Ari Krzmarzick attended the Summer Welding Class to further develop his MIG welding skills.

Karlie Wendinger (left) and MaKayla Strong (right) made crepes in the Summer Cooking Class.

The students had a lot of fun in the FFA Summer Baking Class. Pictured l to r – Megan Sellner, Callie Evers, and Ava Kunkel made cookies.

The Sleepy Eye Summer Agricultural Education program has been busy over the months of June and July. Along with leadership and tour opportunities, short hands-on classes have been taking place at Sleepy Eye Public School.

Beginning on July 17th, the first of the Summer Ag. Classes began including Cooking and Baking. Through these courses, students learned a variety of cooking and baking techniques and made dishes from crepes to cookies, breakfast and desserts.

Beginning on July 18th, the Summer Welding Class began. In this course, students learned about MIG Welding Safety and Techniques. After making their first weld, students practiced in order to make welding beads and welding joints including butt, lap, and T with different thicknesses of metal.

It is so great for FFA members to come in during the summer to learn new skills or to further develop the skills they have! Total student enrollment for all of the classes was 55 in attendance.

The FFA members will be continuing their involvement this summer with booths at Party in the Park, Farmfest, and Summerfest, as well as county fair and more leadership opportunities.

Sleepy Eye FFA Members that attended the 2023 Region VI Summer Ag Tour visited the Willis Tower.  Pictured l to r – front: Izzy Kunkel, Jose Castorena, Lily Kallevig, Carter Lazatin, Alex Confer, Daniel Armstrong. Back: Chloe Howe, Nolan Weicherding, Tim Friton, Antonio Ruiz, Katelyn Tauer, Ari Krzmarzick, Emerson Johnson.

By: Alex Confer, Chapter Reporter

Thirteen members from the Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter participated in the Summer Region VI Educational Tour June 12-14, 2023.  The members attended this trip with FFA advisors Katie Emmett and Paul Hendrickx, and Summer intern McKayla Carlson Hughes as well as the St. James, Mountain Lake, and Tracy FFA Chapters.

The students started out their trip by touring Mystery Cave in Forestville, MN. Later that night, after arriving in Chicago, Illinois, they enjoyed a boat tour that went out into Lake Michigan. Students were able to see the beautiful Chicago skyline and learn more about the architecture of the city.

The second day in the city was filled with several activities. They included a tour of the iconic Willis Tower, previously known as the Sears Tower and they were able to visit the SHEDD Aquarium and do different things like see a dolphin show and pet stingrays. Then later that day they also got to explore Navy Pier.

The third day of the tour was spent in Wisconsin. The students were able to tour Carr Valley Cheese and learn more about the cheese making process. After the cheese plant, members then got to relax and have fun at Wisconsin Dells. They then finished the tour by going to Timbavati Wild Life Park and seeing and experiencing all kinds of wild animals.

Overall, the Summer Ag Tour is an amazing opportunity for FFA members to take advantage of. Students were able to learn more about different areas of agriculture as well as how vast and important the agricultural industry really is.

The Sleepy Eye Ag Program Boosters helped sponsor for the trip and our FFA members truly appreciate their support. This trip would not be possible without them!

Thirty=-two members from the Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter attended Timberland Leadership Camp June 5th = 8th, along with the Sleepy Eye Advisors and other helpers. Pictured left to right: First Row- Lisa Riederer  (Para), Grecia Navarro (Camp Assistant), Antonio Ruiz, Alex Confer, Callie Evers, Ava Kunkel, Taylor Berkner, Jace Schauman, Carter Lazatin, Kenley Jensen, Madi Martinez, Kamille Capacia, Camryn Maher, Kennedi Wersal, Mary Hoffmann (Advisor), Nichole Krenz (Teacher), Morgan Hoffmann (Camp Assistant). Row 2: Alex Dominguez (Camp Assistant), Paul Hendrickx (Advisor), Chloe Howe, Izzy Kunkel, Lily Kallevig, Destiney Dittbenner, Jaelynn Schauman, Ellen Windschitl, Aranza Tovar Garces, Breanna Lopez, Noah Rossbach, Kyle Capacia, Jaden Yack. Row 3: Emerson Johnson, Jose Castorena, Tim Friton, Katelyn Tauer, Ari Krzmarzick, Logan Ludewig, McKayla Strong, Daniel Armstrong, Charlie Hoffmann, Katie Emmett (Advisor).

By: Alex Confer, Chapter Reporter

Thirty-two Sleepy Eye FFA members traveled to Sibley State Park, near New London, from June 5^th-8^th, 2023. Sleepy Eye FFA Advisors, Mary Hoffmann, Katie Emmett, and Paul Hendrickx; Camp Assistants, Morgan Hoffmann, Alex Dominguez, and Grecia Navarro; along with several members from the Tracy and Marshall FFA chapters, attended the camp.

The Chapter Advisors, along with Region and State Officers, do all of the programming, activities, and food for the camp for the week.

While at the leadership camp, FFA members got to experience many things including: get to know each other activities, a hike to Mount Tom, teamwork activities, escape room, archery, and sessions about goals and the various opportunities in FFA.

Camp-goers learned about different activities that other FFA chapters do and different things in FFA that they can become involved in, such as, Career Development Events (CDE’s) and Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE’s). Teamwork was an important topic members learned about at the camp. Members of each chapter conducted their own ceremonies as they raised and lowered the flag each day at camp. Campers could also swim, kayak, or canoe; play volleyball and nine square, or try other fun activities in their free time.

Camp members were joined by the entire 2023-24 State FFA Officer Team. They led sessions with activities regarding FFA opportunities and how to use your own personal qualities to contribute to a team.

On the last night of the camp, a banquet was held by the newly elected camp officers. The camp officers from Sleepy Eye included Camryn Maher, Kennedi Wersal, Antonio Ruiz, and Charlie Hoffmann. Following the banquet, FFA members gathered for the camp talent show, minute-to-win it games, and finally, a dance.

Timberland Leadership Camp was a fantastic opportunity for all who attended. Camp-goers will be forever grateful for the opportunity to meet new people, create new friendships, grow personally, try new things, set goals, and find out more about what FFA has to offer.

Seven Sleepy Eye FFA members attended the Ohio Exchange Trip May 30-June 3. On the way, they toured the National FFA Center in Indianapolis, IN. Pictured l to r – front: Kayla Hecht, Chloe Howe, Leo Fernandez. Back: Antonio Ruiz, Izzy Kunkel, Alex Confer, Dennis Anderson.

By Alex Confer, Chapter Reporter

At the end of May, seven members, advisors Katie Emmett and Mary Hoffmann, and summer intern McKayla Carlson Hughes traveled to Casstown, Ohio to do an Ag. Exchange with Miami East High School. The members who attended included: Dennis Anderson, Alex Confer, Leo Fernandez, Kayla Hecht, Chloe Howe, Izzy Kunkel, and Antonio Ruiz.

Members took in many tours while on the trip as well as meeting the Ohio Ag. students and visiting their school. Our first tour was Dunning’s Spring Park in Decorah, Iowa. Next, we traveled to Maquoketa Caves State Park to explore many different caves and rock formations. On day two of our adventures, we toured the National FFA Center in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Then it was off to Casstown, Ohio to Miami East High School to meet the students. We did some get to know each other activities as well as played kickball.

On Thursday, we attended a day of tours with the MEHS. The first tour of the day was Cedar Bog Nature Preserve. Cedar Bog Nature Preserve was the first nature preserve in Ohio purchased with state money and is considered by many to be Ohio’s premier natural area. Cedar Bog featured a wide variety of living creatures and vegetation.

Next, we headed to Freshwater Fish Farms of Ohio. This is the largest indoor fish hatchery in the state of Ohio. Students were able to feed the Rainbow Trout and even pet Sturgeon and hold turtles. We learned a lot about fish production from this family owned business.

Finally, we spent several hours at the National Museum of the United States Air Force in Dayton, Ohio. While there, we were able to walk through many of the different planes from our history including Air Force One as well as ride in simulator planes.

The trip was filled with agricultural tours, meeting new people, and new adventures. Attending the Ohio Exchange trip was a unique experience for our members, advisors, and intern.

The Sleepy Eye FFA members met with their Wee Deliver Buddies from St. Mary’s and Sleepy Eye Public. Members and third graders had milk and cookies while discussing their favorite things. Pictured here is FFA member Camryn Maher (left) with her buddy, Sara Seifert (right).

Adam Johnson (left), FFA President, gets to know his 3rd grade buddy, Anthony (right), as they meet at the end of year Get Together.

Members of the Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter went to the Sleepy Eye Care Center and Countryside to wrap up the year of the Adopt-a-Senior Program. Pictured l to r – front: Madi Martinez, Kenley Jensen, Kenedi Wersal, Isaac Lendt, Winsten Nienhaus. Back: Noah Rossbach, Alex Confer, Rheanna Stone, Jaden Yack, Ari Krzmarzick, Izzy Kunkel, Chloe Howe, Andrew Ramos, Lucia Martinez. Not pictured: Chloe Walter, Marcus Martinez, Kyle Capacia.

By: Chloe Howe, Chapter Reporter

The end of the year is a time to wrap up the Wee Deliver PALS and Adopt-a-Senior Programs for FFA members.  We had get-together events for both schools with their third grade buddies for Wee Deliver and for Adopt-a-Senior we went to the Sleepy Eye Care Center and Countryside.

The Wee Deliver Program ended with a “My Favorites” activity and milk and cookies with their buddies. WEE DELIVER BUDDIES: When Everyone is Excited about Doing Excellent work Learning Is Very Enjoyable and Rewarding. By Understanding that Doing things in Duos Is Encouraging, we attain Success!

This program involved 64 FFA members writing letters to third-grade students at the Sleepy Eye Schools. The FFA truly appreciates the cooperation from all of the third-grade teachers: Mrs. Sittig and Mrs. Jensen from Sleepy Eye Public, and Mrs. Mathiowetz from St. Mary’s.

The purpose of the program is to connect high school students with elementary students by writing letters back and forth over the year in order to get to know each other better, as well as to practice writing skills for the students. Through the Wee Deliver Program, FFA members have the opportunity to serve as role models for the elementary students while also creating friendships.

64 FFA members also participated in the Adopt-a-Senior program from the beginning of the school year by making cards each month for a “senior” resident in the community through the Adopt-a-Senior Program.  These residents live at the Sleepy Eye Care Center and at Countryside Assisted Living.

The purpose of this project is to help members connect with a different generation and learn to appreciate the relationships they can make. FFA teaches students to reach out and give more of themselves to others by being involved in the Adopt-A-Senior Program.

At the end of May, 17 of the FFA members went to play bingo and play various games with the residents. It was a great time and was finally time for us to go back into the facilities after Covid. All the members left with smiles on their faces. This program will continue to thrive and grow within the Sleepy Eye community in future years.

Representatives from Lendt Farms & Corn and Soybean Growers (Keith Lendt), Sleepy Eye Sportsman’s Club (Sam Domeier), Mary Ann Christensen, Christensen Farms (Tyler TeGrotenhuis) and Baumgardt Farms & KNUJ (Larry Baumgardt) are pictured with their awards for their efforts and support of the Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter.

The 2023 FFA Top Scholars include: left to right – Brooke Arneson, Isaac Lendt, Nora Coulson, and Taylor Berkner.

The Retiring Officer Team for 2022-23 included: L to r – front: Gracie Sellner (2nd Vice President), Brooke Arneson (Secretary), Leisha Martinez (1st Vice President), Noemi Rodriguez (Historian), Chloe Howe (Reporter), Izzy Kunkel (Historian). Back: Adam Johnson (President), Winsten Nienhaus (Student Advisor), Alex Joramo (Sentinel), Conor Strong (Officer-at-Large), Marcus Martinez (Student Advisor), Isaac Lendt (Treasurer), and Kyle Capacia.

Honorary Chapter Degree Recipient and FFA Appreciation Award Winners for 2023 included: l to r – Mike Hardin, Keith Lendt, Amanda Boomgarden, Diane Stoks, and Pam Wendt. Not pictured: Mindy Hardin and Anita Johnson.

The Top FFA Stars and Leadership Award Winners for 2022-23  include, from left to right – Front: Brooke Arneson, Alex Confer, Noemi Rodriguez, Izzy Kunkel, Kyle Capacia, Chloe Howe, Gracie Sellner, Leisha Martinez. Back: Carter Lazatin, Winsten Nienhaus, Logan Ludewig, Alex Joramo, Marcus Martinez, Adam Johnson, Gunny Coulson, Jake Price, Conor Strong, Isaac Lendt, Ari Krzmarzick. Not pictured: Daniel Armstrong. Jaelynn Schauman, Destiney Dittbenner.

The Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter held the Awards Program on Sunday, May 7^th, 2023. It was a great opportunity to honor the members and chapter leaders as well as the major supporters for the chapter throughout the year.

Successes this year for the Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter include: 98 Discovery Degrees (7^th & 8^th graders), 54 Greenhand Degrees, 44 Chapter Degrees and 11 State Degrees. Many awards were presented to the active members and leaders of the Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter.

This year our FFA Chapter has continued with our Service Theme and conducted several different programs and activities.  They include the following: Adopt-a-Senior Program – members participated in making cards for 94 Nursing Home and Countryside Living Residents each month. Wee Deliver Program –members participated in writing letters to 64 third grade students (Pen Pals) each month. Service –members helped with the Backpack Supplies project with United Way, the Backpack Food Project with Trinity, making extra-large Valentines cards for residents, putting up lights at the park, packing meals for Food for Kids, painting pumpkins, and tying blankets.

The Sleepy Eye FFA members who participated in at least three of these programs were named 3- 5 Star Members. If members participated in at least 6 of the programs they were named a Star Leader. 34 FFA members were presented with certificates for being a 3-5 Star Member and 20 members were presented with trophies for being a 6-12 Star Leader.

The Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter presented three Diamond Awards to supporters of the Chapter and its members. The Diamond Award went to Sleepy Eye Sportsman’s Club, Miller Sellner Implement, and Schwartz Farms.

This year there were six Platinum, TOP LEVEL Sponsors – Edward Jones- Bill & Julie Ries, Cunningham Seed Farms, Central Region Cooperative, CHS, Sleepy Eye Servicemen’s Club, and Mary Ann Christensen.

These businesses and individuals supported FFA members by providing new FFA Jackets, sponsored Chapter and Crop Show Awards, Ag. Program needs, Conventions, Service Projects, and much more.

Each year, top scholar awards are presented to one active FFA member in each grade who has the highest GPA in their respective class. These members received a plaque and a scholarship pin: Taylor Berkner (freshmen), Nora Coulson (sophomore), Isaac Lendt (junior), Brooke Arneson (senior).

We also recognized members that participated in CDE’s, Agriscience Fair, State FFA Band & Choir, and State Proficiencies.

The Honorary Chapter Degree award is presented to an individual who support the Sleepy Eye FFA in exceptional ways throughout the year. This year’s Honorary Chapter Degree was presented to an individual who is a huge supporter of our chapter and school – Keith Lendt.

There were two groups of people who were presented with an Appreciation Award for 2023. The first recipient of the FFA Appreciation Award was the Sleepy Eye Public Office Staff. We truly appreciate all of their work and support for the Sleepy Eye Ag. Program including FFA.

The 2^nd recipients of the FFA Appreciation Award were Mike and Mindy Hardin. These individuals have helped out with the trap team the past few years and have been supporter of the chapter for many years. We appreciate them very much.

The fruit sale was a successful fundraiser for our FFA Chapter this year.  A great deal of thanks goes to our 4 top sellers who sold over $4500 of products for the fruit sales. The Top Junior High Fruit Seller was Kenedi Wersal  with over $1000 of products sold. The 2^nd Place Junior High Top Seller was Trevor Rathman with over $1000 in sales. Our Top High School Fruit Seller was Destiney Dittbenner with over $1500 of products sold. The 2^nd Place High School Top Seller was Nathan Rathman with over $1000 in Sales.

The leadership awards are presented to FFA members from each class who displayed tremendous amounts of leadership skills throughout the year and who participated in numerous FFA events. The freshman winners were Daniel Armstrong and Krzmarzick.  Sophomore recipients included: Izzy Kunkel and Noemi Rodriguez.  Junior winners were Winsten Nienhaus and Marcus Martinez. Senior winners included: Brooke Arneson, Conor Strong, Alex Joramo, and Gunny Coulson.

We also presented a Special Senior Award to Amy Van Bragt. She is from the Netherlands and is an exchange student at SEPS who added so much to our chapter and school this year.

The Phoenix Awards are presented each year for Students who are upcoming leaders. These 4 individuals got involved, got others involved, and showed true enthusiasm for the FFA. This year’s Phoenix Award Winners were Jaelynn Schauman, Alex Confer, Destiney Dittbenner, and Carter Lazatin.

The Star Greenhand Award goes to the most outstanding Freshmen Greenhand degree participant for the year. This award is presented to a first year high school member who is active in the chapter, and who has demonstrated leadership and scholarship.  This year’s Star Greenhand was LOGAN LUDEWIG.

The Sophomore Achievement Award states, “Overall Success is Achieved through Hard Work and Dedication.” The Sophomore Achievement Award Winner for 2022 was CHLOE HOWE.

ISAAC LENDT received the Outstanding Junior Award, called the Blue and Gold Award. This award acknowledges someone for overall achievement in the FFA.

The Star in Ag. Placement Award is presented to a member who has an outstanding production placement SAE program and who is involved in all areas of the chapter’s activities.  A placement SAE program means that you have a project where you work for someone in agriculture. This year’s winner of Chapter Star in Ag. Placement  was GRACI SELLNER.

This year’s recipient of the Dekalb Agricultural Accomplishment Award was LEISHA MARTINEZ. This award is presented to the most outstanding senior in the areas of scholarship, leadership, and supervised agricultural experience.

The Star in Agribusiness Award is presented to a member who has an outstanding SAE program at a business and who is involved in all areas of the chapter’s activities. This year’s winner of Chapter Star Agribusiness Award was JAKE PRICE.

The Star Farmer Award is presented to a member who has an outstanding entrepreneurship SAE program and who is involved in all areas of the chapter’s activities. This year’s winner of Chapter Star Farmer Award was ADAM JOHNSON.

The 2022-23 Retiring FFA Officer Team was recognized for their exceptional efforts in leading the Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter for the year. The night ended with the installation with the 2023-24 FFA Officer Team.

Mrs. Hoffmann commented on the year, “I am so proud of all of the hard work and dedication the members show on a daily basis – through their efforts with CDE’s, their SAE’s, Ag. Classes, and Community Services projects. What a great year this has been and now, to bring everything to a close with a great State FFA Convention with 71 Sleepy Eye members attending.”

Hoffmann added, “Having two Runner Up Proficiency Finalists- Isaac Lendt and Sophie Kyllonen, being a National Chapter Model of Innovation Finalist, being the Runner Up chapter in the state for the Ag. Literacy Challenge and 3^rd in the state for the Land of Service Award, and last but not least, earning the Top 3 Premier Chapter in the state for the National Chapter Award. These are all fantastic accomplishments! The Sleepy Eye FFA is about students developing leadership skills, experiencing personal growth, and serving the Sleepy Eye Community and I am extremely honored to work with them each day.”

The Sleepy Eye YES! team picked up their state runner-up hardware at the Minnesota Twins Game May 14th during a pre-game program on Target Field.

Judges were very impressed with the Sleepy Eye Team (see comments below):

The judges and YES! staff were very impressed by Sleepy Eye’s accomplishments this season!

Here are the comments that judges submitted in their score sheet after reviewing your Final Report (before the team presentation).

• Great projects, strong in community involvement 

• Yes! Sure has built a culture of clean energy activities here at Sleepy Eye.  Way to keep past projects moving and building on that with new great projects. Keeping momentum on sustainability can be hard and you all excellent examples of how to do that! Great community outreach too. 

• Very impressive projects and presentation. Congrats on the diversity and number of organizations and community members involved. This is a prime example of how a project can build from year to year.

By Chloe Howe, Chapter Reporter

Caleb Suess is a 10th grader at Sleepy Eye Public School and has been in FFA for four years. Caleb joined FFA because it gives him a reason to be involved in school activities. Caleb is on the Soils CDE team. He joined because he can go to State Convention and spend time with his friends. His favorite FFA activity is all the fun nights/meetings we do. Caleb is looking forward to going back to State and winning. Caleb has learned leadership skills and how to do things himself while being in FFA. Caleb’s award he is most proud of is getting 3rd in State for Soils.

Envy Morales is an 11th grader at Sleepy Eye Public School and has been involved in FFA for five years. Envy joined FFA because she wanted to try something new and meet new people as well. Envy’s favorite FFA activity is going to State Convention. Something she is really looking forward to is attending the National Convention. Envy has learned that you have to put yourself out there and take chances since being in FFA/Ag classes. Envy’s awards she is most proud of receiving are being chosen for State FFA Choir, and her Greenhand and Chapter Degrees.

Amy Van Bragt is a 12th grader at Sleepy Eye Public School and has been involved in FFA for one year. Amy joined FFA because she wanted to experience more American experiences. Amy’s favorite FFA activity is the National Convention. Amy has to return to the Netherlands this summer. She has learned more knowledge of being in FFA and the knowledge of being an American. Amy’s award she is most proud of is getting the Honorary FFA Member Award at the FFA Banquet.

Brooke Arneson is a 12th at Sleepy Eye High School and this is her fourth year in FFA. Brooke joined FFA because she wanted to learn more about agriculture, meet new people, and become a better leader. She is the Secretary on the chapter officer team. Brooke loves being the Secretary because her job allows her to meet new people she’s never seen or met before. Brooke is on the Floriculture CDE team. Brooke likes her CDE mostly because she enjoys making floral arrangements and identifying flowers. Brooke’s favorite FFA activities are lock-ins. Brooke is looking forward to graduating. Brooke has learned all about her CDE team and animals. Brooke’s awards that she is most proud of getting are her State Degree, Phoenix Award and Top Scholar.