By Adam Wachter, Secretary and Kaitlyn Flesner, Reporter

 

The Pierce High School FFA chapter kicked off their 2006-2007 year with 10 members attending COLT (Chapter Officer Leadership Training) Conference. These members consisted of seven senior officers and three junior officers. At this conference the senior team competed in opening ceremonies and placed first in their district. Throughout the summer, FFA members stayed busy with many projects and community services. The Pierce FFA members helped in cleaning up the grounds for the Pierce Threshing Bee, the Norfolk Rodeo, and the Pierce County Fair. As members of the FFA, students could also enter projects in the fair. The chapter had many entrees. Members also are responsible for their community service project which is to clean a two mile stretch of highway twice a year.

 

As the summer progressed, the chapter had several members participate in the local tractor driving contest. From there, members went on to compete in the state tractor driving contest which was held in Lincoln. Members that competed there placed 1st and 3rd. At the start of a new school year, ten Pierce FFA members attended the National FFA Convention held in Indianapolis. At this convention Pierce’s Adam Venteicher received first in his proficiency area.

 

This fall the Pierce FFA chapter has spent many hours trying to raise money to better the chapter and its community. During one of Pierce’s home football games, the chapter held a tailgate party to raise money for their St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital fundraiser. The $2,232.00 that was raised was later given to the US92 Radio-thon. The chapter’s annual fruit sales were also a big hit this year. Most of the proceeds raised went to the chapter, while donations went to St. Jude’s. In December, the chapter helped with conducting the annual blood drive that is held at Pierce High School. The chapter was able to compete in a wide variety of contests. These contests were held at Verdigre and the Northeast Community College.

 

During the month of February, Pierce’s FFA chapter took part in celebrating National FFA Week. Members helped celebrate this week by driving tractors throughout the town of Pierce before and after school, by having elementary students participate in a coloring contest, and by providing the faculty and local businesses with a complementary breakfast. Getting close to the end of the year, the chapter held their annual work-a-day auction.

 

Pierce’s officers had set a goal to have twenty-five SAE proficiency applications judged at the district level, but fell short with only twenty-three. After the applications had been judged at the district level, nine went on to be judged at the state level. Out of the applications that qualified for state, 3 were placed in the top three at the state level. Then, while at the 2007 State FFA Convention in March, one was awarded first in the state and will go on to be judged at the national level. With twenty members attending the convention, all got to help Adam Venteicher celebrate being the chapter’s first ever STAR winner. Also, many of the members participated in contests such as meat judging and food science. The chapter had one member sing in the FFA choir.

 

In concluding the 2006-2007 FFA year the annual banquet to honor all accomplishments throughout the year will be held. The chapter has many senior officers and members receiving scholarships, while others are receiving awards for all their dedication and hard work throughout the year. It has been a great journey with many unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.