Sleepy Eye Elementary School October Students of the Month

Kdgn-  Greta Barka                   Kdgn- Reese Braun

1^st-      Joey Seifert                   1^st –  Waylon Schauman

2^nd–     Kaitlyn Ziegenhagen        2^nd – Kiara Hanson

3^rd –     Evelin Larios                 3^rd –   Jackson Meyer

4^th –     Mila Boomgarden          4^th –   Bella Eckstein

5^th –    Briella Walser                 5^th – Aubree Rathman

6^th –    Kaliya Confer                 6^th –   Natalie Fulmer

Leisha Martinez, Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter Vice President and Region VI Reporter, was a presenter on Official Dress at the Region Greenhand Day event in Windom.

Forty-five total Ag. students attended Greenhand Day. 1st Row (L-R): Winsten Nienhaus and Isaac Lendt. 2nd Row(L-R): Conor Strong, Brooke Arneson, Kaytlyn Romberg, Noah Rossbach, Rudy Ruiz, Andrew Ramos, Carter Lazatin, Emily Weilage, Mateo Hornsby, Daniel Armstrong, Izzy Kunkel, Chloe Howe. 3rd Row (L-R): Lily Kallevig, Yanellie Fernandez, Sofia Chuc-Feliciano, Lucia Martinez, Hannah Meyer, Macy Martinez, Genevie Trevino, Juri Fernandez, Jaelynn Schauman, Destiney Dittbenner, Jasmine Peterman, Alex Confer, Noemi Rodriguez, Kyle Capacia. 4th Row (L-R): Adam Johnson, Alex Joramo, Nolan Weicherding, Marcus Martinez, Karylem Gonzalez, Ari Krzmarzick, Hunter Mertz, Alexis Martinez, CJ Martinez, Kayden Klein, Taylor Berkner, Sam Price, Logan Ludewig, McCoy Marti, Charlie Hoffmann, Dawson Friton. Not pictured: Dillon Gerzsik.

By: Kyle Capacia, Chapter Reporter

On Wednesday, September 28th, 2022, FFA members from across Region VI gathered together for the annual Greenhand Day and Officer Workshop held in Windom, MN. This workshop takes place 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 attended the Chapter Officer Workshop.

During the day, chapter officers learned about what it takes to become a superior chapter, while amongst numerous other chapter officer teams. Officers were also able to learn some new ideas from other teams, based on what they do in their chapter. The chapter officer event was run by advisors, Mrs. Mary Hoffmann and Ms. Katie Emmett.

The Region VI Officers organized the Greenhand event, joined by our very own chapter Vice President and Region VI Reporter, Leisha Martinez. Greenhand members had a fun-filled day with different workshops presented by Region VI Officers and advisors as well as the State FFA Officers. Workshops included information on the National FFA Organization, official dress, Career Development Events, and communication skills. These Greenhands also had the chance to meet new people and create friendships with other members from across Region VI.

Sleepy Eye FFA had 32 students attend Greenhand Day. They were joined by 12 members of the officer team, as well as FFA advisors Mrs. Mary Hoffmann and Ms. Katie Emmett, and three helpers Nolan Weicherding, Yanellie Fernandez, and Lily Kallevig.

As the day came to an end, the Greenhands and officers were thrilled about all of the information they learned, and are excited to be able to contribute their knowledge back to Sleepy Eye FFA.

By: Chapter Reporter, Chloe Howe 

Member of the Month

Ava Kunkel is in 7th grade and this is her first year in FFA. She joined FFA because she thought all the events would be fun and it was something new for her to try. Ava is a part of the Milk Quality and Products team for her CDE (Career Development Event). Her favorite part of her CDE is that she can learn more about things she has no clue about. Ava’s favorite FFA activity is the drive in movie. For the upcoming year, she is most looking forward to learning more about FFA and participating in new opportunities. So far Ava has learned to be more outgoing and creative. The award that she is most proud of is Member of the Month.

Member of the Month 

Daniel Armstrong is in 9th grade and has been in FFA for 3 years. He joined FFA to learn more about being a farmer and agriculture. Daniel’s CDE’s team are forestry and the Best Informed Greenhand teams. His favorite part of his CDE’s is being able to go to quiz bowl. Daniel’s favorite FFA activities are meetings and state convention.Something he wants to try this year is national convention. Daniel has learned different types of farming techniques and how to build things by being in an Ag. class. He is most proud of earning junior officer team president and coming in 2nd at state for Agriscience.

Member of the Month 

Logan Ludewig is in 9th grade and has been in FFA for 1 year. He joined FFA to be more involved in agriculture. His CDE team is poultry. Logan’s favorite part of his CDE is going to competitions and being part of a team. As a part of his SAE, Logan helps with cattle and other is doing farm work. His favorite activities so far have been the Poultry CDE and Intro to Ag Shop class. He is most looking forward to going to nationals in the upcoming future. From being in FFA and in Ag. classes. Logan has learned how to weld and to wire. Logan is most proud of qualifying for state for his poultry team.

Member of the Month  

Devin Kunkel is in 11th grade and has been in FFA for 3 years. He joined FFA because he thought it would be fun to shoot for trapshooting. Devin’s CDE team is trapshooting. His favorite part of his CDE is shooting his gun. Devin’s SAE is working at Casey’s making pizzas. For fun FFA activities, he enjoys watching movies. Devin is most looking forward to the lock in towards the end of October. From being in Ag. classes and FFA, he has learned more about welding. The award Devin is most proud of is being on the 1st Place Team at State for trapshooting.

Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s High School Class of 2002 held their 20-year reunion on Saturday, September 10, 2022, at Sleepy Eye Brewing Co. Pictured in the front row (left): Tom Braulick, Sleepy Eye; Allison (Braun) Hazuka, Courtland; Tricia (Zinniel) Anderson, Saint James; Shelley (Eckstein) Doyle, Minneapolis; Stacy K. (Berkner) Fisher, Mankato; and Jeffery Helget, Mankato. Back row: Ben Marti, Mankato; Darrin Haala, Minneapolis; Chad Armbruster, Sleepy Eye; Clint Mack, Sleepy Eye and Nick Novotny, New Ulm.

By: Kyle Capacia, FFA Reporter

The Sleepy Eye FFA Trap Shoot Team Members who attended the State Trapshooting Event at Marshall included: Front, l to r – Kayla Hecht, Emma Fischer, Aiden Krzmarzick, Jacob Fulmer, Shea Evers, Gavin Strong. Middle – Gavin Fischer, Noah Rossbach, Jared Trebesch, Kaden Braun, Nathan Rathman, Devin Kunkel, Caleb Suess, Ari Krzmarzick. Back – Hayden Zarn, Josh Sellner, Wyatt Feucht, Oliver Trebesch, Jake Price, Logan Ludewig, Carter Swenstad, Conor Strong.

Conor Strong is the top Sporting Clay Shooter for the Sleepy Eye Trap Team at the State Shoot in Marshall as he was 11th Individual out of 157 competitors.

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

Trap shooting and sporting clays are two 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 2022 Sleepy Eye FFA Trap Shoot Team Members who participated in the shoots this year included: Aiden Krzmarzick, Ari Krzmarzick, Caleb Suess, Carter Swenstad, Conor Strong, Devin Kunkel, Dylan Krebs, Emma Fischer, Gavin Fischer, Gavin Strong, Hayden Zarn, Jacob Fulmer, Jake Price, Jared Trebesch, Josh Sellner, Kaden Braun, Kayla Hecht, Logan Ludgewig, Nathan Rathman, Noah Rossbach, Oliver Trebesch, Shea Evers, and Wyatt Feucht.

On September 30th, the Sleepy Eye members traveled to Marshall to compete in the State Trap Shoot Event. Sleepy Eye Team #1 earned first place in the State Trap Shoot out of 90 teams! Team #1 consisted of: Jake Price, Hayden Zarn, Devin Kunkel, Noah Rossbach, and Gavin Fischer.

Top Trap Shooting individuals out of 441 shooters included: Devin Kunkel (6^th Individual), Gavin Fischer (13^th Individual), Hayden Zarn (18^th Individual) and Noah Rossbach (19^th Individual).

For Sporting Clays, out Team #1 earned 5^th place out of 39 teams. Team #3 earned 8^th place. Top Sporting Clay members out of 157 individuals were Conor Strong (11^th Individual), Gavin Fischer (12^th Individual), and Gavin Strong (13^th Individual). Team #3 consisted of Emma Fischer, Conor Strong, Gavin Strong, and Logan Ludewig.

This year the team was sponsored by the Sleepy Eye Sportsman’s Club, Darfur Sportsman’s Club, and MDHA Sunrise Chapter.  They sponsored shooting registration fees, team T-shirts, and trap loads.  Their support is much appreciated by the team members!  The team had a great season and is looking forward to next year!

Sleepy Eye St. Mary’s Class of 1962 held their 60-year reunion on Saturday, September 17, 2022, at the Sleepy Eye Golf Club. Pictured in the front row (left):  Jerry Piehl, Sleepy Eye; Marian (Boettger) Altmann, New Ulm; Carol (Gulbrandson) Fischer, Rogers; Marlene (Riederer) Johnson, New Ulm; Karen (Klein) Huettl, North Mankato; Diane (Schroepfer) Heiderscheidt, Sleepy Eye; Judy (Johnson) Goblirsch, Bloomington; Elaine (Schueller) Berdan, Burnsville; and Ron Krzmarzick, Preston Valley, AZ. Back row:  Franklin Johnson, Waseca; Maurice Gent, Bowlus; Gary Goblirsch, Bloomington;  Don Mathiowetz, Springfield; Mike Hentges, Elko; Tom Haala, New Ulm; Dick Zinniel, Sleepy Eye; Lois (Huiras) Hines, Alexandria; Bob Bruckbauer, Remer; Anthony Krzmarzick, Clearwater; Donald Haala, Sleepy Eye; Paul Hoffman, Hanska; John Krambeer, Minneapolis; Jim Ries, Jackson and John Zschetzsche, Mountain Lake.

The Sleepy Eye Ag Department celebrated National Teach Ag Day on Thursday, September 15. Pictured l to r – front row: Alex Confer, Grecia Navarro, Chloe Howe, Kaytlyn Romberg. Middle: Robert Romberg, Katelyn Tauer, Lily Kallevig, Brissa Hernandez, Gavin Fischer. Back – Conor Strong and Logan Ludewig.

By Kyle Capacia, FFA Reporter

Thursday, September 15, 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, hats, sunglasses, Hootie owls, and more.

Congratulations to these students for being Tagged to Teach Ag!

8^th Grade: Gavin Fischer, Leah Kucera, Robert Romberg, Sydney Zarn

9^th Grade: Alex Confer, Ari Krizmarzick, Logan Ludewig, Kaytlyn Romberg

10^th Grade: Jose Castorena, Brissa Hernandez, Chloe Howe, Lily Kallevig, Antonio Ruiz

11^th Grade: Leo Fernandez, Jon Peterman, Katelyn Tauer

12^th Grade: Nolan Domeier, Alex Dominguez, Grecia Navarro, Conor Strong

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

• $41,660 average base starting salary
• 22 average number of extended/summer contract days
• 46 new agricultural education positions
• 20 new agricultural education programs
• 119 positions to fill
• 96 of last year’s 124 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