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Blue Jackets, Bright Futures
By Brittanee Deeringer
"I Believe....," the short phrase that begins all 5 paragraphs of the FFA Creed just one of the many contests
at National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana October 24-27. The Grundy Center FFA chapter was represented by the following
seven GCHS students; Freshmen Katie Delagardelle, Blake Hook, Nick Itzen, Lara Neher and Chase Strickler, Sophmore Brittanee
Deeringer and Junior Marcus Schuller. The students were able to explore the the John Deere Pavillion in Moline, the Career
Show, Dow AgroSciences, Opening Session, the Indianapolis Speedway, and a Montgomery Gentry concert.
The students will never be able to forget the keynote speaker at the Opening Session, Rick Rigsby's inspirational note,
"Good enough isn't good enough if it can be better, and better isn't good enough if it can be best."
The whole trip was a great learning expirence for the students. Ways to improve Suprivised Agriculture Expiriences and
ideas for new members. The theme of this year's National FFA Convention was "Blue Jackets, Bright Futures" reinforeces
what FFA is all about; providing opportunities today to build leaders tomorrow. Although FFA has seen alot of changes one
thing has stayed consistent; the chance to experience personal growth and development oppurtunities that may one day make
a difference in your career choices. The National FFA Convention continues to be the most widely attended student convention
in the world after 80 years. With students from Alaska to Puerto Rico and Maine to Hawaii.
Other FFA News: Fruit sales. Members will be selling through November 9th. Get your fruit TODAY.
Leadership vs. Followership
By Brittanee Deeringer
Who knew following could be just as important as leading? Followership, a word not many use but yet as important as leadership.
When you think being a leader you might think of team captain, class president, or even being "popular" in your
class, but leadership is the capability of guiding others in direction. When showing leadership a student might possess responsibility,respecting
others views, trust in others opinions and ideas. Being a leader isn't always the most important thing. Followership can effect
not only the leader but also other followers.
"Follow what you love!...Don't deign to ask whay "they" are looking for out there. Ask what you have inside,"
a quote from Georgie Anne Geyer
A great example of leadership and followership is in the movie Remember the Titans. The team pulls together and shows
team orientation with the decisions made in the locker room, on the field, and in the many situations where discrimination
is shown in the movie.
"Being a leader is important for me because I can show other people how to do things," states Ashley Buchanan,
a junior at GCHS.
GC GREENHOUSE
OPENS This Spring!
The GC
Greenhouse, a project of the Ag Ed Department and FFA, will be selling bedding and garden plants this spring. You may have noticed the foliage and blooms in the greenhouse tucked behind the high school. These plants grown by the Horticulture class will be for sale starting Friday, April 27th. Over
75 different plants/varieties will be available. Plus several different vegetables
and over 15 different types of perennials! These will be sold in an assortment
of ways from packs and small pots to planters, hanging baskets and even hanging pouches.
Check us out for your plant needs this spring and Support Grundy Center High School students, and the ag program. Gift Certificates are available. Open Monday through Thursday 8 – 4, Friday 8 – 6, and Saturdays 8 – 12 starting April
27th. Contact a Horticulture student or Brian Feldpausch for more information at 825-5449
Ext 327 or bfeldpausch@spartanpride.net
Grundy Center
FFA Presents Awards at Banquet
The Grundy Center FFA Chapter
celebrated a successful year at the annual banquet on March 22. Awards were presented
to many deserving members who participated in activities throughout the year, Outstanding member awards were presented, horary
chapter members were recognized, and the 2007-2008 Officers were installed.
The Outstanding member awards
were presented to: Senior, Jen Graves; Junior, Andy Peters; Sophomore, Jordan
Berumez; Freshman, Brittanee Deeringer. The DeKalb Outstanding Student Award
was presented to Ben Simms. The Austin Tjepkes Memorial Award was presented to
Ryan Noteboom. Heather Kitzman was recognized as the Iowa FFA Rising Star Nominee
for the chapter.
District FFA SAE Proficiency
Awards were presented. Drew Scott received a Silver rating in the area of Vegetable
Production Entrepreneurship. Andy Peters received a Silver rating in Specialty
Animal Production Entrepreneurship and advanced to state competition. Chapter
SAE Proficiency awards were presented to Scott, Peters, Kevin Haupt, Ryan Noteboom, Lance Moeller, Jen Moeller, Brittany Noteboom,
Ben Deters, Tim Husack, Chad Meyer, Jordan Berumez, and Heather Kitzman.
Honorary Chapter FFA Degrees
were presented to supporters of the greenhouse project. These went to: Monsanto Seeds, Beaman; Pioneer Hi-Breds, Reinbeck;
Grundy County Farm Bureau, Curt Tjepkes, and Grundy Center School Foundation.
The 2007-2008 Officers were
also installed. Officer for next year Jen Moeller, President; Andy Peters, Vice
President; Heather Kitzman, Secretary; Matt Kitzman, Treasurer; Brittanee Deeringer, Reporter; and Michelle
Curtiss, Sentinel.
Banquet Held March 30th
The Grundy
Center FFA Chapter conducted its annual FFA Banquet this past week. Award winners
at this year’s banquet included the following members. Star Chapter Farmer,
DeKalb Outstanding Senior Ag Student, and Austin Tjepkes Scholarship went to Lucas Neher.
Star Greenhand and Washington DC Leadership Conferenc Scholarship Award was presented to Jordan Berumez. Outstanding Class awards: Freshman – Jordan Berumez, Sophomores – Jenn Moeller, Junior –
Brittany Noteboom, Seniors – Jen Graves. Top Fruit Salesmen – Heather
and Matt Kitzman and Jordan Berumez. The chapter also recognized all career development
event participants at the sub-district, district, and state level. Mrs. Joan
Schuller was presented the Honorary Chapter FFA Degree for her assistance and support of the chapter.
Grundy
Center FFA Competes in Contests
The Grundy Center FFA
competed in Sub-District FFA Leadership Career Development Events, Thursday November 17.
The purpose of the events is to improve students critical
thinking, communication, and leadership skills. Twelve members competed
in these contests which are the qualifying events for the district and state contests.
Three events qualified for the district event to be held in March in Swea City. Those winning and earning
a Gold rating included Kim LaTendresse in Job Interview, Heather Kitzman in Creed Speaking, and the Conduct of Meetings Team consisting of Jordan Gage, Michelle Curtis, Christine Sents,
Audrey Claussen, Jordan Berumez, Dalen Jackson, and Travis Hook. Other participants
earning a Silver rating included Sean Thurm in Ag Sales, Ryan Noteboom in Extemperaneous Speaking, Brittany Noteboom in Radio Broadcasting, and Elise Fiscus in Public Speaking.
National FFA Convention
Louisville, Ky -
Matt Simms and Devan Green 2003 Grundy Center High School graduates, were bestowed the American FFA Degree at this years
National FFA Convention. The American FFA Degree is the highest honor in the
FFA, less only one-half of one percent of FFA members earn this distinction. The
degree recognizes outstanding commitment to leadership, Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE), classroom achievement, and
service.
In addition, Grundy Center FFA members Kimberly LanTendresse, Drew Scott, Dalen Jackson, Jordan Berumez, Sean Thurm,
Heather Kitzman, and Matthew Kitzman represented the high school at this years National FFA Convention.
Chapter members visited the world’s largest career show with over
375 agricultural businesses, commodity groups, and colleges. Members had the
chance to learn about programs, scholarships, and future employment opportunities. Members
heard from Amanda Gore, a leading psychologist and motivational speaker about dealing with everyday stresses and maintaining
a positive outlook on life. Members watched National FFA Leadership Competitions,
and attended leadership workshops. The chapter toured Huber Orchards and Vineyards
and learned about agri-tourism, value added agriculture, and direct farmer to consumer marketing. Members also toured Churchill Downs, Louisville
Slugger Museum,
and enjoyed FFA sponsored evenings at Six Flags and Louisville’s
Haunted Forest
and Hospital.
FFA is a national youth organization of 490,000 student members preparing for leadership
and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture with 7,308 local chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico
and the ViFFA strives to make a positive difference in the lives of students
by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
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