Shenandoah FFA boasts state champions, finalists

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Months of hard work, determination, and perseverance paid off for scores of FFA members from the Shenandoah FFA Chapter, Middletown, Ind.

Over 40 chapter members traveled to the 82nd Indiana FFA State Convention on the campus of Purdue University from June 13-15 to compete in a variety of leadership contests. The members were rewarded as they broke a number of state records with their overwhelming successes. The chapter traveled back to the northwest corner of Henry County with 26 state finalists and 13 state champions. 

Additionally, the chapter earned the Big Ten Chapter Award and was recognized as one of only four chapters as a Model of Innovation in Community Development and as a Model of Innovation in Student Development. The chapter takes tremendous pride in serving its community and those efforts were also rewarded. The chapter received first place in the state, a $1,000 award sponsored by Monsanto, in the Living to Serve Community Initiative for helping to better the communities in which they live. 

“We, as a chapter, are extremely humbled by the tremendous success of our students,” said Trent Fredenburg, chapter advisor. “Yet, we are proud to see all of their hours of dedication pay off for these young leaders.”
In the area of Leadership Career Development Events, Shenandoah earned four state championships, one reserve and one third place. State champions included the Agricultural Issues Forum team of Sloan Griggs, Annaliese Hillman, Katey Phipps, Katie Wilson, Kelli Morton; the Chapter Meeting team comprised of LeAra DeBruhl, Ann McCambridge, Miranda Minnick, Rachael Harless, Victoria Blessinger, Annaliese Hillman, Sloan Griggs, Hayley Randall, Katey Phipps, Sydney Goyette; the Novice Chapter Meeting team included Nathan DeYoung, McKenna Resler, Kassy Pierce, Wyatt Bivens, Raquel Welch, Shenna Fletcher, Chandler Hale, Madison Hensley, Adrianne Trennepohl, Devin DeBruhl, Nick Hummel; and state champion in Freshman Public Speaking, Kassy Pierce. 
This was the first time in the history of the contests that a single chapter won state championships in both the highly competitive Chapter Meeting Contest and Novice Chapter Meeting Contest. Ivy Walker, Annaliese Hillman, Breana Perry and Jarob Bramlett showcased their talent to earn reserve state champion. Placing third in the Agricultural Communications Contest was the team of Breana Perry, Megan Chapman, Sydney Goyette, Miranda Minnick and JD Middleton.

“I enjoy the opportunity to compete in leadership contests the most,” added Sloan Griggs, chapter president. “The leadership and communication skills that we are building today in a fun, exciting team environment will last a lifetime.”
Members also showcased their Supervised Agricultural Experiences to state success by receiving proficiency awards. State champions in this area included Ross Crabill, Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance; Joshua Manis, Agricultural Services; Ross Crabill, Diversified Agricultural Production; Justin Phenis, Diversified Crop Production; Ashton Shirley, Floriculture; Victoria Blessinger, Forage Production; Kate Hillman, Home and/or Community Development; Steven Wisehart, Landscape Management; Katey Phipps, Poultry Production. State finalists were Sloan Griggs, Agricultural Communications; Bryce Troxell, Agricultural Mechanics Design and Fabrication; Taylor Real, Agricultural Mechanics Design and Fabrication; LeAra DeBruhl, Agricultural Sales; Luke Cronk, Diversified Livestock Production; Justin Phenis, Fiber and/or Oil Crop Production; Johnny Slivka, Nursery Operations; Jarob Bramlett, Outdoor Recreation; Alexis Oldham, Swine Production; Kirstyn Pierce, Swine Production; Travis Rider, Turf Grass Management.

Melissa Lovett, chapter advisor, says, “Supervised Agricultural Experiences add another great opportunity to an already diverse portfolio of career development that FFA offers.”

Two Shenandoah FFA members have also been elected to serve their fellow members beyond the chapter level. Annaliese Hillman was elected to serve the 16 chapters of District IX as Vice President. 

Also, Sloan Griggs was elected to serve as Section III Director representing the 54 chapters in districts VII, VIII and IX on the Indiana Executive Committee. Additionally, eight chapter members received the state’s highest degree, the Hoosier Degree. 

They included Luke Cronk, Sloan Griggs, Annaliese Hillman, Alexis Oldham, Katey Phipps, Kirstyn Pierce, Johnny Slivka and Tadessa Thompson.

Shenandoah FFA is a dynamic youth organization that strives to make a difference in the lives of its members through leadership and career involvement in the food, fiber, and natural resources industry. 135 members strong, the chapter has ranked in the top ten chapters in Indiana for 25 years and consistently ranks among the top 2 percent of chapters in the nation.



"Shenandoah FFA boasts state champions, finalists." Farm World 29 6. 2011. 29 6. 2011 <http://www.farmworldonline.com/News/NewsArticle.asp?newsid=12838>.