The Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter Team #1 placed 3rd in the nation out of 43 teams in the National Quiz Bowl Competition! Kayden Klein was 4th place individual out of 133 participants! Team members include: l to r – Alex Confer, Carter Lazatin, Kayden Klein, Mateo Hornsby, and Noah Rossbach
Lucia Martinez, Sleepy Eye FFA Officer, was a member of the 2023 National FFA Chorus. She sang with other FFA members from around the nation on the main stage of convention as well as at other special events all week.
The Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter had 16 members attend the 96th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. Pictured L to r – front: Courtney Brey, Jose Castorena, Alex Confer, Mateo Hornsby, Noah Rossbach, Carter Lazatin, Kaydence Lund. Back: Ms. Emmett, Kyle Capacia, Marcus Martinez, Zack Dominguez, Kayden Klein, Robert Romberg, Andrew Ramos, Daniel Armstrong, Mrs. Hoffmann.
The Sleepy Eye FFA is so proud to have earned this honor as this is the highest award the chapter has ever received! Pictured l to right: Alex Confer, Mrs. Hoffmann, Marcus Martinez, Kyle Capacia.
The 96th National FFA Convention took place from October 30 – November 4, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana. In attendance were over 70,000 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.
Sixteen Sleepy Eye FFA members attended the National Convention, including: Daniel Armstrong, Courtney Brey, Kyle Capacia, Jose Castorena, Alex Confer, Zack Dominguez, Mateo Hornsby, Kayden Klein, Ari Krzmarzick, Carter Lazatin, Kadence Lund, Lucia Martinez, Marcus Martinez, Andrew Ramos, Robert Romberg, and Noah Rossbach. 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. Noah Rossbach and Mateo Hornsby accepted this award on behalf of our chapter.
This year, the Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter was awarded a TOP TEN Model of Excellence Award! The Model of Excellence program recognizes outstanding FFA chapters from throughout the country that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. These chapters improve chapter operations using the National Quality FFA Chapter Standards and a Program of Activities. Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership. Three chapter officers, Lily Kallevig, Marcus Martinez, and Isaac Lendt created a presentation to share with judges and were interviewed for this award in late September. While at convention, Kyle Capacia, Alex Confer, Marcus Martinez, and advisor Mary Hoffmann accepted the award on behalf of the Sleepy Eye FFA Chapter.
Thirteen 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 Mateo Hornsby, Kayden Klein, Carter Lazatin, and Noah Rossbach placed 3rd out of 43 teams. Kayden was the high scorer on Team #1 earning 4th out of 133 individuals.
The National Jr. Quiz Bowl team #2 consisting of Alex Confer, Ari Krzmarzick, and Daniel Armstrong placed 14th out of 43 teams. Alex Confer was the top scorer on team #2. The National Jr. Quiz Bowl team #3 consisted of Zack Dominguez, Andrew Ramos, and Robert Romberg. Andrew Ramos was the top scorer on team #3.
The National Sr. Quiz Bowl team consisted of Courtney Brey, Jose Castorena, and Kadence Lund. The team placed 35th of out of 68 teams. The top scorer on the Sr. Team was Kadence Lund.
Lucia Martinez participated in the National FFA Chorus while attending the convention. She auditioned this summer and was chosen by National FFA. She arrived on Saturday before convention to start practicing with the members from around the country. Lucia was able to perform with the choir at Convention Sessions and do special performances as well.
Along with the FFA Convention, members were given the opportunity to attend several tours in Indiana. The tours included: Exotic Feline Rescue, the Indiana Caverns, and Ozark Fisheries. The convention also featured 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, 15 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.