CCHS senior Cael Ruzicka earns elite FFA scholarship; other FFA honors noted

By James Grob, jgrob@charlescitypress.com

Charles City High School senior Cael Ruzicka is one of just 13 recipients nationwide to be awarded a $10,000 scholarship from Darling Ingredients Inc., through the National FFA Organization.

The prize is the largest scholarship awarded through the National FFA. Nearly 1,000 other scholarships were awarded through the National FFA in 2021.

This scholarship is open to U.S. high school seniors who are members of FFA and pursuing a four-year degree in selected agricultural fields. Application requirements included a personal statement, an essay and a signature page.

The Charles City FFA enjoyed a pancake breakfast before it held its awards breakfast and program for the 2020-21 school year on May 20 at the Floyd County Youth Enrichment Center at the fairgrounds.

Iowa FFA Academic Achievement awards went to Gillian Anderson, Evan Bjelica, Kiki Connell, Ally Faulkner, Justin Heyer, Daniel Laube, Sarah Mitchell, Ryan Nettleton, Cael Ruzicka, Drew Staudt and Alec Staudt.

The Charles City FFA officer team is President Brady Frascht, Vice President Lydia Staudt and Secretary Zach Chambers, as well as Brayton Quade, Ashlyn Hoeft, Lilly Luft, Natalie White, Makayla Kelly and Delany Ruzicka.

Gillian Anderson received the Leadership Award, Brady Frascht was awarded FFA Member of the Year, Kiki Connell was awarded the DeKalb Scholarship, Justin Heyer received the Star in Agriculture Business, Daniel Laube received the Star in Placement, Ally Faulkner received the Star in Agriculture Science and Drew Staudt received the Star Farmer Award.

Cael Ruzicka was Star Senior, Lydia Staudt was the Star Junior and Delaney Ruzicka was the Star Sophomore. Taylor Quade was Star Greenhand.

Individuals and businesses receiving Blue and Gold Awards for being supporters of the local FFA chapter were Swartzrock Implement, Steve Eastmen, Steve and Amy Bouska, Frascht Farms/Seeds Plus and Nick Bjelica. CCHS Associate Principal Larry Wolfe received the Honorary Chapter Degree.