential.

The soils team placed 1^st in the competition out of 13 teams. Team members included: Wyatt Feucht (1^st place Individual Overall), Oliver Trebesch (2^nd place Individual Overall), Ethan Feucht, and Carson Sellner.

The poultry team was the 2^nd Place team out of 14 schools.  The team consisted of Mateo Hornsby (1st place Individual), Kayden Klein (7th place Ind.), Carsten Nienhaus, Ava Sellner, and Makayla Strong.

The Poultry CDE involves judging chicken and turkey carcasses, eggs, processed poultry, chicken parts identification, and taking a poultry knowledge test.

The horse team took also took 2^nd place in the competition out of 13 teams. Team members included: Leah Kucera (3^rd place Individual Overall), Millie Lax (4^th place Individual Overall), Kenedi Wersal (5^th place Individual Overall), Paola Gonzalez, and Breanna Lopez.

For the Horse CDE, members judge halter classes, performance classes (western pleasure, hunt seat, English pleasure, western riding, western horsemanship, and trail), and also identify breeds, colors, markings, and tack.

  The forestry team placed 4^th in the Region VI Contest out of 6 teams. The team members included: Daniel Armstrong (6^th place Individual Overall), Clark Lazatin (12^th place Individual Overall), Kaylie Fulmer, and Ella Arkins.

For the forestry contest, members identify trees, wood, and tools used in the forestry industry; measure trees; take a forestry exam; solve business management problems; and use a compass and pacing to figure out the bearing and distance.

All of the teams also advanced to State Competition which will be held in the Twin Cities in April.

The Sleepy Eye FFA Trap Shoot Team Members who attended the Sleepy Eye Trap Shooting Event included: Front, l to r – Trevor Rathman, Briella Walser, Kayla Hecht, Jaxon Steffl, Kaden Braun, Grayson Hansen. Middle – Davin Suess, Gavin Fischer, Oliver Trebesch, Wyatt Feucht, Logan Ludewig, Kyle Nelson, Shea Evers, Aiden Krzmarzick. Back – Caleb Suess, Graysen Evers, Noah Rossbach, Jacob Fulmer, Ari Krzmarzic

Trapshooting Season Wraps Up for Sleepy Eye FFA, Fischer wins last Shoot

The Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter has completed its trap shooting season.  There were four shoots for the season: Springfield, Mt. Lake, Sleepy Eye, and Windom.

Gavin Fischer (right) was the winner of the final Trap Shoot of the season in Windom. Fischer was the top shooter of 120 total individuals. Fischer was 4th place individual at the Sleepy Eye Shoot. He is pictured with teammate, Trevor Rathman (left), who was on the Top Sleepy Eye Team, placing 2nd Overall for the  Sleepy Eye Shoot.

Trap shooting is one of the three major forms of competitive clay pigeon shooting. The objective of the trap shooting team is to involve students in the highest standards of safety, sportsmanship, ethical behavior, along with safe and responsible use of firearms. The program also helps members develop self-confidence, personal discipline, sportsmanship and teamwork.

The 2024 Sleepy Eye FFA Trap Shoot Team Members who participated in the shoots this year included: Trevor Rathman, Aiden Krzmarzick, Ari Krzmarzick, Davin Suess, Caleb Suess, Gavin Fischer, Jacob Fulmer, Jared Trebesch, Kaden Braun, Kayla Hecht, Logan Ludewig, Noah Rossbach, Oliver Trebesch, Shea Evers, Grayson Hansen, Briella Walser, Graysen Evers, Wyatt Feucht, Kyle Nelson, Jaxon Steffl, Rylan Trebesch, Jax Como, and Carsten Nienhaus.

Highlights from each of the shoots include:

Mt. Lake Shoot – Top Sleepy Eye Team placed 13^th; Wyatt Feucht Top Sleepy Eye Individual Shooter (28 total teams, 130 total shooters)

Springfield Shoot – Top Sleepy Eye Team placed 4^th; Trevor Rathman, 6^th place Individual Shooter, 9^th place Individual Shooter (23 total teams, 96 total shooters)

Sleepy Eye Shoot – Top Sleepy Eye Team placed 2^nd; Gavin Fischer, 2^nd place Individual Shooter (23 total teams, 92 total shooters)

Windom Shoot – Top Sleepy Eye Team placed 3^rd; Gavin Fischer, Overall 1^st Place Top Individual Shooter (29 total teams, 120 total shooters)

This year the team was sponsored by the Sleepy Eye Sportsman’s Club, Darfur Sportsman’s Club, Brown County Pheasants Forever, and MDHA Sunrise Chapter. They sponsored shooting registration fees and team shirts and sweatshirts.  Their support is much appreciated by the team members!  The team had a great season and is looking forward to next year!

Fifty-six Ag students attended the Region VI Greenhand Day and Chapter Officer Workshop. Pictured left to right: front- Jaslyn Meyer, Camryn Maher, Chloe Okerman, Aranza Tovar Garces, Nick Hale. Row 2: Kayla Hecht, Izzy Kunkel, Lily Kallevig, Kamille Capacia, Paola Gonzalez, Madi Martinez, Yessi Hernandez, Ava Kunkel, Kenedi Wersal, Ellie Rosalez, Delaney Hernandez, Rylee Hertling, Lilah Hein, Alex Confer, Carter Lazatin, Anna Rossbach. Row 3: Noah Rossbach, Daniel Armstrong, Mia Davila, Candy Regules Castorena, Breanna Lopez, Ava Sellner, Maddy Goldschmidt, Karter Haala, Heath Eckstein, Hayden Domeier, Riley Voigt, Caleb Suess, Aaron Riederer, Liana Kimbrough, Callie Evers, Alyza Rivera, Taylor Berkner, Jaelynn Schauman, Jace Schauman, Charlie Hoffmann. Back Row: James Moore, Ari Krzmarzick, Logan Ludewig, Karly Wendinger, MaKayla Strong, Eric Lozano, Braylon Nelson, Jaiden Chavez, Kayden Klein, Colton Romberg, Mason Poole, Jon Hulsey, Noah Christensen, Dominick Swinford, Michael Pool.

Lucia Martinez Paredes, Sleepy Eye FFA member and Region VI Secretary, presented at the Region VI event on September 24, 2024.

On Tuesday, September 24th, 2024, FFA members from across Region VI gathered together for the annual Greenhand Day and Officer Workshop held in Windom, MN. The purpose of this workshop is to share and inform new members, Greenhands, about exciting opportunities that are available in FFA. Chapter officer teams were also invited to the event and focused on improving leadership skills and communication. The entire day was organized and run by the Region VI officer team, including our own Lucia Martinez Paredes, Region VI Secretary.

During the Officer Workshop, Sleepy Eye chapter officers learned how their skills and talents could be best put to use on the team. They also worked on building teamwork and communication skills while planning activities for this year.

Greenhand members also had a fun-filled day with different workshops presented by Region VI officers and advisors. Workshops included information on the National FFA Organization, official dress, Career Development Events, and communication skills. Members also got to meet and create friendships with other members from across Region VI.

Sleepy Eye FFA had 38 students attend Greenhand Day and 14 members of the officer team attended the Officer Workshop along with advisors, Mrs. Hoffmann and Ms. Emmett, and 4 assistants/presenters Noah Christensen, James Moore, Kayla Hecht, Izzy Kunkel.

By the end of the day, the Greenhands and officers were excited for the upcoming year and all the opportunities that FFA has to offer!

The Sleepy Eye Ag Department celebrated National Teach Ag Day on Thursday, September 19. Pictured l to r – front row: Jace Schauman, Breanna Lopez, Paola Gonzalez, Kaylie Fulmer. Middle- Natalie Fulmer, Karina Martinez, Anna Johnson, Ava Sellner, Carsten Nienhaus. Back- Eric Lozano, Noah Rossbach, Jax Como, Kayden Klein, Santiago Martinez Paredes.

     Thursday, September 19, was National Teach Ag Day, which is celebrated across the nation to recognize the agricultural education profession. Mrs. Hoffmann, Ms. Emmett, and Mr. Hendrickx are always encouraging their students to explore careers in agriculture, one of those being an Ag. Teacher! They “tagged” 20 individuals in grades 8 -12. Those students were given a Tagged to Teach Ag. T-shirt that Mrs. Hoffmann designed. Students that have been previously tagged were encouraged to wear their Teach Ag Shirt on Thursday and were given prizes for coming to the Ag. room. The prizes included: t-shirts, lanyards, pens, and more.

     Congratulations to these students for being Tagged to Teach Ag!

8^th Grade: Kaylie Fulmer, Natalie Fulmer, Karina Martinez, Carsten Nienhaus

 9^th Grade: Paola Gonzalez, Breanna Lopez, Colton Romberg, Ava Sellner

10^th Grade: Jax Como, Eric Lozano, Santiago Martinez Paredes, Jace Schauman

11^th Grade: Kayden Klein, Cameron Moore, Noah Rossbach, Emma Weilage

12^th Grade: Noah Christensen, Kayla Hecht, Anna Johnson, James Moore

Some Agricultural Education statistics from our region of the United States include:

• $44,301 average base starting salary
• 21 average number of extended/summer contract days
• 47 new agricultural education positions
• 17 new agricultural education programs
• 117 positions to fill
• 85 of last year’s 108 agricultural education graduates are in Region 3 currently employed as agriculture teachers
• Agricultural education programs are offered in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

   Right now there is a big need for more students who are interested in and passionate about agriculture to pursue a career as an agricultural educator! National Teach Ag Day draws more attention to the shortage of teachers and hopefully inspires students all over the country to become Ag. Teachers!

“LOVE WHAT YOU DO, DO WHAT YOU LOVE— TEACH AG!” Mrs. Hoffmann, Ms. Emmett, and Mr. Hendrickx

Ari Krzmarzick is a Junior at Sleepy Eye Public School and has been in FFA for 5 years. Ari is involved in FFA in order to be a more active part of the community. He is the Sentinel as a Chapter Officer and likes being able to connect with the members through this role. Ari participates in the Poultry Career Development Event (CDE) because he and his friends have fun in the competition. Ari’s Supervised Ag. Experience (SAE) consists of working at Cunningham Seed Farm. His favorite FFA activity is the State Fair. Ari is looking forward to attending the National Convention this year because he’s competing in the National Poultry Contest. While being in FFA and Ag. Classes, he has learned many useful life skills. The awards Ari is most proud of are his first place individual award at the Region VI Poultry Contest and first place team at State Convention for his CDE as well.

Karina Martinez is an eighth grader at Sleepy Eye High School and has been involved in FFA for two years. Karina is on the Floriculture CDE team. She likes the team because it’s fun and she gets to learn more about flowers. Karina’s favorite FFA activity is the Summer Ag tour. She is looking forward to participating in more activities this year and competitions. Since joining FFA, Karina has learned more about leadership. Achievements Karina is most proud of are being a Summer FFA All-Star and this Member of the Month Award.

James Moore is a Senior at Sleepy Eye High School and is in his second year of FFA. James joined FFA for more hands-on learning opportunities. His SAE consists of working at Walmart. James’s  favorite FFA activity was all of the Summer Ag tours. This year, he is looking forward to attending National FFA Convention in Indianapolis. Since James has joined Ag. Classes, he has learned more about welding. An award James is proud of earning is his FFA Degrees. He is also proud of being able to participate in the FFA Welding Competition at the MN State Fair.

Jasmine Petermann is a Junior at Sleepy Eye High School and has been in FFA for four years. Jasmine joined FFA because there are a lot of opportunities to learn about agriculture. She is on the Dairy Cattle Evaluation CDE team and likes working with her teammates and learning how to judge dairy heifers and cows. Jasmine works at Olmar Farms for the SAE in Dairy Production Placement and works for her dad in Crop Production. Her favorite FFA activity is the showing dairy at the MN State Fair and she is looking forward to the Sleepy Eye Crop Show. Since joining Ag classes, Jasmine has learned how to weld. She is most proud of winning the State Fair Crops Overall High Point Exhibitor Award.