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Summer Ag Students Attend Tour Day

on: July 24, 2021

Sleepy Eye FFA tours Nova-Tech, learning a bunch of new things about technology in Agriculture! Pictured l to r – Katlyn Romberg, Lee Wahlborg, Alexandria Confer, Gunny Coulson, Lucia Martinez, Emma Contreras-Ramirez, Sean Martin, Morgan Hoffmann, Winsten Nienhaus, Miah Brown, Alex Joramo, Mateo Moreno, Dallas Brazle, Alexys Odegard.

Written by: Leisha Martinez, Chapter Reporter

14 members of the Sleepy Eye FFA attended the Ag Tour Day on Tuesday, July 20, 2021. Students attending included: Dallas Brazle, Miah Brown, Alexandria Confer, Emma Contreras-Ramirez, Gunny Coulson, Morgan Hoffmann, Alex Joramo, Sean Martin, Lucia Martinez, Mateo Moreno, Winsten Nienhaus, Alexys Odegard, Katlyn Romberg, Lee Wahlborg. Advisors attending included: Mrs. Hoffmann, Ms. Emmett, and Ms. Cselovszki. Taylor Peck, summer intern, attended as well.

The first stop was Rustic Designs Flower Farm where they grow specialty cut flowers and offer seasonal inspired wedding designs and educational floral design classes. Rustic designs began in 2011 as a small flower farm and rug studio. Located in a rural central area between two small towns (Belgrade and New London) Rustic Designs Flower Farm offers flower subscriptions, summer picking hours, full wedding designs and setup, design classes, tours and wholesale specialty cuts.

The second stop on the tour day was Nova-Tech. Nova-Tech manufactures and engineers robotics systems that serve the agricultural industry across the globe. We are headquartered on the beautiful and historic MinnWest Technology campus in Willmar, MN. The Purpose for Nova Tech is to create revolutionary solutions that advance our customers’ ability to feed the world. The machines we saw in the making were for the poultry and shrimp industries.

The Louriston Dairy was the next stop, with 9500 dairy cows near Murdock, MN as part of the Riverview Dairy, LLP. The Mission: Providing a culture of opportunity for passionate people and innovative ideas. The Pillars: Integrity, Strong Work Ethic, Keep it Simple, Candor, Spirit of Humility. Over the years starting in the mid-70’s, the vision of an adaptable, integrated agricultural operation continued to grow as more dairy operations, beef feedlots, agronomy systems, and construction crews were added. Today, the company is predominantly owned by Riverview employees who strive to provide a respectful, ethical work environment, ensure animal health and comfort, enhance the productivity of the land, and add value to the communities in which we live and work.

The final stop was at Mr. B’s Chocolate in Willmar, MN. Mr. B’s is a Chocolate shop with four chocolatiers creating a variety of white, dark, and milk chocolate creations including: truffles, caramels, chocolate bars, and numerous chocolate treats and farm animal 3-D chocolates. Dwight Barnes, founder of Mr. B’s, insisted on the finest ingredients — raw chocolate imported from Belgium, homemade marzipan, cocoa butter from France, and dairy cream and butter from Minnesota. The master chocolatiers still use those same ingredients in each Mr. B’s confection. Barnes was also strict about using the process he learned in Belgium. No exceptions. No shortcuts.

It was a day filled with many new experiences and career opportunity pathways including: plant systems, animal systems, agribusiness systems, food products & processing, and power, structural, and technological systems. It is so important for students to know the broad fields and variety of careers available in agriculture.

Summer Ag. in Action

on: July 19, 2021

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 June 23^rd and 25^th, the first of the Summer Ag. Classes began including Nail Art and Welding. Also, in June, was a beginner Floriculture Course. Members learned and made their own projects including nail string art creations, small metal welded projects, and various floral arrangements and corsages.

In July, the courses included Cooking and Baking Classes. Through these courses, students learned a variety of cooking and baking techniques and made dishes from crepes to cookies, salads, side dishes, appetizers, and desserts.

Some courses were 2 days in length and some were 4. Total student enrollment for all of the classes so far was 74 in attendance.

The FFA members are continuing their involvement this summer with booths at Party in the Park, Farm Fest, and Corn Days, as well as county fair and more leadership opportunities.

Sophie Kyllonen made this hanging basket holder in welding class after learning how to wire feed weld and use the metal scroll bender.

Paige Haala (left) and Sam Price (right) show off their floriculture class projects they made.

Nayzeth Luna (left), Winsten Nienhaus (middle) and Leisha Martinez (right) were in the baking class and made these cookies along with other types of baked goods.

The cooking class made crepes for the first class. Here, Envy Morales, made this amazing dish with her condiments of strawberries, whip cream, bananas, Nutella, and more

Carmen Lendt attended the Nail String Art class and made this creation.

Hoffmann Named Outstanding Ag Ed Teacher of the Year

on: July 10, 2021

Mary Hoffmann, Sleepy Eye Ag. Teacher, is pictured with the Outstanding Ag. Ed. Teacher of the Year Trophy.

Numerous supporters made the trip to Moorhead for the MAAE Banquet where Mary Hoffmann received the Outstanding Ag. Ed. Teacher of the Year Award. Front- l to r: Carmen Lendt, Chapter Secretary; Morgan Hoffmann, daughter and Chapter President; Mary Hoffmann, Sleepy Eye Ag. Teacher; Cassidy Hoffmann, daughter and FFA member. Back- l to r: Taylor Peck, Summer Intern; John Cselovszki, School Superintendent; Katie Emmett, Sleepy Eye Ag. Teacher; McKenzie Cselovszki, Sleepy Eye Ag. Teacher; Dan Hoffmann, husband; Elizabeth Johnson, former student and Tracy Area Ag. Teacher; Harley Braun former student and Highland Park Ag. Teacher; and Keith Lendt, Sleepy Eye Ag. Advisory Board Member.

The Sleepy Eye Ag. teachers, Mary Hoffmann, McKenzie Cselovszki, and Katie Emmett, along wtih summer intern, Taylor Peck, attended the annual Minnesota Association of Agricultural Educators (MAAE) Conference in Moorhead, Minnesota July 6-9, 2021.

The four day professional development conference in Moorhead was attended by over 200 Agricultural Instructors from across the state of Minnesota and included teachers at the high school, post-secondary, and farm business management levels.

While at the conference, teachers attended many different professional development workshops, region meetings, and received updates from the Minnesota Department of Education, National FFA, and many others.

As a member of the MAAE State Fair Committee and National Agricultural Education Council, Hoffmann gave updates to the those in attendance on the work of the two committees.

During the MAAE Banquet, Hoffmann received the Minnesota Agricultural Educator of the Year Award. Hoffmann was selected as the winner of this award through her efforts in many different areas including: Teaching Philosophy, Instruction, Experiential Learning, Leadership Development, Partnerships, Marketing, and Professional Growth.

Hoffmann’s work in her classrooms and shop, helping FFA members to succeed and achieve their goals, success in writing grants for the Sleepy Eye Program as well as Minnesota Ag. teachers, and level of commitment and involvement to Minnesota and the National Ag. Teacher Organizations led to her being selected for this honor.

The Outstanding Ag. Ed. Teacher Award distinguishes MAAE members who are conducting the highest quality agricultural education programs. The award recognizes leadership in civic, community, agriculture/agribusiness and professional activities. Outstanding agricultural educators are innovators and catalysts for student success in agricultural education.

Hoffmann stated, “This has been quite a year for so many reasons! In a year when so many struggled, I chose to be flexible and kept finding ways to keep my students and FFA members engaged and helping in the community. I feel so blessed to have earned the trifecta of awards this year – being inducted into the FFA Hall of Fame, winning the WEM Outstanding Educator of the Year, and now this Ag. Ed. Teacher of the Year Award! The best part is, I am just truly doing what I love every day!”

“It was also super cool that Elizabeth Johnson won the Outstanding Early Career Teacher Award this year and that Harley and McKenzie, all previous students, were at the conference as Ag. Teachers!” adds Hoffmann.

Mary Hoffmann is only the second female Ag. teacher in Minnesota to receive this award! The award application has been forwarded on to Regional Competition in the National Association of Agricultural Educators. Region III NAAE judging will take place virtually this summer. If Hoffmann wins the Region Award, she will be attending the NAAE Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana to receive that award.

Sleepy Eye FFA Takes Regional Ag Tour

on: July 01, 2021

The Sleepy Eye FFA members had a fun-filled day learning about many areas of agriculture in Southwestern Minnesota on the Regional Summer Ag Tour. Pictured in Austin, MN where the SPAM museum is located – Front (L-R): Sam Price, Hannah Meyer, Jimena Arroyo, Maria Galaviz-Camacho, Maddi Helget, Presley Bauer, Carmen Lendt, Nayzeth Luna, and Katelyn Capacia. Middle (L-R): Priscila Chuc-Feliciano, Angela Galaviz-Camacho, Miah Brown, Morgan Hoffmann, Lee Wahlborg, and Devyn Rempel. Back (L-R): Abigail Hornsby, Zach Ziegenhagen, Alex Joramo, Josh Sellner, Adam Johnson, Hailey Meinert, Gunny Coulson, and Jake Price.

By: Brooke Arneson, Chapter Reporter

On Tuesday, June 22, 23 FFA members visited a variety of businesses from the surrounding communities in order to learn about each business and the career opportunities within them. Mary Hoffmann, McKenzie Cselovszki, Katie Emmett (Sleepy Eye FFA Advisors), and Taylor Peck (Summer Ag Ed Intern) attended the tour as well.

The day started with a trip to Niagara Cave, located in Harmony, MN. Members toured the cave and were able to see the famous 60-foot waterfall, as well as stalagmites, stalactites, and even fossils. Students also learned about cave formations and the numerous careers that are in the geological field.

The next stop in the fun-filled day was the SPAM Museum, located in Austin, MN. Students were able to learn more about the history and origin of SPAM, as well as its place in world culture. Members were also educated in the way SPAM is produced and processed, along with the many job opportunities in the livestock industry.

Third, the trip included a trip to G & S Manufacturing, located in Courtland, MN. G & S Manufacturing is an industrial steel fabrication and welding shop. At this location, students got to see the various things that they make and how they use robotic machines to assist in the creation of their products. Workers also showed the students around their work area, and how they “revive” metal before it can be created into other products.

The day ended with a trip to the WOW Zone where members were able to enjoy pizza, bowling, and play laser tag. It was a fun way to end the day and was an opportunity to make even more memories with fellow FFA members.

Each year, Sleepy Eye FFA conducts this one-day tour in the summer with at least four area agriculture stops. This is a fantastic way for our members to gain first-hand knowledge of different aspects of agriculture locally and explore the various career pathways. From different geological formations, fabrication and welding of metals, and the processing of foods, the trip provided a vast range of numerous career opportunities in agriculture.

FFA Officers plan for Upcoming Year

on: July 01, 2021

FFA Officers plan for the upcoming year! Front row- left to right: Presley Bauer, Brooke Arneson, Maddi Helget,Miah Brown, Katelyn Capacia, and Gracie Sellner. Back Row- left to right: Morgan Hoffman, Leisha Martinez, Isaac Lendt, Alex Joramo, Winsten Nienhaus, Adam Johnson, and Carmen Lendt.

By: Leisha Martinez, Chapter Reporter

Sleepy Eye FFA Officers attended an officer workshop to plan for the upcoming school year and to get to know their fellow officers better. The team, with the help of advisors Mrs. Hoffmann, Ms. Cselovszki and Ms. Emet, and summer intern Taylor Peck, covered a lot of business such as officer duties, the chapters budget, and team goals.

The 2021-22 Sleepy Eye Officer Team: President- Morgan Hoffmann, 1st Vice President- Maddi Helget, 2nd Vice President- Adam Johnson, Secretary- Carmen Lendt, Treasurer- Alex Joramo, Reporter- Leisha Martinez, Reporter- Brooke Arneson, Student Advisor- Presley Bauer, Student Advisor- Gracie Sellner, Historian- Katelyn Capacia, Historian- Miah Brown, Sentinel- Isaac Lendt, and Officer-at-Large- Winsten Nienhaus. At the workshop, each member chose different activities to help with and organize during the year.

The team chose their goals for the year based on the needs of the chapter. Some of the team goals include:

1- To complete 2000 service hours this year.

2- To have at least 35 high school and 30 junior high members attend their respective chapter meetings.

3- To have 4 officer bonding events and for officers to dress up at every theme meeting.

The team also chose a new motto for the coming year. The Sleepy Eye FFA 2021-22 motto is Where I Belong!

The Officer team also reviewed their budget which reminded them of how important sponsors are to the chapters program. It is because of them that our chapter is able to operate and provide such amazing experiences for its members. The team was especially grateful for donations and sponsors this year because of the pandemic.

The officer team will continue to do community service this year, including cards for nursing home and assisted living residents, Wee deliver PALS with elementary, roadside clean-up, helping with the Weekend Backpack Food Program, and other service events that arise.

Throughout the business-filled meeting, the team did many team building activities, and closed the day with a story that reminded them of the impact they as officers can have on other members. The officers are extremely excited about what’s in store for the upcoming year and are looking forward to growing as leaders, serving the community, and influencing other chapter members.

Sleepy Eye FFA Members Attend Timberland Leadership Camp

on: June 22, 2021

Twenty-four members from the Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter attended Timberland Leadership Camp June 15th-18th, along with the Sleepy Eye Advisors and other helpers. Pictured left to right: First Row- McKenzie Cselovszki (Advisor), Winsten Nienhaus, Katelyn Capacia, Gracie Sellner, Leisha Martinez, Carmen Lendt, Kyla Capacia, Shelby Hertling, and Mary Hoffmann (Advisor). Second Row- Taylor Peck (Summer Ag. Intern), Nayzeth Luna, Presley Bauer, Maddi Helget, Morgan Hoffmann, Miah Brown, Brooke Arneson, Emma Contreras-Ramirez, Cristal Joy Schmidtknecht, and Katie Emmett (Advisor).Third Row- Isaac Lendt, Alex Joramo, Adam Johnson, Zach Ziegenhagen, Gunny Coulson, Lee Wahlborg, Marcus Martinez, and Abigail Hornsby.

By: Brooke Arneson, Chapter Reporter

Twenty-four Sleepy Eye FFA members traveled to Sibley State Park, near New London, from June 15th-18th. Sleepy Eye FFA Advisors, Mary Hoffmann, McKenzie Cselovszki, and Katie Emmett, the Sleepy Eye Summer Intern, Taylor Peck, along with several members from the Tracy and Marshall FFA chapters, attended the camp.

The Sleepy Eye Advisors, along with Region and State Officers, and the Summer Intern 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, survival in the forest, 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, play volleyball and nine square, or try other fun activities in their free time.

Camp members were joined by the State FFA President, Emily Matejka from Martin County West, the State Reporter, Anna Ridenour from Triton, and Past State Vice-President, Emilee Xayanourom from Mountain Lake. The Region officers in attendance were Devyn Rempel, Morgan Hoffmann, Marissa Johnson, and Adam Hicks. 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 Cristal Joy Schmidtknecht, Camp Reporter and Shelby Hertling, Camp Historian. 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.

Wee Deliver Program Connects Students

on: June 01, 2021

On Wednesday, May 12th, the Sleepy Eye FFA members met with their Wee Deliver Buddies. Pictured is Kennedy Braun (Left) and her third grade buddy, Kyler Kueble (Right) discussing their favorite things.

By: Brooke Arneson, Chapter Reporter

The end of the year is a time to wrap up the Wee Deliver PALS Program for FFA members. We had get-together events for both schools with their third grade buddies.

The Wee Deliver Program ended with a “My Favorites” activity and treats for participants with a note. The note highlighted the purpose of the program. 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 61 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.

May FFA Members of the Month

on: June 01, 2021

By: Leisha Martinez, Chapter Reporter

Lydia Huiras is a freshman and has been in FFA for two years. She originally joined FFA to get more involved in agricultural class and to have fun. Lydia is on the Best Informed Greenhand team. She joined the team to learn a lot and to compete in events. One of her favorite FFA activities was the volleyball night during our FFA meeting. Lydia is looking forward to volunteer work and getting to work with other FFA members. Through FFA and Ag. Classes, she has learned more about social skills and listening more in her life. Lydia has received her Greenhand degree and gold in the State Best Informed Greenhand Career Development Event. She is most proud of her Freshmen Top Scholar Award.

Mackenna Fisher is in 11th grade and has been in FFA for five years. She originally joined FFA due to the fact that her family has been in it. For her SAE, Mackenna works at a bank and worked with agricultural loans. Her favorite FFA activity is our FFA volleyball tournaments. She’s looking forward to National or State FFA Conventions. In Ag. Classes, Mackenna has learned how to build a wall and do electricity tasks. Her FFA awards include: Discovery, Greenhand, and Chapter Degree. She is most proud of this Member of the Month Award.

Maya Nelson is in 11th grade and has been in FFA for 3 years. She joined FFA due to the fact that she wanted to meet new people and from growing up on a farm, she wanted to become more knowledgeable in the agricultural industry. For Maya’s SAE, she milked cows at Rosenhammer’s dairy. Her favorite FFA activity is the Pen Pal cards with the elementary students. Maya is looking forward to joining a FFA CDE team and judging animals. Through Ag. Classes and FFA, she has learned how to communicate and make new friends. Maya is most proud of the Member of the Month Award.

Presley Bauer is in 11th grade and has been in FFA for 5 years. She joined FFA due to the fact that she wanted to explore new things and become a better leader. This year, Presley was a student advisor on the officer team. She joined the team because she likes working with the younger students because they are so energetic and love to try new things. Presley is on the Floriculture CDE team. She likes working with her teammates, making flower arrangements and learning about different flowers. Her favorite FFA activity is the lock-in or the FFA barn dance. Presley is looking forward to going on another trip out of state as we did before Covid. Through FFA, she’s learned how to be a better role model, how to improve in her public speaking and confidence. Presley is most proud of her Freshman and Sophomore Leadership Award and being a Twelve Star Leader.

YES! Team places 2nd in state competition

on: May 28, 2021

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St. Mary’s High School 2021 Senior awards winners

on: May 28, 2021

St. Mary’s Senior awards Winners:

Auxilium Christianorum Awards—Jacob Lux and Sophia Portner.

President’s Education Award: Megan Ahlness, Joseph Fischer, Mckenna Larson, Maryanne Larsen, Jacob Lux, Sophia Portner, Kayla Schroepfer, Regina Surprenant, Sydney Windschitl.

Lion’s Club Student of the Year – $250, Jacob Lux.

Kaylie Hogue Memorial Scholarship – $500, Joey Fischer.

Tyler Hadley Athletic Achievement Award – $500, Emily Weiss.

Hansen Family Memorial Scholarship – $1,000, Emily Weiss.

Murthy Medical Scholarship – $500, Sydney Windschitl, Emily Weiss, Maryanne Larsen.

John Mangen Scholarships – $500, Jacob Lux and Emily Weiss.

Catholic United Financial – $300, Patrick Hoffmann.

L.A. Amundson Scholarships – Megan Ahlness, Anthony Helget, Trista Ibberson, Sophia Portner, Calen Schumacher, Kayla Schroepfer.

Americana Community Bank – $1,000, Sydney Windschitl.

SouthPoint Foundation Scholarship – $1,000, Regina Suprenant.

Richard and Mary Lou Mathiowetz Family Scholarships – $1,000, Joey Fischer, Sophia Portner, Regina Surprenant, Emily Weiss.

Miss Sleepy Eye Scholarship – Leah Miller.

American Legion Award – $200, Jacob Lux.

Red Cross Scholarship – $250, Emily Weiss; Red Cross Leadership Cords – Leah Miller, Kayla Schroepfer.

Gordie Osmonson Scholarship – $500, Megan Ahlness.

Charlie Hale Scholarship – $100, Jacob Lux.

Wayne Pelzel Scholarship – $1,000, Leah Miller.

Denis and Lynn Goblirsch Memorial Scholarship – $300, Maryanne Larsen.

Sue Winschitl Memorial Scholarship – $500, Emma Currans.

Rick Losleben Memorial Scholarship – $500, Spencer Hoffman.

Nicole Fuchs Memorial Scholarship – $1,000, Mckenna Larson, Emily Weiss.

Drifters Memorial Scholarship – $1,000, Sophia Portner.

Miller Sellner Scholarship – $3,000/semester tuition and tool assistance, Patrick Hoffmann.