By: Chapter Reporter, Brooke Arneson
Member of the Month
Kyle Capacia is in 10th grade and has been in FFA for 4 years. He joined FFA because his siblings are in FFA and he wanted to try something new. Kyle is on the Nursery and Landscape team. His favorite part of his CDE is the variety of plants and tools that he gets to look at and study. Kyle’s favorite FFA activity was the lock-in. He is looking forward to Timberland Camp the most this year. So far from being in FFA, Kyle has become more comfortable and better at speaking in front of people. He has also learned how to be more responsible and a better leader. The awards Kyle is most proud of include the Freshman Leadership Award and the Try Hard Award in the volleyball tournament.
Member of the Month
Nathan Rathman is in 10th grade and has been in FFA for 4 years. He is on the Soils team and enjoys going to competitions. For his SAE, Nathan does field work for Diversified Crop Production. His favorite FFA activity was the lock-in and he would like to try crop judging in the future. So far Nathan has learned how to weld from being in Ag. class and he has really enjoyed helping out the officer team this year. Nathan is most proud of earning the Top Fruit Sales award.
Member of the Month
Leah Kucera is in 7th grade and this is her first year in FFA. She joined FFA because Ms. Wagelie invited her to join the horse judging team, which is her CDE. She enjoys her CDE because she loves horses and it is a fun way to study them. For Leah’s SAE, she works and trains with horses. Her favorite FFA activities so far were the CDE competition and the FFA horse show in Slayton. Leah is looking forward to seeing what FFA is all about and meeting more people. So far she has learned more about horses and FFA in general, as she did not know much prior to joining. The award she is most proud of is placing 7th out of 59 individuals at her first horse judging competition.
Officer of the month
Maddi Helget is in 12th grade and has been in FFA for 6 years. She originally joined FFA because her friends were members, but she has continued to stay in FFA to gain new skills and build better relationships. Maddi is serving as the 1st Vice President for our FFA Officer Team. As the vice president, she likes to coordinate and organize events like monthly meetings and Wee Deliver. For her CDE, Maddi participates on the Soils team. She enjoys making new friends through the team and learning more about soil since her dad works in a soil testing lab. Maddi’s favorite FFA activity is officer bonding. For the rest of the year, she is looking forward to possibly another lock-in, as well as more officer bonding activities. By being in FFA, Maddi has learned that FFA is not just about farming, but that almost everything we do relates to agriculture in some way and we should learn to appreciate it. The awards that Maddi has earned that she is most proud of include: the Phoenix Award, winning first at Invitationals, Regions, and State, and having the opportunity to attend Nationals for Poultry.
St. Mary’s Elementary School’s Top 20 Pledge Earners for the Marathon for Non-Public Educations include (back row, left to right): Landon Platz, Cooper Walter, Harper Armbruster, Stella Schieffert, Ruby Tauer, Scarlett Armbruster, and Miles Pelzel. Middle row: Lillian Schwartz, Shelby Schmid, Adam Tauer, Justin Marti, Jaxon Schroepfer, Mason Mathiowetz, and Easton Walter. Front row: Blake Schwartz, Ben Schwartz, Leo Seidl, Ryker Lux, Sam Schultz, and Henry Armbruster.
By Leisha Martinez, FFA Reporter
Member of the Month
Daniel Armstrong is in the 8th Grade and has been in FFA for two years. He joined FFA because he wanted to get more involved in school activities and wants to be a farmer when he grows up. Daniel is on the Forestry CDE team and enjoys it because he likes to be outside and he wanted to try something new. His SAE is working at a gas station. Daniel’s favorite FFA activity is painting pumpkins for the nursing home residents. Something he would like to try in FFA would be going on an Ag tour to a farm for a day and going to State for Forestry. Daniel has learned a lot from Ag. classes including: how to make butter, how to properly operate shop tools and so much more. The awards he is most proud of are being Tagged to Teach Ag., becoming a Jr FFA Officer, and Member of the Month.
Member of the Month
Jaellynn Schauman is in the 8th grade and has been in FFA for two years. She joined FFA because she thought it would be full of fun opportunities. Jaelynn is on the Forestry CDE team. She likes her team and going to the competitions so she can put all of her hard work into place. Jaelynn’s favorite FFA activity is making cards for the Adopt-a-Senior and Wee Deliver Programs for the elderly and her 3rd grade buddy. Something she is looking forward to is getting to meet her Wee Deliver Buddy. Jaelynn has learned a lot in Ag classes, such as how to cook different foods in Farm to Table and in her CDE she has learned a lot about trees, how to measure them and figure out the board feet. Jaelynn is most proud of making it to state for Forestry, this Member of the Month Award, and getting her Discovery Degree.
Member of the Month
Marcus Martinez is in the 10th grade and has been in FFA for four years. He joined FFA to find new friends and learn about agriculture. Marcus is on the Nursery Landscape CDE team and he has learned how to identify plants and tools in the landscape industry. His SAE is taking down siding. Marcus’s favorite FFA activity is FFA Volleyball Tournaments. He is looking forward to running for an FFA officer position next year. By being in Ag. Classes and FFA, Marcus has learned that there are opportunities for everyone to make friends and learn about agriculture through FFA activities. The awards he is the most proud of include: Freshman Leadership Award, Summer FFA All-Star, and the Hardest Server Award for the Volleyball Tournament.
Officer of the Month
Katelyn Capacia is in the 12th grade and has been an FFA member for six years. She joined FFA because her older brother was in it when he was in school and he said FFA was fun. Katelyn is the Chapter Historian where she makes the picture posters for the Ag. Room. She enjoys taking pictures and looking through all of the pictures of the different FFA events. Katelyn is on the Milk Quality and Products CDE team and loves being able to eat the cheese. Her favorite FFA activity is Officer Bonding. Something she is looking forward to this year is going to State FFA Convention. Katelyn is hoping many CDE teams are able to advance to state so they can attend. Through FFA, Katelyn has learned that being involved in the FFA activities can really help you build leadership skills. The awards she is the most proud of include: placing 1st individually in the Region Contest for Milk Quality, being a Summer FFA All-Star, and being a FFA Junior Leadership Award Winner.
The Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter had 9 members attend the 94th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. Pictured L to r – front: Presley Bauer, Erika Lozano, Hailey Meinert, Katelyn Capacia, Miah Brown. Back: Lee Wahlborg, Gunny Coulson, Adam Johnson, Alex Joramo, Advisor Katie Emmett.
SLEEPY EYE NAMED THREE STAR NATIONAL CHAPTER: Sleepy Eye FFA was named a THREE Star National Chapter for growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture activities. Pictured l to r on stage at National FFA Convention- Paxton Dahmer, National FFA Central Region Vice President; Katelyn Capacia, Chapter Historian; Presley Bauer, Chapter Student Advisor.
By: Brooke Arneson, Chapter Reporter
The 94th National FFA Convention took place from October 26-October 30, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. In attendance were over 50,000 FFA members 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 also learned how to be successful in life and met many new members from across our nation.
Nine Sleepy Eye FFA members attended the National Convention, including Erika Lozano, Hailey Meinert, Miah Brown, Presley Bauer, Katelyn Capacia, Adam Johnson, Alex Joramo, Gunny Coulson, and Lee Wahlborg. Ms. Katie Emmett was the chaperone 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 Katelyn Capacia and Presley Bauer accepted this award on behalf of our chapter.
Along with the FFA Convention, members were given the opportunity to attend several tours in Indiana. The tours include: Broken Wagon Bison, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Ozark Fisheries, and Not Just Popcorn. The convention also featured a country music concert, a rodeo, and a hypnotist show. 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, all of the Sleepy Eye FFA members took time to work behind the scenes at the KNUJ Media Booth. They assisted Jim Bartels 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.
October 2021 Students of the Month
Kdgn- William Petersen Kdgn- Karmela Krenz
1st – Brynnley Helget 1st – Kaitlyn Ziegenhagen
2nd– Evelin Larios – 2nd 2nd – Jaxon Bastian
3rd – Madelyn Jensen 3rd – Jax Ramirez
4th – Kylie Fischer 4th – Miah Rayas
5th – Kaylie Fulmer 5th – Joceleen Cortez
6th – Luis Rodriguez 6th – Makayla Strong
The St. Mary’s MN Honor Society students collected 706 pounds of food on Halloween night for the Sleepy Eye Area Food Shelf.
The Soils Team was 5th in the Region VI FFA Contest. Pictured l to r – Maddi Helget, Nathan Rathman, Caleb Suess
The Forestry Team placed 4th in the Region Contest. Pictured l to r – Taylor Berkner, Sam Price, Jaelynn Schauman, Hannah Meyer, Daniel Armstrong.
The Horse Team took tied for 3rd place at the Region Contest. Pictured l to r – Ellen Windschitl, Sophie Gustafson, Leah Kucera, Sydney Zarn.
The Poultry Team took 2nd in the Region VI FFA Contest in Sherburn on October 12th: Pictured l to r – Adam Johnson, Isaac Lendt, Winsten Nienhaus, Anna Rossbach.
By: Leisha Martinez, Reporter
On October 12th, 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 Adam Johnson (1st place individual), Isaac Lendt (2nd place individual), Winsten Nienhaus (6th place individual), and Anna Rossbach.
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 tied for third place in the competition. Team members included: Leah Kucera (7th place individual), Sydney Zarn, Sophie Gustafson, 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 5th in the competition and earned a trip to state. Team members included: Maddi Helget (7th place individual), Nathan Rathman, and Caleb Suess.
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 4th overall in the Region VI Contest and qualified for state. The team members included: Daniel Armstrong (top scorer on team), Jaelynn Schauman, Sam Price, Hannah Meyer, and Taylor Berkner.
By: Chapter Reporter, Leisha Martinez
Member of the Month
Sam Price is in 8th grade and has been in FFA for 2 years. She originally joined FFA for all the fun activities and meeting new people. Sam is on the Forestry team. She likes the team because she likes nature and measuring trees. Sam’s favorite FFA activity is the Summer Ag activities. She is looking forward to being on the Junior FFA officer team. Through FFA, she’s learned that it is good to go out of your comfort zone and try new things. Sam is proud of getting 8 awards for her crops in the Crop Show.
Member of the Month
Kaleb Butenhoff is in 11th grade and has been in FFA for 2 years. He joined FFA for its fun activities! For Kaleb’s SAE, he is working at Casey’s General Store. His favorite FFA activity is Volleyball nights at the meetings. He’s looking forward to more meetings to come. What Kaleb has learned from Ag. Classes and FFA is that you don’t have to be a farmer to be in FFA. He is most proud of earning this Member of the Month Award.
Member of the Month
Andrew Ramos is in 8th grade and has been in FFA for one year. He originally joined FFA to learn about his community, to have fun, and to improve his resume. Andrew is on the Horse team. He likes the team for its adventures and his teammates make it very exciting. One of Andrew’s favorite FFA activities is Horse judging. He is also striving to become our very own president when he’s older. In Ag. Classes, he has learned that teamwork does really work and about dairy including how milk is processed.
Officer of the month
Brooke Arneson is in 11th grade and has been in FFA for 3 years. She joined FFA so that she could gain more knowledge of agriculture, important life skills, and to make more friends. Brooke has been serving as a reporter for our FFA Officer Team. She enjoys taking pictures during FFA events and writing articles so that the public can learn more about our chapter. Brooke is on the Floriculture team. She enjoys learning about the names of new plants and flowers. She also enjoys making floral arrangements at the floriculture competitions. For Brookes SAE, she is a lifeguard and teaches swimming lessons at the Sleepy Eye Aquatic Center. Her favorite FFA activity is writing letters to her third grade pen pal. Brooke is looking forward to all the fun chapter meetings each month. By being in FFA, she’s learned the history of agriculture and lots of information regarding numerous plants and animals. The awards Brooke is most proud of include: Top Scholar and the Phoenix Award.
The Sleepy Eye FFA Trap Shoot Team Members who attended at least two shooting events including the State Trapshooting Event at Marshall included: from l to r – Jacob Fulmer, Josh Sellner, Ari Krizmarzick, Caleb Suess, Noah Rossbach, Jake Price, Nathan Rathman, Carter Swenstad, Emma Fischer, Winsten Nienhaus, Kayla Hecht, Gavin Fischer, Jared Trebesch.
Caleb Suess places 5th out 103 individuals in the Sportings Clays Competition at the State Shoot in Marshall.
Jake Price wins Annie Oakley Competition at the Mountain Lake Shoot.
By: Leisha Martinez, FFA Reporter
The Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter has completed its trap shooting season. There are three shoots for the season: Springfield, Mt. Lake, 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 2021 Sleepy Eye FFA Trap Shoot Team Members who participated in the shoots this year included: Jake Price, Josh Sellner, Carter Swenstad, Gavin Fischer, Nathan Rathman, Sam Price, Caleb Suess, Kayla Hecht, Ari Krzmarzick, Noah Rossbach, Jared Trebesch, Jacob Fulmer, Winsten Nienhaus and Emma Fischer.
The first Trap Shoot event was in Springfield on Saturday, Sept. 11th. Top placing members were Jake Price, Caleb Suess, and Gavin Fischer.
The team then traveled to Mountain Lake on September 18th. At this shoot, the top placing members included: Gavin Fischer (8th top individual overall), Caleb Suess, and Jacob Fulmer. Team 3 finished 3rd overall and members included: Jake Price, Josh Sellner, Carter Swenstad and Gavin Fischer.
Jake Price was also the winner of the Annie Oakley Competition. Annie Oakley rules are as follows: Starting with the shooter on the far left end of the line, the shooting begins. The first shooter calls for a target and must shoot the target on the rise. If he/she hits the target, the next shooter to his/her right will call for a target. If the first shooter misses his/her target, the second shooter must shoot at it. If he/she hits the target, the first shooter is out. If the second shooter misses the target, the third shooter has the option of shooting at it. If he/she hits the target, the first and second shooters are out. If he/she misses it, all shooters are safe and the second shooter will start the next round. This sequence is repeated down the line. When the next-to-last shooter is first, it makes the person on the far left the third shooter. The rotation will continue until there is only one shooter left.
On September 25th, the Sleepy Eye members traveled to Marshall to compete in the State Trap Shoot Event. Top Trap Shooting members included: Caleb Suess, Jake Price and Jared Trebesch. Top Sporting Clay members were Gavin Fischer, Jake Price, and Caleb Suess (5th top individual overall out of 103 participants). Sleepy Eye teams placed 8th and 9th in the state at the Sporting Clays event. The 8th place team included: Jared Trebesch, Jacob Fulmer, Winsten Nienhaus, Kayla Hecht, Emma Fischer. The 9th place team included: Nathan Rathman, Caleb Suess, Ari Krzmarzick, Noah Rossbach.
This year the team was sponsored by the Sleepy Eye Sportsman’s Club and MDHA Sunriser Chapter. They sponsored shooting registration fees, team T-shirts, and trap loads. Their support is much appreciated by the team members! Also, a big thank you to Mike and Mindy Hardin for helping coach and coordinate the team and events. The team had a great season and is looking forward to next year!
