Charles City FFA students attend leadership conference, score honors

By Jacie Wink, Charles City FFA Reporter

A group of FFA students headed to Hilton Coliseum in Ames on April 23 to compete in various competitions at the 90th FFA State Leadership Conference.

The two-day event was filled with activities. Students could watch various competitions, walk around the event center looking at booths, or sit in on sessions held in Hilton Coliseum. Booths were set up and free items were frequently given away. New technology in agricultural and industrial advancements were on display.

The sessions, led by the Iowa officer team, included talent acts, awarding of scholarships and SAE (supervised agricultural experience) awards and event sponsors were credited. Awards were handed out for the winners of each competition and the retiring officers gave their final speeches.

The keynote speaker at the event was Mandy Harvey, who is an award-winning singer, songwriter and inspirational speaker who lost her residual hearing at the age of 19. Harvey tours the world performing her original music and presenting her inspirational story of never giving up and continuing to try. She calls these messages “Wisdom For Life.”

Charles City ag instructor Bret Spurgin was also recognized at the conference, because it had been 10 years since he held office on the state officer team.

Iowa FFA Degree recipients from Charles City were Bailee Bortz, Josh Halligan, Lee Hoeft, Kelby Katcher, Makayla Nierling, Sadie Ruzicka and Ciana Sonberg.

Competitions the CCFFA chapter competed in and awards received were:

• Individual Ag Sales — Hannah Baljeu, 3rd Place Gold.

• Ag Issues — Madee Tjaden, Blake Frascht, Max Deeter, Nathan Schultz, Cassie DeBower, Bronson Forsythe and Cael Ruzicka; 4th Place Gold.

• Team Ag Sales — Bailee Bortz, Kelby Katcher, Jacie Wink and Marissa Daniels; 11th Place Gold; Bailee Bortz, 7th Individual.

• Creed Speaker — Ally Faulkner, Silver.

• Conduct of Meetings —  President Drew Staudt, Vice President Kiki Connell, Secretary Ryan Nettleton, Treasurer Gillian Anderson, Reporter Sarah Mitchell, Sentinel Evan Bjelica and Advisor Justin Heyer; Silver.

• Ag CSI — Lydia Staudt, Brady Frascht, Rachel Chambers, Chase Crooks and Zach Chambers; Silver.

• Poultry — Lee Hoeft, Lynn Hoeft, Anna Krumwiede and Lauren Connell; Bronze.

• Marketing Plan — Amelia Rottinghaus, Jacob White and Tanner Heitz; Bronze.

• Farm Business Management — Josh Halligan, Jordan Wulff, Caleb Hejna and Dylan Bilharz; Bronze.

• Greenhand Quiz — Alec Staudt, Silver; Allie Cross, Bronze.

• Academic Achievement Awards — Bailee Bortz, Lee Hoeft, Kelby Katcher, Makayla Nierling, Sadie Ruzicka and Ciana Sonberg.