Mary Hoffmann, Sleepy Eye Ag. Teacher and FFA Advisor, attended the National Team Ag. Ed. Inservice in Indianapolis, Indiana January 23-25, 2023.

Hoffmann has been on The National Council for Agricultural Education board since 2020 as the National Association for Agricultural Educators (NAAE) representative. In 2021, she served as the Secretary for The Council and was the Chair Elect in 2022, followed by Chair in 2023.

Now, in 2024, Hoffmann took on the role as the past Chair of The Council. The National Council is made up of representatives from all Ag. Ed. Related Organizations (AERO) including: organizations and entities representing students, teachers, teacher educators, state leaders, alumni, industry, state and national foundation and government.

The National Council for Agricultural Education’s Vision is to create an intentional direction for the Agricultural Education Model by: connecting leaders, fostering collaboration, and driving action. Their Mission is to lead the future of school-based agricultural education by: identifying opportunities and resources, providing a forum for thought and direction, and focusing on academic and career success for all students.

Hoffmann’s role for the Inservice was to help present the workshops on the National Ag. Ed. Standards and the National Quality Program Standards for Agricultural Educators. These are two projects that The Council is currently working on updating and getting feedback from stakeholder leaders across this country. Hoffmann also participated in sessions at the Inservice as well as attended an Executive Board Meeting of The Council’s while at the conference.

Earlier this winter, Hoffmann attended the NAAE Convention in Phoenix, Arizona as part of her role on The Council. Helping to carry out the Ag. Ed. Summit, attending workshops, working The Council Booth at the Partner’s Reception, and participating in special events were part of her duties while at the Convention. Hoffmann is definitely a leader in Ag. Ed. in the nation and is an integral part of coordinating conversations and the work that helps Ag. teachers, not only in Minnesota, but nationwide.

“I continue to be excited about my board role with The Council and what is happening at the national level to keep Agricultural Education relevant as well as the collaboration that is taking place with the AERO groups around the country,” Hoffmann stated.

Scott Berger, Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs at Alexandria Technical & Community College, recognizes individual students for academic excellence. Nicholas Mielke of Sleepy Eye, MN was named to the Dean’s List for achieving a GPA of 3.5 or higher while enrolled in 12 or more credits Fall Semester 2023.

By Alex Confer, Chapter Reporter

Camryn Maher is an eighth grader at Sleepy Eye Public School and has been involved with FFA for 2 years. Camryn joined FFA because she wanted to learn more and participate in all the fun activities. She is the Junior Officer Team Reporter and has enjoyed getting more involved in the chapter. Camryn is on the Companion Animals team and did the Creed Speaking Leadership Development Event. She liked these events because of the teachers as well as learning about animals and opportunities. Camryn’s favorite activity she is looking forward to going to State FFA Convention. Since joining FFA she has learned more about FFA itself as well as different facts and careers. An award Camryn had earned is her discovery degree and she is proud of making it to state in the Creed Competition.

Kadence Lund is a senior at Sleepy Eye Public School and has been participating in FFA for 5 years. Kadence joined FFA to make new friends and make connections in our region. Kadence was on the Milk Quality and Forestry CDE (Career Development Event) teams. She likes being able to make new friends and working with other people on the teams. Her favorite FFA activity is the fruit sale. This year, Kadence is looking forward to the end of year banquet. Since Kadence has joined FFA she has learned that Ag can mean multiple things like business and resources as well as farming. Some awards she has achieved are her Discovery Degree, Greenhand Degree, and Chapter Degree. She also hopes to be getting her State and American Degrees in the future.

Carter Lazatin is a sophomore at Sleepy Eye High School and this is his 4th year in FFA. Carter joined FFA to compete in CDE’s as well as explore activities in the school year and summer. Carter is on the Milk Quality CDE team. He likes to attend competitions and eat cheese with the team. Carter’s SAE is working at the school, cleaning and waxing the floors. His favorite FFA activity is the Summer Ag Tours. Carter is looking forward to competing at State Convention and potentially National Convention. Since Carter has joined Ag. classes, he has learned how to work on small engines. The awards Carter has earned include getting 1st at Regions with the Milk Quality Team, the Phoenix Award, and JH Crop Show Reserve Champion in 2021.

Makayla Strong is an eighth grader at Sleepy Eye Public and this is her 2^nd year in FFA. She joined FFA to make new friends and because her older brother was very involved in FFA. Makayla is the Junior Officer Team President. She is on the Meats CDE Team as well as Best Informed Greenhand. She enjoys these events because Ms. Emmett is her coach. Makayla is looking forward to Timberland Camp next summer as well as State and National FFA Convention. She has learned how to take on responsibility from being in FFA. The award she is the most proud of is being the 2023 Jr. High Crop Show Champion.

December 2023-  Students of the Month

Kdgn- Lennon Ludewig                  Kdgn- Landon Hinderman

1^st –   Avielle Reim                       1^st – Marco Guerra

2^nd–     Lucas Sellner                     2^nd – Jaycee Romberg

3^rd –    Brinley Peterson                 3^rd –  Karin Barka

4^th –     Gracelynn Gerzick              4^th –  Grace Wersal

5^th –    Brayden Deibele                 5^th – Brynne Jacobsen

6^th –  Valeria Hernandez- Benitez     6^th – Alexis Hoffman