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.