Kdgn           Juan Velasquez III

  Kdgn           Harper Borth

  1^st              McKoy Hansen

  1^st              William Ludewig

  2^nd              Julieta Munoz

  2^nd              Marvrik Saenz

  3^rd              Antonio Sanchez

  3^rd              Roberto Vazquez III

  4^th               Miley Zinniel

  4^th               Sara Seifert

  5^th                   Bella Eckstein

  5^th               Breckin Peterson

  6^th               Valentina Tovar-Garces

  6^th               Gabby Velasquez

The Sleepy Eye FFA 8th & 10th graders who competed in the State Agriscience Fair included: front, l to r – Connor Mack, John Paul Montemayor, Riley Voigt, Karter Haala, Keeyan Netzke, Braylon Nelson. Middle – Maddy Goldschmidt, Alex Confer, Breanna Lopez, Brianna Ziegenhagen, Camryn Maher. Back –  Ava Sellner, Karly Wendinger, Makayla Strong, Lianna Kimbrough, Kenedi Wersal, Ava Kunkel.

The Roland Peterson Agriculture Education Science Fair was held on March 7, 2024 at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul Campus. The Minnesota FFA Association uses this invitational as the Minnesota FFA’s Agriscience Fair.  The highest-ranking FFA member or team of members with an agricultural project will advance to the national competition.

Our competitors for the Agriscience Fair competition included: Alex Confer, Keeyan Netzke, Connor Mack, John Paul Montemayor, Karter Haala, Riley Voigt, Braylon Nelson, Maddy Goldschmidt, Breanna Lopez, Brianna Ziegenhagen, Camryn Maher, Ava Sellner, Karly Wendinger, Makayla Strong, Lianna Kimbrough, Ava Kunkel, Kenedi Wersal.

The Agriscience Fair recognizes student researchers studying the application of agricultural scientific principles and emerging technologies in agricultural enterprises. The Agriscience fair is for middle and high school students. Participation begins at the local level and progresses to state and national levels.

Agriscience Fair Divisions:

Students can compete in the National Agriscience Fair as an individual or with a team.

• Division 1 – individual member in grades 7 and 8
• Division 2 – team of two members in grades 7 and 8
• Division 3 – individual member in grades 9 and 10
• Division 4 – team of two members in grades 9 and 10

Our students participated in the Plant Systems and Animal Systems Categories; Divisions 1-3. For the plant systems, this could include: the study of plant life cycles, classifications, functions, structures, reproduction, media and nutrients, as well as growth and cultural practices, through the study of crops, turfgrass, trees and shrubs, and/or ornamental plants. In the Animal Systems Categories this encompassed: life processes, health, nutrition, genetics, management and processing, through the study of small animals, aquaculture, livestock, dairy, horses and/or poultry.

The students did these projects as part of the curriculum for the Ag. 8 course with Mr. Hendrickx. The individuals and groups that were named in the Top 3 at state include: Division 1- Kenedi Wersal (Animal Systems), Ava Sellner (Plant Systems), and Karly Wendinger (Plant Systems). Division 2- Keeyan Netzke and Connor Mack (Plant Systems) and Breanna Lopez and Mia Davila (Plant Systems). Division 3- Alex Confer (Plant Systems).  They will find out the final results on stage at the State FFA Convention in late April. One group will advance to National Competition!

To qualify for the National Agriscience Fair students must:

• Be in grades 7 – 12.
• Conduct a scientific research project pertaining to the agriculture and food science industries and present their findings to a panel of judges with a display and a report.
• Be selected as the state winner at their state Agriscience Fair.
• Be selected as one of the top 12 in their respective category and division.

The Agriscience Fair is a great opportunity for students to not only learn about research skills, but also showcase their writing and verbal communication skills to judges with the in-person presentation of their projects. Good luck to all of these individuals!

By Alex Confer, Chapter Reporter

Anna Johnson is a Junior at Sleepy Eye Public School and has been in FFA for four years. Anna joined FFA to learn more about Agriculture. Anna participates in the Companion Animal Career Development Event (CDE) because she likes to learn about the animal skeletal systems. Anna’s Supervised Ag. Experience (SAE) consists of growing and harvesting apples. Her favorite FFA activity is the Animal Carnival. Anna is looking forward to trying out for the National Band. While being in FFA, Anna has learned that it’s ok to be afraid and the importance of overcoming her fears. An award Anna has earned that she is proud of is for participation in the State Band.

Noah Christensen is a Junior at St. Mary’s and has been involved in FFA for one year. Noah joined FFA because he was encouraged by his dad. Noah is on the Fish and Wildlife CDE team. He likes the team because he gets to be out of school attending contests. Noah’s favorite FFA activity is the competitions and eating with his team after. Noah is looking forward to attending the State FFA Convention this year. Since joining Ag. Class, Noah has learned how to build a picnic table. An achievement Noah had received is advancing to state for Fish and Wildlife.

Kaylie Fulmer is a 7th grader at Sleepy Eye Public School and is in her first year of FFA. Kaylie joined FFA because of the opportunities she has and fun activities she can participate in. Kaylie is on the Companion Animals and Forestry CDE teams. She likes learning more about nature and animals. Her favorite FFA activity is the Black Light Dance. This year, Kaylie is looking forward to attending Timberland Camp and State Convention. Since Kaylie has joined FFA, she has learned more about leadership. An award Kaylie is proud of is winning her own FFA jacket.

Logan Ludewig is a Sophomore at Sleepy Eye High School and has been in FFA for two years. Logan joined FFA because he gets to be more involved in Agriculture. Logan holds the officer position of Sentinel. His favorite part of his position is being able to greet people at the door with a smile. He is on the Poultry CDE team and likes how challenging the competition is. Logan’s SAE is his job at Schroepfer Trucking, Inc. He is most looking forward to going to the State FFA Convention. Since joining Ag. Class, he has learned about so many opportunities that are available. An award Logan is most proud of earning 1st place for his Ag. Mechanics Repair and Maintenance Proficiency for Region VI.

February 2024-Students of Month

Kdgn     Jacqueline Bruggerman

Kdgn     Camila Trevino

1^st         Ethel Violeta Valdovinos-Sanchez

1^st         Mariel De Santiago-Hernandez

2^nd        Lennon Braulick

2^nd        Levi Sellner

3^rd         Kaitlyn Ziegenhagen

3^rd         Bristol Nachreiner

        ^4th         Madison Garland

        4^th         Madison Hoffman

         5^th         Mark Urbano

         5^th        Leroy Staley

        6^th         Briella Walser

        6^th         Arianna Guerra

Sleepy Eye Elementary Physical Education News by Teacher Zach Kelly

During February, our jump rope unit is in full swing. Along with our jump rope unit, we tie in the Kids Heart Challenge, which used to be known as Jump Rope for Heart. Kids Heart Challenge now focuses on everything good for your heart from drinking water, eating healthy, getting enough sleep at night, being kind and showing respect, and most importantly exercising! We started our Kids Heart Challenge with a K-6 school assembly to learn about our new program. The K-6 as a whole raised $1,997.86. Just like last year the top earner from each class will become the PE teacher for their class!