News and Events of Our Local FFA Chapter at Chillicothe RII Schools

News and Events at Chillicothe's National FFA Organization

FFA NEWS 2011-2012

State Visit 01/24/12 | Litton Ag Classroom Projects 2012 | Greenhand Conference 01/04/12

Animal Science Class | Annual Food Drive | MO Farm Bureau Speech Contest | Christmas Party 12/07/11
National Ag Education Award | CMS Cares Day at the Litton Agri-Science Learning Center
Fall Speaking Contests | Ag Teacher Receives Honorary American FFA Degree | FFA Convention!
Public Speaking Classes | Barnwarming 2011 | Parents' Night 10/12/11
MU Community Svc Challenge | Trenton Trapshoot | RFD-TV
Ag Ed Center Happenings | Greenhand Initiation | Chautauqua Petting Zoo
Barnes Baker Motors | August Meeting | Summer Happenings 2011 | Pig Show Extravaganza 06 04 & 05 11

FFA News Archives | FFA News 2006-2007 | FFA News 2007-2008 | FFA News 2008-2009 | FFA News 2009-2010
FFA News 2010-2011 | Litton Ag Center News

State FFA Visit
01/24/12

Zach Grossman, Area 2 Missouri State Vice President, talks to a group of Chillicothe R-2 ag students on Tuesday, January 24, 2012, at the Litton Agricultural Education Building at the Litton Agri-Science Learning Center. Zach talked about what students could learn by being involved in the FFA organization and conducted leadership games with the students.

Zach is one of 16 Missouri State FFA Officers. His home chapter is the Tina-Avalon FFA Chapter.

Greenhand Motivational Conference
January 4, 2012

On Wednesday, January 4, 2012, 46 Chillicothe FFA Greenhands attended the Northwest District Greenhand Motivational Conference at the North Central Missouri College Campus in Trenton, Missouri. Through interactive workshops and skits, Missouri State FFA officers used the FFA version of the "Dancing with the Stars" as the theme to motivate Greenhands who are first year FFA members. They helped the new agriculture students set goals for their education, careers and FFA experiences. MFA, Incorporated sponsored this event in coordination with NCMC. While at NCMC, students were given the opportunity to tour the new Barton Agriculture Campus.

State Officers that conducted the conference are seated in the front row.
From L to R: Adam Birk, Samantha Whittaker, Lane Howard, Sarah Davis, and Megan Mayfield

Annual December Food Drive

The Chillicothe FFA held their annual food drive this December. Students collected canned food items for the drive and compiled them at the December FFA Meeting which was held December 4, 2011.

Jordan Hall, Daniel Nowland, Tanner Thompson, Jake Englert

The canned food items were then delivered to the local Salvation Army. The chapter collected 11 boxes of food to donate to the Salvation Army.

Tanner Thompson, Jordan Hall

Missouri Farm Bureau Speech Contest
December 4, 2011

The Missouri Farm Bureau Public Speaking Contest is designed to develop agricultural leadership, provide for member participation in agricultural public speaking activities, and stimulate interest in leadership and citizenship. Contestants may choose any current subject for their speeches, which is of an agricultural character relating to the general interest to the public.


Haley Thompson, Blake Hurst (Missouri Farm Bureau President)	Haley Thompson giving her speech at the annual meeting.

Haley Thompson represented the Livingston County Farm Bureau at the Missouri Farm Bureau Conference contest held December 4, 2011. The contest consisted of students preparing a 6-8 minute speech on the topic of Farm Bureau: Leading the Challenge. Haley received first place at the state level along with $150 in prize money. After receiving first place, Haley gave her speech in front of 600 plus people at the Farm Bureau annual meeting at Tan-Tar-A in Osage Beach, Missouri. Congratulations.

Christmas Party
December 7, 2011

On December 7, 2011, the Chillicothe FFA held their annual Christmas Party at the Chillicothe Middle School. This party represents a reward for members on an excellent Barnwarming this year, as well as a time for fellowship.

The members enjoyed dinner and then moved into the field house for some games. Members chose from basketball, dodge ball, volleyball, and other activities. The students also held a canned food drive and collected nine (9) boxes of canned food items. There were approximately 125 members present, and everyone seemed to enjoy the evening.

Fall Speaking Contests
November 16, 2011

On November 16, 2011, Chillicothe FFA students participated in the Northwest District Fall Speaking Contest in Cameron. Haley Thompson competed in the Missouri Farm Bureau Contest, Lizzie McCoy competed in the Missouri Pork Producers Contest, Jennifer Waits competed in the Missouri Sheep Producers Contest, and Carley Anderson competed in the Missouri Young Farmers speech contest. Haley received first place in the Farm Bureau contest and will move on to the state competition to be held on December 4, 2011, in Tan-Tar-A, Missouri.

L to R - Lizzie McCoy, Carley Anderson, Haley Thompson, Jennifer Waits

November 2, 2011
On November 2, 2011, Chillicothe FFA students participated in the Area 2 Fall Speaking Contest in Gallatin. Haley Thompson competed in the Missouri Farm Bureau Contest, Lizzie McCoy competed in the Missouri Pork Producers Contest, Jennifer Waits competed in the Missouri Sheep Producers Contest, Tianna Snyder competed in the Missouri Soil and Water, Cyrsten Lollar competed in the Missouri Institute of Cooperatives, and Carley Anderson competed in the Missouri Young Farmers speech contest.

Pictured back L to R - Tianna Snyder, Haley Thompson, Cyrsten Lollar
Front L to R - Carley Anderson, Lizzie McCoy, Jennifer Waits

Five of the six members qualified to move on to the district competition, Haley received second, Jennifer received third, Cyrsten received third, Carley received third, Lizzie received first, and Tianna was alternate. The five will continue on to the Northwest District competition, held on November 16, 2011 in Cameron, Missouri.

Public Speaking Classes
Fall, 2011

Students enrolled in courses at the Litton Agriculture Education Center are busy learning the importance of public speaking. Most individuals (adults and youth) have asked themselves "Why is public speaking important? Why do I need it? What is the purpose?" It would be as impractical as saying that you'll never need math in your life. By learning how to effectively speak in public, an individual will be able to increase their own self-confidence. Public speaking will help fine-tune a person's everyday verbal and non-verbal communication skills. Public Speaking is a true career booster. Using public speaking effectively will allow a person to make a difference in their place of business and their community. Learning to master public speaking early is a great way for students to perform better in college, as well as excel in their career. If a person can master the finer points of public speaking, there's a great chance they'll be able to tackle the opportunities and obstacles that come their way.

Junior and seniors in the Ag Business Communications class must prepare and present a five-minute speech, all sophomores enrolled in Ag Science II must prepare and present a three-minute speech, and all freshmen must memorize and recite the FFA Creed. Indeed, learning how to become an effective public speaker will help them accomplish premier leadership, person growth, and career success!

Barnwarming 2011 - A Record Setting Year!

On Saturday November 5, 2011 the Chillicothe FFA held its annual Barnwarming festivities. These festivities included a dance, games, a hay tunnel, and the coronation ceremony. This year's 2011 Barnwarming King and Queen are Daniel Nowland and Jennifer Waits.

The Senior Class candidates - Jennifer Waits (daughter of Jim and Kathy Waits) and Daniel Nowland (son of David and Nancy Nowland) - raised $14,765.50 with an average of $320.99/person; Sophomores, Brittany Stanfield (daughter of Larry and Jodi Stanfield) and Matt Dupy (son of Todd and Dawn Dupy) raised $6,774.50 with and average of $111.06/person; Juniors, Leslee Moore (daughter of Tammy Moore and Lee Mehrhoff) and Colten Berry (son of David and Kristy Berry) raised $3,599.00 with and average of $92.28/person; and the Freshmen, Jozie Reeter (daughter of Brent and Rhonda Reeter) and Colby Ruoff (son of Chris and Brenda Ruoff) raised $4,119.04 with and average of $89.54/person. The chapter raised $29,258.04 this year for the chapter's operations that average out to $147.00/member. We would like to thank all the member of the community for the long time support of our organization.

Pictured - Candidates - Top, L to R Jozie Reeter, Colby Ruoff, Daniel Nowland (king), Jennifer Waits (queen),
Colten Berry, Leslee Moore; Bottom L to R - Brittany Stanfield, Matt Dupy

Students line dancing at Barnwarming!

It is Chillicothe FFA Barnwarming Time Again!
The Chillicothe FFA has selected its King and Queen Candidates for the 2011 Barnwarming. These individuals will lead the charge in the fund raising efforts of the Chillicothe FFA members. The FFA members are now available to do your odd jobs around the house and farm. Give them a call, and they will organize a work team to help you in your fall cleanup activities. The class that averages the most money per member will have their candidates crowned King and Queen on November 5, 2011 at the annual Barnwarming Dance.

Click photo for a closer view...

The candidates are as follows: Seniors, Jennifer Waits (daughter of Jim and Kathy Waits) and Daniel Nowland (son of David and Nancy Nowland); Juniors, Leslee Moore (daughter of Tammy Moore and Lee Mehrhoff) and Colten Berry (son of David and Kristy Berry); Sophomores, Brittany Stanfield (daughter of Larry and Jodi Stanfield) and Matt Dupy (son of Todd and Dawn Dupy); Freshmen, Jozie Reeter (daughter of Brent and Rhonda Reeter) and Colby Ruoff (son of Chris and Brenda Ruoff).

The chapter has set a goal to raise $19,500 this year for chapter operations. If you have any type of job, please give an FFA member a call or call one of the advisors at the Litton Agriculture Campus at 660-646-3131.

14 Local Students Attend National FFA Convention
October 19 through the 22, 2011

On October 19 through the 22, 14 members of the Chillicothe FFA Chapter attended the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN. The students attended many activities while in Indianapolis. The students attended leadership sessions, the career show, college fair, and convention sessions while at the convention hall. Students also attended a session were the speaker was Dave Roever, a concert featuring Little Big Town, Steel Magnolia, Blake Shelton, and got an opportunity to have a little fun at the rodeo.

Local members that attended the convention were Clark Allen, Devinn Ashford, Jordan Hall, Keara Hopper, Bridgett Kieffer, Quinten Lewis, Leslee Moore, Diana Nelson, Faith Peters, Paige Peters, John Roney, Haley Thompson, Tanner Thompson, Jennifer Waits.

Back Row 5 - Jordan Hall, Clark Allen, John Roney; Row 4 - Keara Hopper, Tanner Thompson, Diana Nelson;
Row 3 - Haley Thompson, Devinn Ashford; Row 2 - Quinten Lewis, Faith Peters, Paige Peters;
Row 1 - Bridgett Keiffer, Leslee Moore, Jennifer Waits

National FFA Band
Elizabeth Warren represented the Chillicothe FFA Chapter as well as the Missouri FFA Association when she participated in the National FFA Band at the 2011 National FFA Convention. Elizabeth is a sophomore at Southwest High School and the daughter of Laura Warren. Elizabeth was selected as one of the clarinet players based upon her audition tapes and recommendations from her high school band directors to be a part of the 100 members; the National FFA Band was composed of students from all across the United States. As part of the National FFA Band, Elizabeth put in long hours rehearsing and providing the entertainment at each of the general sessions of the National FFA Convention.

Elizabeth has been playing the clarinet for seven years and is currently part of the Southwest High School Band, Chillicothe Band Masters, NW District Solo Contest, and has participated in the Missouri State Band Contest. While at National FFA Convention, Elizabeth was selected for a solo during the Opening Session 1C. Her solo was featured during the song "Back Home Again in Indiana." Congratulations to Elizabeth on an outstanding job of representing Missouri and the Chillicothe FFA!

Local Students Received National Degree
Clayton Allen (son of Jill Allen), Jon Black (son of Rusty and Karie Black), Kellin Ferguson (son of Steve Ferguson and Patricia Doughty), Austin Ireland (son of Tom and Cindy Ireland), Aaron Kerr (son of David and Brenda Kerr), Amber Kieffer (daughter of Robert and Michelle Kieffer), Jared McCauslin (son of Dewayne and Janet McCauslin), and Tyler Skipper (son of Larry and Sondra Skipper) received the American FFA Degree at the 84th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis on Saturday, October 22, 2011. It is the highest degree awarded by the National FFA Organization and recognizes that Clayton, Jon, Kellin, Austin, Aaron, Amber, Jared, and Tyler demonstrated leadership abilities and outstanding achievements in agricultural business, production, processing and service programs.

To be eligible, members must have earned and productively invested $7,500 through a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program in which they start, own, or hold a professional position in an existing agriculture enterprise. Recipients must also make it their mission to demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and community involvement. Less than one in 151 FFA members advance through their local chapter and state FFA degree programs to earn this national degree. They received a gold American FFA Degree key and a certificate in a blue leatherette frame to commemorate the achievement. The recognition program is sponsored by Case IH, Farm Credit, Pioneer Hi-Bred, Progressive Farmer and Syngenta, as a special project of the National FFA Foundation.

National Proficiency Results
On April 14, 2011, Tanner Jones a member of the Chillicothe FFA Chapter was named State Fruit Production Proficiency Winner at the 83rd Missouri FFA Convention in Columbia, MO. Tanner, a junior, is the son of Todd and Chrissy Jones. He has been an active member of the Chillicothe FFA Chapter for two years. Fruit Production Proficiency Award is designed to recognize individuals to efficiently produce and market crops for fruit such as stone fruits, pome fruits, citrus fruits, pineapples, coconuts, berries, watermelon, grapes, nuts and all common fruits. Tanner has worked very hard at his Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE) program that he started as a freshman raising cherry, apple and pear trees as well as rhubarb and strawberries. He continues to produce his fruit and market it at the local Farmers Market.

Winning the state competition his application was moved on to the national level of competition. During the competition at the 84th National FFA Convention which was October 19-22, 2011, he received a silver rating. Congratulations to Tanner on a job well done.

National FFA Courtesy Corps
Almost any event becomes more intriguing when viewed from behind the scenes. The 84th National FFA Convention, which includes everything from arena stage events to the Day of Service and workshops for nearly 55,000 attendees, is no exception.

It takes many volunteers to help make a convention of this magnitude a positive experience for all of its guests. This year approximately 900 FFA members, including students from the Chillicothe FFA Chapter, formed the National FFA Courtesy Corps. The students viewed the convention from the other side - backstage - playing a crucial role in the events logistics. Local members participating in the National FFA Courtesy Corps were Clark Allen, Devinn Ashford, Jordan Hall, Keara Hopper, Bridgett Kieffer, Quinten Lewis, Leslee Moore, Faith Peters, Paige Peters, John Roney, Haley Thompson, Tanner Thompson, and Jennifer Waits. The 84th National FFA Convention was held October 19-22, 2010 in Indianapolis, IN.

Back Row 3 - Clark Allen, John Roney, Jordan Hall
Row 2 - Tanner Thompson, Paige Peters
Row 1 - Leslee Moore, Keara Hopper, Jennifer Waits, Quinten Lewis, Bridgett Kieffer, Devinn Ashford

"Participants in the National FFA Courtesy Corps provide valuable services for the overall convention operation," says National FFA Advisor Dr. Steve Brown. "FFA gains a tremendous resource, and the participants gain wonderful volunteer experience and an insight into the planning and logistics necessary to ensure a safe and successful convention. They are key to our ability to create a premier leadership and educational event for nearly 55,000 guests."

The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 523,309 student members - all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture - as part of 7,358 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988 in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

Chillicothe FFA Parents� Night
10/12/11

On October 12, 2011, the Chillicothe FFA held their annual Parents' Night, where 262 members and guests attended. This event helps welcome the first year FFA member and their parents to our organization and showcases some of our members' talents.

L to R - Derek Hussey, Zach Quinn, Carlee Johnson, Caleb Toedebusch, Derek Eckert

The evening began with FFA opening ceremonies followed by a motivating welcome given by Mr. Dan Nagel, Chillicothe R-II High School Assistant Principal. The Chillicothe FFA Chapter officers and Chillicothe FFA Assistant Officers presented the program. The program consisted of the Greenhand FFA Degree ceremony, Chapter FFA Degree ceremony, skit presented by the Chillicothe FFA Chapter Officers, as well as 2 creeds presented by Greenhands. The creed was presented by Derek Hussey, Zach Quinn, Carlee Johnson, Caleb Toedebusch, Derek Eckert, Austin Minnick, Brittany Twyman, Colby Ruoff, Hailey Seeley, and Bailey Henry.

L to R - Austin Minnick, Brittany Twyman, Colby Ruoff, Hailey Seeley, Bailey Henry

Local FFA Chapters Recognized During Mizzou FFA's Community Service Challenge Event
Columbia, MO - October 8, 2011

Chillicothe FFA attended the Mizzou FFA Community Service Challenge at the University of Missouri where they competed for the Community Service Challenge and IMPACT awards. The Mizzou FFA Community Service Challenge was broken into two separate activities. All Missouri FFA chapters were invited to participate in the Mizzou FFA Community Service Challenge. Chapters were invited to submit an application detailing a local community service project organized by the chapter. The applications were then judged by an anonymous panel who selected two chapters to receive the Community Service Challenge Award and the IMPACT Award. The Community Service Challenge Award is given to the chapter whose community service project is the most creative and impressive in scope and impact. The IMPACT Award is given to the chapter whose community service project has the greatest positive impact on the largest number of people.

The Chillicothe FFA Chapter was represented in Columbia by Kerrigann Cosgrove, Sarah Johnson, Justin Jones, Sierra Midgett, Paige Peters, and Kayla Riddle. These students were given a program put on by Dr. Jim Spain, then took a tour of the Mizzou Campus, and participated in 2 hours of community service according to the standards set by the National FFA. Following the community service project, participating chapters attended an awards and recognition banquet to recognize local community projects. Chillicothe FFA Chapter was recognized as winning 2nd place in the Mizzou FFA Community Service Challenge.

Back Row L to R - Sarah Johnson, Sierra Midgett
Front Row L to R - Justin Jones, Kerrigann Cosgrove, Kayla Riddle, Paige Peters

Chillicothe FFA Chapter Featured on RFD-TV!
October 3, 2011

The Chillicothe FFA Chapter from Grand River Technical School was showcased October 15-16, 2011, on "This Week In AgriBusiness", a weekly, one-hour television agri-news program hosted by two of the country's most well-known farm broadcasters Max Armstrong and Orion Samuelson. The Chillicothe FFA Chapter Tribute included information about the chapter's history, activities and community service. It also included several photos of the students and their participation in chapter activities.

Viewers may see the Chillicothe FFA Chapter Tribute "This Week In AgriBusiness" here. It aired on RFD-TV, a 24-hour television network for rural America. RFD-TV is carried on Dish Network channel 231 and on DirecTV channel 379, as well as a number of other cable systems. "This Week In AgriBusiness" aired four times on RFD-TV throughout the weekend. Broadcast times were 7:00 a.m. on Saturday; 5:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Sundays; and 8:00 a.m. on Mondays (Central Time Zone).

Trapshooting
October 1, 2011

This fall, the Chillicothe FFA is once again involved in a shooting sports discipline - trapshooting. With the help of the Chillicothe School District, school administration, and the Missouri Department of Conservation, FFA is teaching students the self-discipline and responsibility of shooting sports. The objectives are to involve students in the highest standards of safety, sportsmanship, and ethical behavior, along with safe and responsible use of firearms. Additionally, the program helps to develop self-confidence, personal discipline, sportsmanship, and teamwork. The students were required to pass the Missouri Department of Conservation Hunter Education program and attended one of the safety meetings sponsored by the Ag Education Department.

On October 1, 2011, the chapter attended a trapshoot held at the Trenton Trap Range and sponsored by the Trenton FFA Chapter. There were three chapters participating in the competition: Trenton, Chillicothe, and Maysville, with each chapter having an A and B team. The first place overall team was Chillicothe A team with 217 points, and second place was the Maysville A team with 187 points. The students enjoyed the day and learned a lot about competition.

L to R - Matt Dupy, Trevor Long, Orren Beck, Ben Burtch, Cameron Breeden,
Sarah Johnson, Derek Gray, Cameron Mitchell, Brandon Bothwell

The Chillicothe FFA Chapter team consisted of nine individuals - Orren Beck, Brandon Bothwell, Cameron Breeden, Ben Burtch, Matt Dupy, Derek Gray, Sarah Johnson, Trevor Long, Cameron Mitchell, Tony Burtch (volunteer coach), and Sarge Ralls (volunteer coach) - who traveled to Trenton.

L to R - Ben Burtch, Cameron Breeden, Orren Beck, Brandon Bothwell, Matt Dupy

The Chillicothe A team that consisted of Orren Beck, Brandon Bothwell, Cameron Breeden, Ben Burtch, and Matt Dupy placed 1st in the team completion. Oren Beck was in the final shoot off, where his round totals were 47 out of 50. The members of the team are looking forward to more events.

Area Greenhand Initiation
September 21, 2011

On September 21, 2011, 52 Greenhands of the Chillicothe FFA Chapter attended the Area II Greenhand Initiation Ceremony in Gallatin, Missouri.

The Area II officer team, which includes 2nd Vice President Mindi Prindle of the Chillicothe FFA Chapter conducted the initiation. During the initiation the Greenhands listened to the 2011 Area Creed speaker, Elizabeth Warren, Chillicothe FFA member, recite the creed, watched a slideshow featuring Area II Greenhands, listened to the National FFA Officer, Shannon Norris, speak, and were presented their Greenhand pins during the Greenhand Ceremony.

Chautauqua Petting Zoo
By: Quinten Lewis, Chillicothe Assistant President, September 10-11, 2011

The Chillicothe FFA Chapter sponsored the petting zoo at the Chautauqua in the Park again this year; this was our 10th year to participate in the Chautauqua. Our FFA Chapter took this opportunity to share information with community members about agriculture. Approximately 95 members assisted with the petting zoo, which is enjoyable for people of all ages!

The petting zoo contained of all sorts of animals such as a bottle calf, puppies, rabbits, pigs, sheep, goats, and horses. To add a little more fun to the Chautauqua experience this year, youth could participate in a fun fact-finding scavenger hunt entitled "More Agciting Than Ever!" A question sheet was given and facts were posted around the park. When the scavenger hunt was completed, individuals brought their answers back to the petting zoo and received a piece of candy and then got entered into a drawing to win a $50 Wal-Mart gift card. This year's winner was Heather Montgomery. Thanks to all of the individuals who participated in the scavenger hunt and came to the Chillicothe FFA Chautauqua Petting Zoo!

THANK YOU BARNES BAKER MOTORS
September 2, 2011

Chillicothe FFA members gather around a truck donated by Barnes Baker Motors for the FFA chapter to use this summer. The FFA members expressed their appreciation to Barnes Baker for the use of the truck.

Members are also holding plaques of various awards individual members and the entire chapter received over the summer. Livingston County 4-H and Chillicothe FFA received 1st place in the Swine Herdsmanship - Week 2 - at the 2011 Missouri State Fair. We want to again thank Barnes Baker Motors of Chillicothe for being such an excellent hometown youth supporter.

August FFA Meeting
August 24, 2011

Chillicothe FFA Chapter held their annual August meeting on August 24, 2011. The meeting was held at the Litton Agriculture Campus and served as a new member orientation. FFA advisors report that there are 52 new freshmen, of which 45 of the new members attended. There were about 175 FFA members present along with about 85 parents.

Parents receiving information from Mr. Martin.

Attendees enjoyed the FFA opening ceremonies presented by the Chapter Officers. The group was then broken into two groups, one for parents and one for students. The parents were given an overview of what to expect as an FFA parent.

The student group participated in mixers, games, and were able to ask questions of the officers. Students in the Chillicothe FFA Chapter are from Chillicothe, Bosworth, and Southwest.

Students participating in a game called "Ships and Sailors" conducted by the officer team.

Summer Events 2011

Chillicothe FFA Chapter Officer Retreat
August 3-4, 2011

On August 3-4, 2011, the Chillicothe FFA Officer teams held their annual officer retreat, this year at Mozingo Lake in Maryville, Missouri. The retreat focused on activities planning, communication skills, teamwork, and leadership. The officer teams set goals, planned activities for the chapter, worked on team building skills, and had a little fun. The officer teams also tested their skills at the Mozingo Outdoor Education Recreation Area (MOERA). The MOERA course included a climbing wall, alpine climbing tower, and a low element course. This course was designed to help groups challenge their team intellectually and physically, as well as build team unity, develop climbing skills, enhance leadership, self esteem, and empowerment. While there, the students also learned basic techniques of tying climbing knots, belaying skills, climbing safety, and climbing commands. When the work was over, the officers enjoyed swimming at the lake and having some good fun around the camp fire.

Back L to R - Paige Peters, Elizabeth Warren, Jordan Huddleston, Faith Peters, Haley Thompson, Mindi Prindle; Front L to R -
Lizzie McCoy, Kayla Riddle, Brittany Stanfield, Cyrsten Lollar, Hope Peters, Dani Moore, Quinten Lewis, Brandon Bothwell

Washington Leadership Conference

Washington D.C. - Devinn Ashford, Lynzie Colvin, Jordan Huddleston, Kelsey Jones, Jake McKiddy, Dani Moore, Daniel Nowland, Hope Peters, Haley Thompson, and Jennifer Waits of the Chillicothe FFA Chapter attended the 2011 Washington Leadership Conference on July 26-31, 2011 in the nation's capital. The conference is an activity of the National FFA Organization in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Education.

Back L to R - Jennifer Waits, Jordan Huddleston, Jake McKiddy, Daniel Nowland, Hope Peters, Levy Randolph (WLC Staff);
Front L to R - Dani Moore, Kelsey Jones, Lynzie Colvin, Haley Thompson, Devinn Ashford

Each year, FFA members from all over the United States travel to Washington, D.C. to attend the Washington Leadership Conference (WLC). During the five-day event, attendees learn how to become effective leaders by teaching them to know their purpose, value people, take action, and serve others. They leave WLC with the knowledge and the confidence to act in ways that help their schools, community, and their country.

The capstone event of the Washington Leadership Conference is the civic engagement activity, where participants apply the things they've learned at the conference to a real, hands-on service activity. The National FFA Organization partners work with several community service agencies in the D.C.-area to identify needs that WLC participants can help address. Through the years, WLC participants have contributed over 23,000 hours of service through these activities. Students from Chillicothe conducted community service activities at a local thrift store, animal shelter, and also packaged 55,000 meals for malnutritioned children.

This summer, more than 2300 FFA members will attend one of the conference's seven week-long sessions. Students also increase their understanding of the nation's heritage with visits to Arlington National Cemetery, the Jefferson, Lincoln, and Roosevelt Memorials, Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Ford�s Theater, White House, Washington Monument, Smithsonian's, and other historic sights in Washington, D.C.

The five members from Chillicothe had sponsorship from the following organizations, Jerry Litton Family Foundation, Chillicothe Young Agri-Leaders, Trans Ova Genetics, American Family Insurance - Janet McCauslin agent, Chillicothe FFA Alumni, DQ Precision Planting - George & Marta Quinn, Monsanto, Dan & Wilma Graham United Country Real Estate, and MO FFA Alumni Association. The group would like to thank these sponsors for their help with the trip.

Back L to R - Jordan Huddleston, Daniel Nowland, Jake McKiddy;
Middle L to R - Haley Thompson, Kelsey Jones, Devinn Ashford, Dani Moore;
Front L to R - Hope Peters, Jennifer Waits, Lynzie Colvin

FFA's mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. Chillicothe FFA is a part of the Agricultural Education Program at the Grand River Technical School and is composed of students from Bosworth, Chillicothe, and Southwest schools.

Team Purebred Show
July 5-8, 2011
Nine local FFA and 4-H members attended the National Team Purebred Show in Springfield IL, July 5th through the 8th. Students exhibited swine, participated in judging contest and other contest throughout the week. The students attending were: Eric Davis, Taylor Daley, Michaela Mammen, Brittany Mammen, Quentin Lewis, Anthony Peniston, Trent Putnam, Terrance Smith and Jordan Hall.

Area II Sports Day
July 11, 2011
On July 11, 2011, the Chillicothe FFA participated in the Area II FFA Sports Day in Trenton, Missouri. This softball tournament represents a reward for members as well as a time for fellowship. There were approximately 80 area members present and everyone seemed to enjoy the day.

Area FFA Officer Leadership Development Institute
June 17 and 18, 2011
Kaiser, MO - The Area II FFA Officer Team attended the Area FFA Officer Institute June 17 and 18, 2011 at Camp Rising Sun. The Institute sponsored by Toyota and the Missouri FFA Association was held at Camp Rising Sun located within the Lake of the Ozarks State Park.

The Institute provided leadership training for over 150 Area FFA Officers from across Missouri. Area FFA Officers attended leadership development sessions led by past National and State FFA officers to learn time management techniques, how to present workshops, and develop their communication and personal skills. Area Officers will share what they learned at the Institute with FFA members in their communities and surrounding area. The Area II FFA Officer Team includes: President Loren Fox - Trenton, 1st Vice President Samantha Gibson - Norborne, 2nd Vice President Mindi Prindle - Chillicothe, Secretary Courtney Warford - Pattonsburg, Treasurer Madison Huston - Jamesport, Reporter Kayla Groebe - Cameron, Sentinel Jake Letner - Princeton, Parliamentarian Carlie Powers - Polo, Chaplain Anna Grace - Albany, and Historian Rachel Dotson - Hamilton.

The National FFA Organization makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Nationally there are over 500,000 FFA members. Missouri ranks 4th in the nation with over 24,000 FFA members.

Chillicothe FFA Members Attend Leadership Camp
June 13-17, 2011
Thirty-three FFA members attended State FFA Leadership Camp at Camp Rising Sun in Lake of the Ozarks State Park June13-17. The members attended leadership sessions, waterfront and archery instruction sessions, Mainstreet Opry, as well as competed in various leadership and athletic contest. Kayla Riddle was selected as All-Around Camper. The following nine members received the State Leadership Medal because of their hard work and attendance at various leadership workshops and contests: Quentin Lewis, Bridgett Kieffer, Kerrigan Cosgrove, Kayla Riddle, Kaitlin Hightower, Jennifer Waits, Blake Rasmussen, Cyrsten Lollar, Carley Anderson.

Leadership Conference
June 2, 2011
On June 2, 2011 the Chapter and Assistant officers from the Chillicothe FFA Chapter attended the MO FFA LEAD Conference on the NCMC Campus in Trenton, Missouri. The conference was sponsored by the FFA Leadership Fund, the Learn, Educate, Advance Develop (LEAD) conference brings officers and their advisors together as they start off a new year as a new officer team. The officers identified specific values and traits he or she brings to the team, assess which roles he or she can effectively play within their team, and utilize strategies to resolve potential team conflicts.

Pictured Back Row L to R: Paige Peters, Tucker Jones, Jordan Huddleston, Brandon Bothwell, Faith Peters, Mindi Prindle, Elizabeth Warren; Front Row L to R: Lizzy McCoy, Madi Condron, Lynzie Colvin, Devinn Ashford, Alicia Kieffer, Jennifer Waits, Cyrsten Lollar, Dani Moore

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