By Chloe Howe
Chapter Reporter
Kenedi Wersal is a 7th grader at Sleepy Eye Public School and has been in the FFA for one year. Kenedi joined FFA because she has always dreamt about being part of FFA. Kenedi is on the Horse CDE team because she likes that everyone is nice and supportive to everyone. Her favorite FFA activity is the Regional Horse Contest. Kenedi is looking forward to going to State. Kenedi has learned more about animals and crops since joining FFA. Kenedi’s award she is most proud of was winning this Member of the Month Award.
Wyatt Feucht is a 9th grader at MVL High School and has been involved in the FFA for one year. Wyatt joined FFA because his school doesn’t offer agricultural classes. He is on the soils and trapshooting CDE teams because he enjoys learning about judging soils. Wyatt’s favorite FFA activity is trapshooting. He is really excited for more soils contests and state. Wyatt has learned lots about soils. Wyatt’s award he is most proud of is getting his Greenhand award and his trapshooting award for Top New Shooter.
Lucia Martinez is a 9th grader at Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s High School and this is her third year in FFA. Lucia joined FFA because she wanted to learn more about the agricultural industry and may want to study something Ag. related in the future. Lucia is on the Dairy Judging and Best Informed Greenhand CDE teams. Lucia enjoyed learning more about the dairy industry and what good qualities a dairy cow needs. She also enjoyed studying the history of FFA for the BIG team. Lucia’s favorite FFA activity is going and experiencing State Convention. Lucia is looking forward to doing interviews for chapter officers. Lucia has learned that agriculture is an important part of society and without it, we wouldn’t have most food options that are available. Lucia’s awards that she is most proud of are her FFA Discovery Degree and Dairy CDE 1st Place Team at Regions.
Gunny Coulson is a senior at Sleepy Eye High School and this is his sixth year in FFA. Gunny joined FFA because he wanted to be part of the FFA community. Gunny is on the Market Plan CDE team because he enjoys being part of a team and working together. Gunny’s favorite FFA activity is the National FFA Convention. Gunny is looking forward to the State Convention this year. Gunny has learned many new aspects of FFA and leadership. He has also learned how to be more engaged in his community. Gunny’s award that he is most proud of this Member of the Month Award.
Sleepy Eye High School honored Kadence Hesse and Isaac Lendt as their 2022-2023 ExCEL winners. Both are juniors and now compete at the state level.
ExCEL – Excellence in Community, Education and Leadership – is a unique recognition program designed exclusively for Minnesota high school juniors who are active in school activities, who show Leadership qualities, and who volunteer in their communities. Every member school of the League is invited to nominate one girl and one boy for the ExCEL Award. Nominees must:
a. be a junior in high school
b. make satisfactory progress toward graduation requirements
c. participate in a MSHSL fine arts and/or athletic activity
d. hold a leadership position(s) in their school
e. work voluntarily in their community.
The Sleepy Eye FFA Milk Quality Team took first place at the Region VI Contest and is advancing to state. Pictured l-r team members: Jezzel Toro, Jaelynn Schauman, Megan Sellner, Callie Evers, Carter Lazatin, Ava Kunkel, Jace Schauman, and Kaytlyn Romberg.
The Sleepy Eye FFA Food Science took first place at the Region VI Contest and is advancing to state. Pictured l-r: Adam Johnson, Noemi Rodriguez, Chloe Howe, Izzy Kunkel, Antonio Ruiz.
By: Kyle Capacia, Chapter Reporter
On Wednesday, November 16th, 2022 the regional competition for the Milk Quality and Food Science Career Development Events (CDE) was held in Mountain Lake.
The Sleepy Eye Milk Quality Team earned 1st place in the region out of 13 teams. The team included: Megan Sellner (1st place individual), Jaelynn Schauman, Callie Evers (Tied for 3rd place individual), Carter Lazatin (8th place individual), Jace Schauman (9th place individual), Ava Kunkel, Jezzel Del Toro, and Kaytlyn Romberg. There were 56 individuals in the competition. In the Milk Quality competition members detect defects in milk, identify dairy vs. nondairy products and milk fat contents, identify cheeses and their characteristics, rate CMT tests, take a knowledge test on milk marketing and production, and do a problem solving activity. The team will be advancing to state!
The Food Science Team also competed in Mountain Lake. They received 1st place as well. Team members included: Adam Johnson (1st place individual), Chloe Howe (3rd place individual), Izzy Kunkel (7th place individual), Noemi Rodriguez, and Antonio Ruiz. The Food Science Competition involves: an individual knowledge exam, food safety/sanitation practicum, customer inquiry response practicum, and math exam as well as team product development and presentation.
Both teams advanced to state competition that will be held in April in the Twin Cities.
Kdgn- Krin Barka Kdgn- Erik Mangen
1st – Will Petersen 1st – Karmela Krenz
2nd– Isaac Havemeier 2nd – Bristol Nachreiner
3rd – Cooper Fischer 3rd – Natalie Martinez
4th – Mark Urbano 4th – Maria Morales-Valdez
5th – Arianna Guerra 5th – Alexis Hoffman
6th – Manuel Gaona 6th – Anders Coulson
The Sleepy Eye Public School 5th graders and Sleepy Eye St Mary’s 6th graders attended BizTown in St Paul on Tuesday, November 15th. They worked hard before they left learning how to balance a checkbook, interviewed for a job, and how to run a business. On the day of the trip, the students all had a job and had to successfully make a profit for their business. Students also had a chance to visit other businesses and spend money to help the town’s economy. Overall the students had a wonderful trip.
The St. Mary’s Elementary Student Council held a Thanksgiving Food Drive for the Sleepy Eye Food Shelf on Wednesday, November 16. Students, staff and parishioners brought their food to the front of church before Mass to emphasize that, when we help those in need, we are serving God and His people in a special way. The Student Council collected 248.4 pounds of food.
The Sleepy Eye High School November Students of the Month: Art – Yanellie Fernandez – Gr. 10, Science – Lily Kallevig – Gr. 10, World Languages – Riana Hernandez – Gr. 11, Music – Kelsey Ladd – Gr. 7, Physical Education – Carter Lazatin – Gr. 9, English – Lydia Huiras – Gr. 11, Mathematics – Robert Romberg – Gr. 8, Career Exploration – Dawson Friton – Gr. 9, Health – Adam Rodriguez – Gr. 10, Social Studies – Miguel Castorena – Gr. 12. Insert: Agriculture – Jake Price – Gr. 12.
First Row- Emma Contreras-Ramires- English – Grade 11 Envy Morales – Music – Grade 11 Emily Rodriguez – Career Exploration – Grade 8 Isabelle Kunkel – World Languages – Grade 10 Gabriella Anchondo – Health – Grade 7 Chloe Howe – Social Studies Grade 10 Second Row: Jaelynn Schauman – Physical Education – Grade 9 Destiney Dittbenner – Agriculture – Grade 9 Devin Kunkel – Mathematics – Grade 11 Nolan Domeier – Careers – Grade 12 Jesus Moncada – Science – Grade 11
The Forestry Team placed 5th in the Region Contest. Pictured l to r – Clark Lazatin, Jony Flores, Daniel Armstrong, Ethan Evans, Riley Eckstein Sprenger.
The Soils Team was 3rd in the Region VI FFA Contest. Pictured l to r – Isaac Lendt, Nathan Rathman, Gavin Fischer, Caleb Suess, Trevor Rathman, Winsten Nienhaus, Wyatt Feucht, Oliver Trebesch.
The Horse Team took 3rd place at the Region Contest. Pictured l to r – front: Kenedi Wersal, Camryn Maher. Back – Jasmine Peterman, Leah Kucera, Sophie Gustafson, Sydney Zarn, Ellen Windschitl.
The Poultry Team took 2nd in the Region VI FFA Contest in Sherburn on October 12th: Pictured l to r –Leo Fernandez, Logan Ludewig, Ari Krzmarzick, Mateo Moreno.
By: Chloe Howe, Reporter
On October 11th, FFA Members in four Career Development Events (CDE’S) ventured to Sherburn to compete in the Region VI Fall CDE competition.
The Poultry CDE involves judging chicken and turkey carcasses, eggs, processed poultry, chicken parts identification, and taking a poultry knowledge test.
The poultry team was the 2nd Place Team overall and qualified for the state competition in the spring. The team consisted of Ari Krzmarzick (3rd place Individual), Leo Fernandez (8th place Ind.), Logan Ludewig (11th place Ind.), Mateo Moreno (17th place Ind.).
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 horse team took third place in the competition, qualifying for state. Team members included: Sydney Zarn (3rd place Ind.), Kenedi Wersal (8th place Ind.), Sophie Gustafson (15th place Ind.), Leah Kucera, Jasmine Peterman, Camryn Maher, and Ellen Windschitl.
In the soils contest, members judge different soil profiles, and identify soil characteristics, including texture, depths, and erosion potential.
The soils team placed 3rd in the competition and earned a trip to state. Team members included: Nathan Rathman (9th place Ind.), Isaac Lendt (10th place Ind.), Winsten Nienhaus, Wyatt Feucht, Caleb Suess, Oliver Trebesch, Trevor Rathman, and Gavin Fischer.
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.
The forestry team placed 5th overall in the Region VI Contest and qualified for state. The team members included: Riley Eckstein Sprenger (12th place Ind.), Daniel Armstrong, Jony Flores, Ethan Evans, and Clark Lazatin.
Good luck to all of the teams who qualified for State Competition in April.
The Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter had 19 members attend the 94th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. Pictured L to r – front: Conor Strong, Kyle Capacia, Daniel Armstrong, Ari Krzmarzick. Middle: Advisor Mary Hoffmann, Amy Van Bragt, Izzy Kunkel, Chloe Howe, Lily Kallevig, Lucia Martinez, Cristal Schmidtknecht, Grecia Navarro, Noah Rossbach, Advisor Katie Emmett. Back: Sophie Gustafson, Jake Price, Logan Ludewig, Adam Johnson, Gunny Coulson, Isaac Lendt, Winsten Nienhaus.
The Sleepy Eye FFA received 12th place in the nation out of 42 teams. Pictured l to r – Noah Rossbach, Isaac Lendt (10th Gold), Adam Johnson (12th Gold), and Winsten Nienhaus. There were 168 individuals in the Poultry Contest.
Jake Price was named a Top 4 National Proficiency Finalist for Landscape Management. He is pictured with advisor, Mary Hoffmann.
The National Jr. Quiz Bowl team #1 placed 8th out of 44 teams. The team members included: l to r – Lucia Martinez, Chloe Howe, Izzy Kunkel, and Lily Kallevig. Lucia was the high scorer on the team earning 19th out of 150 individuals.
By: Chloe Howe, Chapter Reporter
The 95th National FFA Convention took place from October 25-October 29, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. In attendance were over 60,000 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, Kyle Capacia, Gunny Coulson, Sophie Gustafson, Chloe Howe, Adam Johnson, Lily Kallevig, Ari Krzmarzick, Izzy Kunkel, Isaac Lendt, Logan Ludewig, Lucia Martinez, Grecia Navarro, Winsten Nienhaus, Jake Price, Noah Rossbach, Cristal Joy Schmidtknecht, Conor Strong, and Amy Van Bragt. Ms. 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 the 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 Kyle Capacia and Conor Strong accepted this award on behalf of our chapter.
Jake Price was recognized for being a National Proficiency Finalist in Landscape Management. Jake was the State Winner in April, advanced to National Competition, and was named a Top 4 Finalist. Jake owns his own lawn mowing business as well as cleaned up and pruned yards. He completed an online interview and got his award on stage at the Convention in Indianapolis.
The Sleepy Eye Poultry Team competed at the National Convention earning 12th place in the nation. Team members consisted of Adam Johnson, Isaac Lendt, Winsten Nienhaus and Noah Rossbach. The team earned this trip by placing first in the state of Minnesota in April. Isaac received 10th Gold and Adam received 12th Gold individually, Winsten received Silver, and Noah received Bronze. There were 42 teams including 168 individuals 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.
Ten 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 Jr. Quiz Bowl team #1 consisting of Lucia Martinez, Lily Kallevig, Izzy Kunkel, and Chloe Howe placed 8th out of 44 teams. Lucia was the high scorer on Team #1 earning 19th out of 150 individuals.
The National Jr. Quiz Bowl team #2 consisting of Logan Ludewig, Ari Krzmarzick, and Daniel Armstrong placed 26th out of 44 teams. Logan was the top scorer on team #2 team.
The National Sr. Quiz Bowl team consisted of Kyle Capacia, Gunny Coulson, and Conor Strong. The top scorer on the Sr. Team was Kyle.
The Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter had six American FFA Degree Recipients including: Maranda Braulick, Kalli Christensen, Cassidy Hoffmann, Michael Ludewig, Martina Nienhaus, and Macy Schenk. This is the highest award bestowed upon a FFA member. Only 2% of all FFA members receive this prestigious award.
Along with the FFA Convention, members were given the opportunity to attend several tours in Indiana. The tours include: Fair Oaks Farms (Dairy and Swine), Louisville Slugger, and Churchill Downs. The convention also featured a country music concert and a rodeo. 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. 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.
