On April 3-5, twelve members of the Alliance FFA Chapter attended the 85 Nebraska State FFA Convention in Lincoln, Nebraska. Six teams competed in various Career Development Events and Leadership Skills Events.
The Senior Livestock Judging Team, consisting of juniors Krista Carter, Roy Kesterson, Chase Dye, and freshman Cody Henderson placed thirteenth overall and received a blue ribbon. Krista Carter was the Champion Individual of the Livestock Judging competition and received a gold medal and a $500 dollar scholarship to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Roy Kesterson received a blue ribbon and Cody Henderson received a red ribbon in the same competition.
The Agricultural Demonstration team of senior Ashtyn Shrewsbury, juniors Krista Carter, Chase Dye, and Roy Kesterson received third place and a gold medal. The team’s Ag Demo focused on Artificial Insemination, and the competition required them to deliver an eight to ten minute presentation on the process. The team members all agreed that their presentation at State was “…by far the best we have ever done.”
The Livestock Management team of senior Ashtyn Shrewsbury, juniors Krista Carter and Chase Dye, sophomore Jamie Thompson, and freshmen Cody Henderson and Trevor Leisy received a red ribbon. In the area of Sheep Management, the same team was awarded second place.
In the area of Veterinary Sciences, the team of Ashtyn Shrewsbury, Roy Kesterson, Chase Dye, and Krista Carter placed sixth. Roy Kesterson was awarded a purple ribbon and tenth place, Ashtyn Shrewsbury earned a blue ribbon, Chase Dye earned a red ribbon, and Krista Carter received a white ribbon. Roy Kesterson said he was “…very surprised to place in the top ten. It was funny because I was just thrown on the team on the day before State.”
The Natural Resources team of sophomores Cheyl Aby, Tess Benham, Brent Thomas, and Shelbie Bolinger did not receive a team ribbon, however, the team members did well individually with Cherl Aby receiving a red ribbon and Tess Benham receiving a white.
Sophomore Amanda Lower gave a speech in the area of Natural Resources Speaking. Amanda gave her speech on the current drought and its impact on water usage. Her speech received a bronze medal.
Also at State Convention Ashtyn Shrewsbury was elected onto the 2013-2014 Nebraska State Officer Team as a Vice President. Ashtyn began her State Officer quest in March when she went through 2 days of preliminary interviews. At the preliminary interviews the field of 38 candidates was narrowed down to 17. The 17 interviewed extensively at State Convention, and then on the last night of Convention, Ashtyn was elected to her position. Ashtyn also received second place for her proficiency in the area of Health and Human Services.
Three members of the Alliance FFA chapter received their Nebraska State Degrees: Ashtyn Shrewsbury, Krista Carter, and Chase Dye. The Nebraska State Degree is the highest honor that can be bestowed on the members from the State Association.
The Alliance FFA also received a silver award in the area of Natural Resources for their work with water testing and the Alliance High School greenhouse. The chapter also received a merit award for the Feed Nebraska program, which is a program dedicated on raising awareness and support for local food pantries.
Advisor Lori Walla said she was “…very pleased with how Alliance did as a whole. We had some successes in individual contests, and we have a fairly young group who will keep growing and succeeding. I am proud of all of our kids.”
Congratulations to all members that participated in the 85 State FFA Convention.
