2015 ffa tribute.pdf

8/9/2019 2015 FFA Tribute.pdf

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/2015-ffa-tributepdf 1/12



By: T.J. Hug

THE VILLAGE REPORTER

Putting their skills to practical use has always been

the goal for the Edon chapter of the Future Farmers of

America. The current roster of FFA members in Bomb-er country exhibits this trait as well as any other in the

school’s history.

Chapter members spent part of the year mastering thecraft of cement art. Using plastic molds, the students were

able to create cement baseballs, footballs, pictures, Bat-man and Superman symbols, and even Bomber planes.

Not only does their work in cement art demonstrate thatthe Edon FFA has technical knowledge on building the

crafts, but displays their artistic side as well.

It was also members of the Edon FFA who built a dump-

ster for this year’s school musical “The Wedding Singer.” They shaped the prop from a large chunk of wood, which

they also painted blue for the show. Their latest endeavor is to build a smoker before the

year is over. Phillip Richmond is the architect behind thisplan. The senior found a “big fuel drum” in his basement

years ago. His father originally had the plan to transform

it into a smoker, but the younger Richmond will likelybeat him to the punch. The smoker will ideally be used

at the end of the year to roast an entire hog in an end ofthe year celebration, something about which the chapter’s

president, Garrett Trausch is quite adamant.“We’re going to do it!” Trausch’s enthusiasm ringing in

his words.

Four members of the program will be earning theirState Degrees come May. Kyle Long, Morgan Hiller, Tyler

Seamen, and Keith Brown will all be bestowed with theprestigious award at the State FFA Convention in Colum-

bus. There is also one former student coming back to earnhis American Degree for the Edon FFA. Recent graduate

Alex Baker will be making his return in order to receive

the organization’s highest honor. Two things are very apparent about the Edon FFA.

First, they really enjoy working with their hands. Second,

their members are driven and highly motivated, as is ap-parent not only in their projects, but the high number ofdegree recipients for the year as well.

T.J. Hug can be reached at [email protected]

2 - “THE VILLAGE REPORTER” - 2015 FFA TRIBUTE WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18TH, 2015

PARRISH FARMS

Home Of C ha mp ions S in ce 1953

Howard: 419-272-2852www.thepigpage.com

email: [email protected]/4 Miles EastOf Edon, OH

-Total number of members: 82 kids-Male members: 54 boys

-Female members: 28 girls-Eighth Grade members: 14 kids

-Freshmen members: 11 kids

-Sophomore members: 26 kids-Junior members: 17 kids

-Senior members: 14 kids

2014 -2015 Edon Future Farmers Of America Chapter

2014-2015 Edon FFA Ofcers

Charting The Edon FFA

2014 - 2015 EDON NORTHWEST LOCAL SCHOOLS FFA CHAPTER

By: T.J. HugTHE VILLAGE REPORTER

It must be an odd feel-ing to have the same teach-

er that one’s own fatherlearned from in school.

Well, unless that personwas taking an agricultural

class at Edon High School.

For three years, KyleLong was one of many Edon

Future Farmers of America(FFA) to be a second gener-

ation student of Paul Stohl,who had taught at Edon

longer than most people

can remember. While Mr.Stohl is now enjoying his

retirement, Long easily rec-ognizes the impact his for-

mer teacher has had on theschool’s FFA program.

“Mr. Stohl really built a

great program here.”And that program is

something in which theEdon senior takes great

pride.“We’re the strongest FFA

chapter around here,” Long

proclaimed. “We’re reallyinvolved in the community.”

His connection to farm-ing goes well beyond his

membership in the FFA,or even his father, Steven

Long’s tenure with the orga-

nization, however. Instead,the younger Long’s agricul-

tural roots can be tracedback to his grandparents.

The elder Longs owned

their own farm, on whichSteven and Kyle worked for

many years. Of course, theland has since been willed

to Steven, keeping the landwithin the family.

It was the experienceof working on his family’sfarm that motivated Kyle

to join the FFA. His drivedidn’t stop with member-

ship, though. Over his four years in the program, Long

has held multiple ofces,

such as Recreational Lead-er and Historian. Currently,

he is serving as Vice Presi-dent for the organization.

One of Long’s mostmemorable moments in

the FFA occurred during

the National Convention in2012, which was held in

Indianapolis. While attend-ing, he found there wasn’t a

lack of things to do.“It was a week where we

got to experience a lot of

things.”But it was one experi-

ence that sticks out in hismind. At one point during

the trip, all fty-ve thou-sand national members

gathered together on the

city’s roadways.“They closed down the

streets,” Long recalled. “Wewere all dressed the same.

We kind of looked like a

cult.”Perhaps the memories

made at this year’s StateConvention in May will be

the ones to stay with him

for years to come. Long isone of four Edon members

who will be receiving theirState Degree at the event.

His father’s teacher

would be proud.


Kyle Long: Continuing A Great Agricultural Tradition

Kaden Sapp

“It teaches you skills thatyou can take with you

later in life.”

Asks Edon FFA Members ...

“WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ASPECT OF THE FFA?”

Phillip Richmond

“Being with all your friends because you have

fun and learn a lot of

stuff.”

Kyle Long

“Meeting new people fromacross the state.”

Kenneth Ordway

“Learning to become aleader and meeting new

people.”

Garrett Trausch

“The FFA supports agriculture, and that’s some-

thing I believe in.”

www.tristategrowerssupply.com

Front Row: Kenny Ordway (Recreation Leader), McKenna Trausch (2nd Vice President), Eliza Zulch (Student Advisor),

Samantha Trausch (Historian), and Phillip Richmond (Secretary). Back Row: Tyler Seaman (Treasurer) Kyle Long(Vice President) Garrett Trausch (President) Kaden Sapp (Reporter), Jordan Winebernner (Sentinel), and Evan Fisk

(Parliamentarian). (Not Pictured: Heath Brown, Chaplain)

DimensionHardwood

Veneers, Inc.509 WOODVILLE STREET - EDON

ROTARY VENEER MILL

Buying Standing Timber & Cut Logs. All

Species Including Hard Maple, Soft Maple,

Beech & Oak

Contact Mark Tingley

419-272-2245

Williams Soil & Water

Conservation District

1120 W. High St.

Bryan, Ohio

419-636-9395 Ext 101



By: T.J. Hug


Garrett Trausch doesn't like to make

things too complicated. It's not that hecan't handle complexity, as he's proven he

can on several occasions. It's just his na-ture to nd joy in the simpler aspects in

life.For example, he doesn't worry about

following some sort of family legacy when

it comes to farming. For Trausch, there's amuch easier to understand reason for his

attraction to agriculture.“I farm. My family farms,” Trausch ex-

plained. “It's in the blood.”Not that he needed the conrmation on

the subject, but Trausch has earned his

Farming Degree through the FFA. So hisdestiny is both in the blood and the ink.

In his sophomore campaign, Trauschwas named the chapter's Chaplin. Not an

especially religious person, Trausch still

isn't exactly sure how that happened.

“I just kind of got the job,” he remem-bered.

The next year he became a Sentinel.It was in this role that Trausch learned

to take on more responsibility. The ofce

also encouraged him to develop his publicspeaking skills.

Now he is serving a term as the EdonFFA President, putting those skills to good

use.In a remarkable accomplishment,

Trausch was able to earn his State Degree

as a junior last year. He received the awardin Columbus during the FFA's State Con-

vention. What does he remember mostabout the feat?

“I got to walk across the stage.”

And, in doing so, Trausch put himselfdirectly in front of, at the very least, ten

thousand people.Winning such a prestigious honor so

early into his time in the Edon FFA, one

would think that doing so would be themost memorable thing he's done with the

organization. They would be wrong.So what is it that Trausch is most proud

of in his time with the FFA?

Tractor Drives.During FFA Week, there is a day in

which chapter members drive their trac-tors into the garage portion of the school's

workshop. Then, the younger students areallowed to see them up close, and even in-

teract with them. It's an event the fourth

year FFA member cherishes.“All the kids get to climb around on the

big toys,” recalled Trausch, “and then, see-ing all their faces light up.”

There is another thing in which Trausch

takes great pride, and that would be hisrocking chair. He made it himself, fash-

ioned from metal. The materials for thechair came from steel wheels off of a plant-

er, as pipes and wire mesh helped to shapethe chair as well.

Of course, it wasn't enough just to make

the furniture piece, it had to look good also. Therefore, Trausch did what anybody in

his position would do; he painted the chairwith the Alice Challenger logo.

It's amazing that such an accomplished

young man is less interested in what ac-colades he's received, and more into mak-

ing kids happy and what he's built with hisown two hands.

It really is the simpler things in life...T.J. Hug can be reached at

[email protected]

PHOTO PROVIDED

FARMING IS IN HIS BLOOD ... Gar-ret Trausch earned his Farming Degree

through the FFA and serves as Edon’s FFAPresident.


There are few things in

life more challenging thanfollowing in the footsteps of

a legendary gure. Some-

one who is so closely asso-ciated with their profession

that it is difcult to distin-guish between the person

and their trade.Of course, it helps when

said legend hand picks that

person to take his place.In this instance, that

person is Hannah Cros-sen, who is in her rst

year of teaching Agricul-tural Education at Edon

High School. Paul Stohl,who taught the subject atEdon since two days after

the beginning of time, at-tempted to retire last year,

which didn’t quite work out

the way he planned. So, inhis second attempt to walk

away from the job, he setabout choosing his own

successor.It didn’t take long for him to call Cros-

sen.

Having received her Teaching degreefrom Ohio State University, spent the pre-

vious year teaching at North Union HighSchool, which is located by Marysville.

“We’ve been personal friends for a few years,” the new instructor explained their

connection.

Having worked at the State level of theFuture Farmers of America, Crossen was

already well versed in the reputation ofthe Edon chapter.

“I knew it was a great program,” Cros-sen stated. “It was a pretty easy choice

once Paul called.”

There was another reason Crossen waseager to accept the Edon vacancy. Her -

ance, Christopher Everetts, resides inEdgerton.

While Stohl may have selected her ashis replacement, that doesn’t mean they

do things in the same manner. Far from

it, actually.“Ms. Crossen does things by the book,

which we are not used to at all,” Garrett Trausch, President of the Edon FFA, con-

fessed. “We’re starting to turn her our

way, though.”Ms. Crossen disagrees.

“No,” she stated plainly when confront-ed with Trausch’s statement.

Crossen does admit that, in her rst year, the students have had to make some

adjustments.

“It’s very different from what they’reused to.”

The biggest difference between Stohl’sand Crossen’s respective styles, however,

has less to do with her personal prefer-ences, and more to do with the changing

standards in agricultural education. In

today’s academically inuenced world,

those classes are now more demandingfrom a book learning perspective than inthe past. While hands on work is still val-

ued, modern students are expected to bemore balanced in their education.

Things are a bit different for Crossen

as well, however. She has found that thepeople of Edon are more supportive of the

FFA than the residents of the North UnionSchool District. It’s not that her those

people had an issue with some of the proj-ects Crossen would set out to accomplish.

Rather, they simply did not have the same

level of understanding about such thingsthat a deeply agricultural community like

Edon does.“Here, everyone is involved in agricul-

ture in some way,” Crossen pointed out. That level of support is something that

will make replacing a local legend likePaul Stohl just a little bit easier.


WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18TH, 2015 “THE VILLAGE REPORTER” - 2015 FFA TRIBUTE - 3

Good Luck Edon Bombers!

“We make hydraulic hoses”

Slatter

y Oil Co.

Your Marathon

Dealer

Edon FFA President Garrett Trausch: Laid Back, But Driven

Hannah Crossen: Stepping In For A FFA Legend

PHOTO BY T.J. HUG, STAFF

WELCOME TO EDON ... New Agricultural Instructor Han-

nah Crossen stands in the Edon school’s workshop.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

SUMMER CAMP ... These members of the Edon FFA are seen at the group’s Summer

Camp, enjoying some time with nature, as well as each other.

JUDGING THE SOIL ... Memebers of the Edon FFA take part in a soil judging, just one

of the many activities in which the organization has its members tak part.

Various FFA Activities Enjoyed

MORE EDON FFA NEWS




Some people simply allow life to take

them in whatever direction it sees t. There really isn't a better way to de-

scribe Adam Knepper's journey into andthrough the North Central branch of the

Future Farmers of America (FFA). A three

year member of the organization, Knepperclaimed membership at the beginning of

his sophomore year. He remembers exactlywhy he decided to join, too.

“My friend, Brady Zuver, said it wouldbe fun,” Knepper recalled. “I'm all about

fun.”

Despite having such a lackadaisicalreason for becoming a part of the FFA,

Knepper put everything he had into theactivities of the group. He particularly en-

joyed the community work he was doingwith his peers.

“A lot of smiles all the time,” Knep-

per explained of the chapter's communitywork.

In his junior year, after being in theNorth Central FFA for one year, Knepper

took ofce within the branch. He was madeSecretary, a job he truly loved.

“That was really fun,” admitted Knep-

per of being Secretary. “I took pride in be-ing an ofcer.

He had so much fun, in fact, that hechose to pursue a higher ofce. The high-

est one, actually. Knepper now sits as thePresident of the North Central Branch of

the FFA. He doesn't take his position light-

ly, either.“A lot of people look up

to the President,” Knepper

proclaimed.Knepper cites the hard

work and dedication thatgoes into running a branch

of the organization as theprimary reason people look

to the President for leader-ship.

Aside from just having

a good time, or earning therespect of his fellow mem-

bers, Knepper discoveredanother means of motiva-

tion through his FFA mem-bership. He found a career

path.

“I knew I wanted toget into business,” Began

Knepper, “ and marketingseed and fertilizer sounded

like a good time.”Agribusiness is the eld

to best prepare Knepper

to get into that particulararea of business. And since

there will always be a needto grow crops, he'll have a

certain degree of job secu-rity as a wholesaler of the

materials needed to accom-

plish that task.One issue he had with

being a part of the FFA wasthat he grew up in town.

That's not to say that hehad no idea of what went

into farming the land, as his

grandfather owns a farm.However, the environment

in which he lived madeKnepper feel as though he

didn't quite t in with therest of the organization, at

least at rst.

“I felt like a street kid.”As he became more in-

volved in the goings onwithin the FFA, however,

that feeling evaporated. In

place of it, his fun-lovingnature expanded its domain

within his heart.

With a laid back disposition, and a

proper balance between having fun and

being a leader, Knepper has truly begunto evolve into the person he wants to be in

the future. That's a fairly heavy concept tograsp, considering he joined the organiza-

tion just because it might be fun. Then again, what better compass could

life use than fun?



Emerald Newton

“Family is everything.

This is like our little family.”

Asks North Central

FFA Members ...

Jordan Bailey

FFA isn’t just about

agriculture. It’s aboutturning young students

into leaders.”

WHAT IS THE MOST VALUABLE LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN THE FFA?

Zandra Vassar

“No matter where you’re

going to go, you’re alwaysgoing to see agriculture. It

just always follows you.”

Adam Knepper

“Agriculture is more than

just a business. It’s agroup of individuals

coming together for a

greater purpose to help

further advance futuregenerations.”

Colton Pilmore

“We learned the value

of a dollar. How muchwork goes into it. Time.

Money. Labor.” In refer-

ence to a failed project

with Adam Knepper.

Ethan Douglass

“Everything revolves

around agriculture insome way.”

TOM MARSHALL

517-320-4481

DEKALB ASGROW BRODBECKS WELLMANS

06331 County Rd. M-50 Montpelier, OHOfce 419-485-5605

TRENT THOMAS

419-553-6478

19180 State Rte 15

Pioneer, OH. 43554

Ofce: 419-459-4538

Home: 419-737-2460

Cell: 419-212-3448

Proudly saluting area members of the FFA

Artesian of Pioneer 50 Industrial Ave • Pioneer, OH

AOPWATER.COM


Jessica Tracey is more than just ateacher of agriculture. Her inuence goes

beyond simple Future Farmers of America(FFA) protocol. She teaches her students

about life. Tracey is in her fth year of instructing

the youth of Pioneer in the ways of agricul-

ture. Before accepting a position at NorthCentral, she had previously held a posi-

tion teaching the same subject matter atPlymouth High School, which is situated

just south of Norwalk. Shortly after start-

ing her new job, Tracey was quick to real-

ize that this would not be the same as her

previous one.“It was different,” Tracey noted, “but

they were both rural school districts.” The biggest difference she noticed be-

tween Plymouth and North Central washow much more active the students at the

latter school were in their agricultural edu-

cation outside of the classroom. The NorthCentral FFA was lled with students who

cared about what they were learning bothinside the classroom and out.

Maybe it's that level of dedication thatallows Tracey's students to get more out

of her classes. While she is well versed

in teaching agricultural courses, there'ssomething else those sitting in her class-

room pick up from her.“My students get more life skills and life

lessons out of the class,” Tracey confessed.

“That's what they remember the most.”Skills such as leadership and compas-

sion are developed and ne tuned in theNorth Central FFA, and that is due in part

to Tracey's inuence over her students. That's not to say the nine year FFA ad-

vising veteran hasn't picked up on a few

lessons herself along the way. In fact, it'shard for her to single any one of such les-

sons out.“There's a lot of them.” Stated Tracey

on the things she's learned from the FFA.“There's too many of them.”

Which must be why her students learn

so much from her. There's just so muchknowledge that Tracey has acquired over

the years, that it just seeps into her stu-dents.


Jessica Tracey: A TeacherOf Lasting Life Lessons

Adam Knepper: Success On A Whim

Front row: Jess Tracey - Advisor, Jordan Bailey - Sentinel, Ethan Douglass- Vice President, Brady Zuver - Reporter, Kirby Miller - Secretary, Emerald Newton - Treasurer, MeganUlrich - Parliamentarian, Josh Sawyer - Student Advisor, Adam Knepper - President, Dakota Pitts - Chaplain. 2nd Row: Drew Mitchell, Nick Henry, Ryan France, Kayla Votaw,

Zandra Vassar, Makayla Hayes, Jessi Cummins, Robert Vaughn, Brock Zuver. 3rd Row: Evan Munger, Brayden Nicolen, Shayleigh Barnett, Kirsten Helinski, Cody Winkler,Megan Laney, Jessica Cheesbro, Joe Galloway, Ryan Taylor, Michaela Hobbs. 4th Row: Allyson Fenicle, Skylar JoHantgen, Kodi Bentley, Andrew Baughman, Peggy Michael,

Erin Ryan, Keean Livensparger, Josh Bailey, Josh Roesener, Jeremy Miller. 5th Row: Cole Tyre, Darian Wilson, Ashton Keller-Brown, Dakota Athy, Zane Haskell, Lanie Green,Cody Tomblin, Kaleb Geiser, Steven Williams, Seth Altaffer, Noah Wolfrum. 6th Row: Addison Hollstein, Hunter Wilson, Gavin Cogswell, Cheyanne Yeasley, Sean Mervyn, Jon

Baker, Cameron Nafziger, David Pinc

2014 -2015 North Central Future Farmers Of America Chapter

QUICK ASCENCION ... Although he’s onlybeen a member of the FFA for three years,

Knepper has swiftly risen through theranks to become the President of his chap-

ter.

TEACHING MORE THAN AGRICULTURE... Jessica Tracey, who has been teaching

at North Central for ve years, instructsher students in life lessons as well as agri-

cultural ones.

1210 E High St., Bryan, OH 419-636-TOWN (8696)

www.townandcountrystores.com

Locally Owned & Operated

EXCLUDES SALE ITEMS, HUSQVARNAPET/LIVESTOCK FEED, SPECIAL ORDER ITEMS

In support of FFA Members

and all Local FarmersTake 10% OFF Total Sale

Now through March 15, 2014




419-924-5210

www.bgoutdoorpower.com

Determined to become a world classsupplier with frst-rate Associates

West Unity, Ohio

Kumi North America Group

WIELAND SURVEYING &

ENGINEERING, LLC

Contact us for all yourEngineering & Surveying needs!

Our Services Include:-Boundary & Legal Descriptions- -Topographic-

-ALTA Surveys- -Mortgage Location Surveys-

Proudly supporting Hilltop FFAas they celebrate their 79th year

of Agricultural Education.

Brian M. Wieland, P.E., P.S.

Licensed Ohio Surveyor & Engineer

14067 County Road 20, West Unity, OH 43570Phone: 419-924-2100 • Fax: 419-924-5390

www.wielandsurveying.com

Serving Williams and

Surrounding Counties Since 2006

Williams County Dairy Association

“Use REAL Dairy Products”

Safety First On The Farm!

Shop at:

www.

2014-2015 West Unity Future Farmers Of America Chapter

2014-15 WEST UNITY CHAPTER OF THE FFA … Front - Michael Tule, Sam Shilling, Austin Schaffner, and Ethan Dunson. Middle - Advisor Mr. Pat King, Justin Athy, ZachRoehrs, Lea Carothers, Quinn Smith, RyLee McCain, Joe Shilling, Tim Maneval, Baiden Jones, and Kaedin Gigax. Back - Briea Krabill, Chance Grapengeter, Jack Blaisdell, Ben

Garcia, Dallas Timberman, Kriatian Grapengeter, Colin Sabins, Scott Goodnight, George Kunkle, and Collin Todd.

2015 WEST UNITY FFA OFFICERS - Front - Zach Roehrs – Student Advisor, RyLee Mc-Cain – President, Joe Shilling – Vice President, Tim Maneval – Secretary. Back - Leah

Carothers – Reporter, Quinn Smith – Treasurer, Isaac VanArsdalen – Sentinel

Past

Trap Shoot

Lions Club Feather Party Rural Soil Judging

Urban Soil JudgingFruit Sale

Prop Construction for HighSchool Musical

Library Landscaping

ProjectFeather Party

Pizza Party

Upcoming Events

FFA Week Events

Corn Hole TournamentStaff Meal

Apple BobbingFFA Quiz

Agriculture Education Day Spring Contests

Poultry

Livestock MeatsEquine

FFA State Convention

2014-15 West Unity FFA Activities

1957

George Beatty 1959

Ted Maneval1980

Raymond Reamsnyder

2004 Jessica Short

2005

Taysha Short2006

Lauren Mercer2008

Emma Short

2010Hannah Clark

West Unity FFA AmericanFarmer Degree Recipients

1945Maurice Borton

1947Lynn Polter

1953

Tom Klopfenstein1954

John GreenGeorge Beatty

Bill Maneval1955

Richard Miller

1956 Ted Maneval

Charles ReamsnyderLarry Brown

1957

Maurice Clark Terry Klopfenstein

1958Ray Reamsnyder

Jack Cotter1959

Rex Ridgeway

1960Keith Bowers

Bob Coy Jan Hutchinson

1961Dave Wineland

John Hatchel

1963Bob Stuckey

1964 Jim Gunn

1965

Bill Kunkle1966

Lowell CumminsRon Oxender

1967Dave Johantgen

Max Stuckey

1968Cleo Short

1970Ron Apple

Steve Batterson

Kent Short1973

Craig Brillhart1974

Tom GerigPhil Stotz

1975

Steve Eisel1976

Ron EiselScott Burrowes

1977Kevin Beatty

1978 Jim Batterson

1980 Tony Reamsnyder

1981

David Reamsnyder1984

Bill Stipe1985

Wayne LehmanSam Beaverson

Scott Maneval

Chad Oxender1988

Cindy Wieland1992

Matt Cox

1993Matt Eisel

2002 Jessica Short

2003 Taysha Short

Lauren Mercer

2006Emma Short

2008Hannah Clark

2009Seth Miller

West Unity FFA Degree Recipients

FFA SETBUILDERS … Taking a break from their construction work on the set of theupcoming Hilltop production of ‘Sweeney Todd’ are FFA members Dallas Timberman,

Ben Garcia, RyLee McCain, Zach Roehrs, Colin Sabins, and Joe Shilling.



Asks West Unity FFA Members ...

“HOW HAS FFA IMPACTED YOUR LIFE?”

Quinn Smith

“FFA has affected me byhaving animals in my life.

The animals have taughtme responsibility. I have

made many friends

through it and havelearned a lot of life les-

sons. FFA has developedmy leadership and com-

munication skills.”

Joe Shilling

“FFA has given me lots ofknowledge that I can use

outside of the classroom,such as how to use a lot

of tools, and how to

design projects. Some ofthe tools that I have

learned to use in the AgRoom, such as the torch, I

now use at work.”

Dallas Timberman

“FFA has impacted my

life because I have beenable to experience new

things. I have been able

to participate in fundrais- ers, go to meetings and

experience Ag Class. I amglad that I decided to join

FFA this year and I wishthat I had decided to be a

part of it all throughout

high school.”

Sam Shilling

“FFA has changed my

life by teaching me howto help the community,

learning agricultural

related subjects, respon-sibility, and lastly, how to

be a leader.”

RyLee McCain

“The FFA inspired me to

be more responsible inmy school work, as well

as in my home life. It hasmade me more helpful in

my community. With helping in our community proj-

ects, like the Feather

Party Bingo put on by theLions Club and redoing

the landscaping at theLibrary, the team has

become a very close, tight

knit group.”

Tim Maneval

Secretary Tim Maneval -

“Being in FFA has taught

me responsibility. I’vemade friends, and gotten

closer with many people.”

2014 AWARD WINNERS … Award winners from 2014 included Joe Shilling (Star Chap-

ter Farmer and Prociency Award), Tim Maneval (Star Green Hand and ProciencyAward), Brooke Chapin (Leadership Award Winner), and Brady Livensparger (Scholar-

ship Award Winner)

FRUITS OF THE LABORS … Shown with their projects and their awards from the 2014

Williams County Fair are Seth Altaffer, Chance Grapengeter, Leah Carothers, IsaacVanArsdalen, RyLee McCain, Joe Shilling, Quinn Smith, and Tim Maneval.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

HEAVY FOILAGE … Working at the Library landscaping project are RyLee McCain,

Isaac VanArsdalen, Joe Shilling, Quinn Smith, Leah Carothers, Chance Grapengeterand Seth Altaffer.

FEATHER PARTY CREW … Assisting the Lions Club at their Feather Party were FFA

members Jack Blaisdell, Kristian Grapengeter, Quinn Smith, Ethan Dunson, NicScheiber, Tim Maneval, Leah Carothers, RyLee McCain, Austin Schaffner, Joe Shilling,

Mitchell Tule, Baiden Jones, Isaac VanArsdalen, Chance Grapengeter, Sam Shilling,and Mr. Pat King.

The Millcreek-West Unity FFA has along standing tradition in Williams Coun-

ty. Since its beginning in 1936, therehave been eight FFA Advisors who have

directed and taught the program at HilltopHigh School.

56 young men and women have earned

the State FFA Degree and nine of thosehave gone on to earn the American FFA

Degree.

The FFA is an active organization inWest Unity, Brady and Millcreek town-

ships, providing community service in nu-merous ways throughout the years. Recent

projects have been to partner with the WestUnity Lions Club as runners for their an-

nual Feather Party at the Kissel Building.Another project was a partnering with the

West Unity Public Library to remove the

landscaping and prepare it for new plantsto be installed. The chapter has also been

instrumental in starting and maintaininga Junior Fair livestock bid fund to support

members of the West Unity Schools andarea, who are exhibiting and selling their

livestock projects at the Williams County

Fair.Agriculture, being a major contributor

to the economy of Alvordton/West Unity

areas, is a very important course at HilltopHigh School. The leadership and commu-

nity service portions of our chapter, which

is a major part of our curriculum, is pre-paring our students to be solid contribut-

ing members of whatever community theyare living in. The curriculum also provides

for agricultural knowledge, and preparesmembers to enter the agricultural eld in

many areas for further study or for em-

ployment.It has been my method of instruc-

tion to locate and work with my studentseach year on one or more service projects

for our school and community. These in-clude design and construction of musical

sets, a new podium, landscaping, concrete

work, designing and building shelves forteacher use in their classrooms, etcetera.

These projects are fun learning activitiesfor these students, and prepare them to do

many things for themselves in the future.One of the best things about FFA and Ag

Ed is the hands on activities for our stu-

dents. Learning in this way provides solidtransferable skills for the members in a

way that is fun and challenging. Competi-tion in Career Development Events allows

for the students to test their knowledge

and skill against other FFA members fromthe area.

Ag Ed and FFA are a vital part of ourschool here in West Unity, and must con-

tinue to provide opportunities for our stu-dents at Hilltop High School. The class-

room study is moving toward a more

science based curriculum which is a posi-tive direction as agriculture incorporates

more technical information in the produc-tion and marketing of a safe and sufcient

food supply. As our chapter transitions toa new instructor /advisor, I would encour-

age you as community members to sup-

port, and become involved in the Millcreek-West Unity FFA Chapter.

-Pat King

Millcreek-West Unity FFA Advisor

A Statement From TheMillcreek-West Unity FFA Advisor

Tony: 419-212-1961

Nick: 419-212-1746

Adam: 419-212-1901

Fax: 419-459-4422

01463 Co. Rd. P-25

Edon, OH 43518

[email protected]

Tom Nye3645 County Road 3B

Edgerton, OH 43517

Phone 419-636-8080

Cell 419-212-2459

[email protected]

Fax 419-298-3645

• Spray Foam

• Elastomeric Roof

Coatings

• Single Ply Membranes

• Blown Insulation

• Flat Roof Repairs

Williams County SolidWaste Reduction &

Recycling Program

419-485-3141

Grasshopper/ToroSimplicity/Snapper

419/636/[email protected]

05124 CR 15Bryan, OH 43506

• BACKHOES

• DOZERS

• FORKLIFTS

• SKIDSTEERS

• MOWERS

• LOADERS

• TRAILERS

• EXCAVATORS

• TELEHANDLERS

• COMPACTORS

1 mile north of Camden, MI on M-49517-368-5266 8 a.m.-5p.m. Mon.-Fri.

MORE HILLTOP FFA NEWS Hilltop FFA ParticipatesIn Various Events

PAT KING




By: T.J. Hug


The Fayette Future Farmers of America(FFA) take contests very seriously.

Perhaps the competition for which they

are best known is Parliamentary Proce-dure. Members of the Procedure team

are tasked with holding a simulation of aprofessional, well organized meeting. In-

dividual team members are given abilitiesto perform as well. Any mistakes in FFA

etiquette are met with a points deduction.

These Procedure teams are run by theFFA chapters' ofcers. And Fayette's of-

cers always seem as though they are aforce with which to be reckoned. Each

year, the school's branch in the nationalorganization makes a deep run in the Par-

liamentary Procedure contest, typically

making it out of the county level of compe-tition, which takes place in Wauseon, and

even making State on occasion. This year, they made it to Districts, held

in Anthony Wayne, in another ne show-ing.

All Fayette ofcers also get to attend

the FFA National Convention, which washeld in Louisville, Kentucky this past year.

Right away, motivational speakers inspirethe crowd of students from around the

country, which is an thrilling experience.

“It's almost like a concert at the begin-

ning,” Adrianna Hibbard, Vice President ofthe Fayette FFA, described.

Of course, those taking part in the con-vention did more than just listen. There

was a good bit of community service toperform as well. In honor of the National

Day of Service, all FFA members in atten-

dance planted trees throughout the Louis-ville landscape. The people of the city were

thankful for the service, according to Fay-ette FFA President Leah Bussing.

“People would walk up to us and thankus,” Bussing recalled.

With the entire array of Fayette ofcers

feeling the true spirit of the event, the localchapter planted more trees than any of the

other branch representatives in their im-mediate area.

Touring the city was a treat in and of it-self. Between visiting candy shops and the

Louisville Slugger, there was plenty of fun

to be had for the Fayette representatives. They even got to see the Kentucky Derby

in person.In May, Fayette's ofcers will travel to

Columbus for the FFA State Convention.

There, some will be receiving their StateDegree, the second highest honor that can

be bestowed upon a member.



CountryStore

MeatProcessing

Located out on the farm south of Archbold

V-354 Rd. 24, Archbold, OH

419-445-6366

Check us out on the web at www.brookviewfarmmeats.com

CLAY MEADOWS APARTMENTS

CALL 419-237-2240Some rental assistance for qualied applicants.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

Quality Service Since 1959

4911 SH 66 N. • P.O. Box 213 • Archbold, Ohio 43502Auto/Truck Collision Service, Downdraft Paint Booth, Body, Unibody

Tires, Computerized 4 Wheel Alignment, Frame Straightening, Axle Alignment

Complete Radiator and A/C ServiceFrank Grime

Phone 419-445-5211 • Fax 419-446-2260

124 W. Main St. Fayette, OH 43521

(419) 237-2501

Fayette

Medical Center Jennifer Schweitzer-Ahmed, M.D.

DAVE BORER

307 N. Eagle St.Fayette, OH 43521

1.517.403.5235

All Types of Welding:

Silo Unloader Repair

Milking Parlors Belt Splicing

Crowd Gates

MAY-DAY Welding

WE INSTALL RADIATORS - ALL MAKES & MODELS

419-445-20303889 CO RD 24 • ARCHBOLD, OH 43502

www.archboldradiator.com

Activities Of The Fayette FFA

By: T.J. Hug


There are a number of things that Adri-

anna Hibbard has accomplished duringher time in the Fayette Future Farmers of

America (FFA).Having been in the program for four

years, ve if you count an unofcial trialmembership in the eighth grade, Hibbard

has held ofce for three of them. The Fay-

ette senior served as the organization'sSecretary during her sophomore year. For

the last two, however, she's been elected asits Vice President.

Hibbard has also been quite active onthe contest scene. Not just because of their

competitive nature, but also due to the les-

sons which she gets to depart on youngermembers of the Fayette FFA as well.

“I love the contests, and helping otherswith their leadership skills,” Hibbard con-

fessed.

Parliamentary Procedure is among Hib-bard's favorite competitions. She takes

great pride in her school's reputation as aforce in the event, as she looks to uphold

that winning tradition. While the pressureof such a precise contest may get to most

people, Hibbard seems to thrive on it.

“It's a very fast paced meeting,” Hib-bard described with a smile.

And yet, despite the success she's hadworking within the system offered by the

Fayette FFA, Hibbards legacy on the pro-gram is something she was able to create

from within that system.

A horse riding competition.Known as Equine, such a contest has

existed among the FFA contests as awhole. Yet Fayette had never competed in

those contests, with no member having theslightest clue where to begin in terms of

preparation. That's where Hibbard came

in.Growing up on a farm holding a lot of

family history, Hibbard had always lovedhorses. And she was good with them, too.

Whether it involved riding or taking care ofthem, Hibbard was quite skilled in dealing

with her horses.“I've been involved with horses mywhole life,” explained Hibbard.

It was during her freshman year thatshe approached Mrs. Schultz with the idea

to participate in Equine contests. The ag-ricultural teacher agreed with the idea and

the school's rst appearance in the even

occurred in March of that year.“I taught everyone what they needed to

know,” Hibbard remembered.Now, Fayette regularly sends members

to Equine contests. That isthe mark Hibbard left on

the program.

To do something likethat as a freshman, it's

no wonder Hibbard is ea-ger to impart knowledge

on leadership to younger

members. She's practicallybursting with the stuff.


Adrianna Hibbard: Fayette’sEquestrian Innovator

2014-2015 Fayette FFA Ofcers

2014-2015 Fayette Future Farmers Of America Chapter

BRINGER OF CHANGE ... Adrianna Hib-bard not only thrived in the Fayette FFA,

she gave the organization a new way to

thrive as well, creating the opportunity tocompete in equine contests for the school.

Charting The Fayette FFA-Total number of members: 74 kids

-Male members: approximately 40 boys-Female members: approximately 30 girls

-Freshmen members: 19 kids

-Sophomore members: 31 kids-Junior members: 13 kids.

Senior members: 11 kids

SEVENTY-FOUR STRONG ... Front Row Left to Right: Casen Burkholder, Emilie Keiser, Paige Aschemeier, Adrianna Hibbard, Jennaya Hibbard, Taylor West, Miranda Minzey,Leah Bussing, Joel Smith, Alexis Fruchey, Pamela Schultz (Advisor). Row Two Left to right: Ceairia Keller, Cyleigh James, Kaelyn Borton, Kylie Dennison, Paige Blad, Brynn

Ballmer, Courtney Cuff, Tharyn Colegrove, Paige Keefer, Kamrin Hunter, Dylan Stannard, Presley Pennington, Haley Perdue, Kelsey Fruchey. Row Three Left to right: Tony

Stiles, Brock Miller, Kegan Carnicom, Spencer Lester, Cole Stuckey, Dakota Swirles, Dylan Keefer, Dallas Ludeman, James Kuebler, Mason Maginn, Alexis Mapes. Row Four Leftto Right:Jessie Wheeler, Robert Wyatt, Drake Bowditch, Noah Logston, Alex Jaramillo, Austin Lopez, Travis Wagner, Grant Reinking, Max Baker, Trevor McClain, Christopher

Jaso. Row Five Left to Right: Kenny Ludeman, Dustin Wilson, Jennifer Brehm, Trinity Leady, Grace Eberly, Caleb Sager, Vaughn Keller, Josh Anderson, Skyler Jones, AlexusBall, Mason Clark, CJ Renner. Top Row Left to Right: Michaela Bates, Kaela Seiler, April Beaverson, Marcos Molina, Jordan Simon, Karrsen Schaffner, Jorden Douglass, Hayley

Burkholder, Kamren Randall, Isaiah Garrett, and Garett Reinking.

Front Row: Adrianna Hibbard (Vice President), Jennaya Hibbard (Assistant Reporter),

Taylor West (Secretary), Miranda Minzey (Reporter), and Leah Bussing (President). BackRow: Casen Burkholder (Student Advisor), Emilie Keiser (Sentinel), Paige Aschemeier

(Treasurer), Alexis Fruchey (Assistant Secretary), Joel Smith (Assistant Treasurer).



By: T.J. Hug


It's no secret that the agricultural life-

style is valued differently by each village

and town, even in a place such as Wil-

liams County, where farming is mostly

considered the norm.

People want to be surrounded with

others who hold similar interests to their

own. They also hope to put themselves

in the best position to explore those in-

terests. In order to do that, however, a

change of scenery is sometimes in order.

That's exactly how Leah Bussing felt

at Bryan High School.

With her grandfather owning a busi-

ness in the eld of agriculture, Archbold

Agriservices, Bussing had

always felt a passion thesubject. She looked to her

school to fulll that pas-

sion.

Then a freshman, Bus-

sing wished to be part of

a rich, thriving Future

Farmer's of America (FFA).

Yet, the home of the Gold-

en Bears was unable to

provide one for her. There-

fore, she did what most

would do in such a situation; Bussing

sought to transfer.

And, quite honestly, she couldn't have

found a better t than Fayette. The suc-

cessful FFA program drew her in imme-

diately, as the school is very well known

throughout the area in that regard. That

was something Bussing wanted to con-

rm for herself.

“”It really intrigued me,” the transfer

student stated. “I took the opportunity

and ran with it.”

So Bussing enrolled at Fayette in her

sophomore year. Shortly thereafter, sheknew she had found the right place. Mrs.

Schultz, the teacher in charge of the FFA,

strongly encouraged her to be as involved

as possible. In that rst year at Fayette,

Bussing took part in livestock contests,

soil judgments, and tab interviews. None

of that would have been possible at her

old school.

During her junior year, Bussing found

her way into a leadership role within the

program. She took on the position of

Student Adviser. From there, she earned

a shot at the organization's Presidency, a

position she currently holds in her senior

campaign.

While this is what she wanted to do,

joining the Fayette FFA wasn't exactly

what she expected.

“It's honestly a lot more than I'd everthought it would be.”

Indeed, through the FFA, Bussing

learned things she never even considered

related to the program. Things like how

to be a leader, and being able to speak

up when having an idea on an issue.

She also learned a few things about

friendship.

“I've made friends with a lot of people I

never thought I'd be friends with,” admit-

ted Bussing.

That's what happens when one is able

to actually share their interests with oth-

ers.

T.J. Hug can be reached at

[email protected]


DUPONT

HASCH BODY SHOP, INC.HASCH BODY SHOP, INC.HASCH BODY SHOP, INC.Owner: Rex Hasch

Phone (419) 636-8925

Fax (419) 636-86691302 E. High St., Bryan, Ohio

2 0 5 S . D E F I A N C E S T .

S T R Y K E R , O H 4 3 5 5 7

4 1 9 - 6 8 2 - 9 0 1 8

Serving NorthwestOhio with

Natural Gas

Since 1914

1-800-331-7396

Leah Bussing: A New Beginning


Since the program's revival in 2006, Pa-

mela Schultz has been has been charged

with guiding the Fayette Future Farmer's of

America (FFA). In her ninth year of teach-

ing agricultural classes, Schultz has only

ever done so in the Fayette School District.

After obtaining an associate's degree

in Science from the Ohio State University-

Agricultural Technical Institute, she went

to Columbus, where she earned her bach-

elor's degree in Science from Ohio State's

main campus. Finally, she got her master'sdegree in Educational Administration from

Bowling Green State University.

While her education credentials are im-

pressive, it's Schultz's relationship with her

students that sets her apart. Not content to

simply assist them with what they feel like

doing, the teacher will give those students

who exhibit the potential to succeed in a

project or contest a push in that direction.

“Mrs. Schultz is very encouraging,” Fay-

ette FFA Vice President Adrianna Hibbard

stated.

There is a great explanation for that.

Schultz loves to see her students succeed.

“I really enjoy being able to see those

students who don't really have a nicheanywhere else in the building become suc-

cessful,” Schultz herself admitted. “It is

always interesting to watch our students

learn and grow throughout their time in

the program.”

This drive to see her students thrive hashad some of them liken her to a parental

gure. Someone who they want to make

proud.

“She's like a mother to us,” Leah Bus-

sing, President of the Fayette FFA claimed.

“We don't want to disappoint her.”

Indeed, if one really stops and thinks

for a moment, Mrs. Schultz could be con-

sidered the mother of the program as awhole, as she rebuilt it from the ground

up. Watching the progress of what she had

built has fascinated the teacher as well.

“Throughout my time at Fayette High

School, I have been able to see the program

grow from a start of twenty-seven students

to over one hundred students, if you in-

clude junior high students.”

And that progress has come rather

quickly. The Fayette FFA has seen six of its

number earn the ever prestigious Ameri-

can Degree, while twelve members have

received a State Degree. Keep in mind that

this is in a span smaller than ten years. A

truly impressive feat.

Parents from an agricultural back-ground need not worry about sending their

kids to Fayette to learn of the eld; Pamela

Schultz will treat them as if they were her

own.


Pamela Schultz: MotherTo The Fayette FFA

BRINGING THINGS ALONG ... Pamela

Schultz has been a part of the Fayette FFAsince its revival, and she has grown the

organization through hard work and close

relationships with her students.

By: Miranda Minzey

Fayette FFA Reporter

It has been a very busy year for the Fay-ette FFA. They have done quite a few ac-tivities this year. Since FFA week last yearmembers have participated in a wide vari-ety of contests, events, and activities. Firstup was the Cooperative Education Contest.Riley Martin, Seth Beaverson, Wade Burk-

holder, and Thomas Ehman competed in thecontest where their knowledge of co-ops wastested. This team placed 2nd in the districtand 11th at the state level. Up next for theFFA were the various contests that manymembers competed in. These contest con-sisted of General Livestock Judging, Meats Judging, Poultry Judging, Dairy Judging,and the Dairy Handlers contest. Memberson these teams traveled to the Ohio ExpoCenter early one Saturday in March. Mem-bers were not only able to compete in thesecontest, but they were also able to meet andassociate with many other FFA membersfrom around the state.

Following a spring full of contests, theFFA was in full force to put on its 8th An-nual Fayette FFA Banquet. This year’s ban-quet was host to 268 FFA members, par-ents, guests, and school ofcials. The nightwas a great reection of the many accom-plishments that the chapter had throughoutthe year. This year some of the top awardswere given to the following FFA members. The Honorary Chapter award went to TomFranks and Ruth Hutchinson. The Out-standing Service Award went to HibbardExcavation and Phillips Heating and Cool-ing. The Star Greenhand award went toPaige Aschemeier, Jennaya Hibbard, and Jared Armstrong. The Star Chapter went toCasen Burkholder and Alexis Fruchey. TheOutstanding Junior award was presented to Taylor West, while the Outstanding Senioraward was given to Jena Myers. Next up theFarm Credit Service 110% award was pre-sented to Ceairia Keller. Demi Powers wasthis years recipient of the DeKalb Award. The awards for the evening were wrappedup with the Kellen Keiser Memorial awardwhich, was given to Haley Perdue.

With another successful night of hon-oring all of our FFA members, the FayetteFFA was on the move again. This time, 35FFA members were headed to the 87th StateFFA convention. The convention is a two daylong event where FFA members, chapters,and alumni are recognized for their manyaccomplishments throughout the year. This year, two members walked across the stageto receive their State FFA Degree. This isthe 2nd highest degree that an FFA membercan obtain. Thomas Ehman and Jena Myerswere the members to receive their degreesthat night.

With the school year coming to an end

the Fayette FFA was still busy. Memberswere readying their fair projects and Su-pervised Agricultural Education projects forMrs. Schultz to come and evaluate. Eachmembers project is evaluated on-site each year by Mrs. Schultz. Along with home vis-its, Mrs. Schultz and 9 FFA members head-ed to FFA Camp Muskingum for a week fullof fun in the sun.

With the summer coming to a close and

school back in session, FFA members wereout in full force readying projects for thefair, preparing for soils contests, and plan-ning a trip to the National FFA convention.

With the fair just ending, the FFA was just beginning again. Many of the membershad animals or other projects to exhibit atthe fair. It was great to see them shine inthe events that they do all the time. The FFAis excited to have many new contests to dothis year. While members were still busywrapping up the fair, they were also gearingup for another great year in Career Develop-ment events. First up would be the Ruraland Urban Soil judging contest. Fifty eightstudents participated in the event on Sep-tember 19th, hosted by the Fulton CountySoil and Water ofce. Through this contesteight students were selected to participatein the District land judging contest. Rural

members consisting of Taylor West, DylanKeefer, Andrew Lichtenwald, Casen Burk-holder, Jennaya Hibbard, Paige Blad, ColeStuckey, and Garett Reinking. These stu-dents were evaluating soil based on charac-teristics to see if the land would be suitablefor agricultural purposes. The seven Urbanmembers who moved onto districts wereLeah Bussing, Joel Smith, Kaela Seiler, Isa-iah Garret, Wade Burkholder, Keegan Carni-com, Dylan Stannard. These students weregiven the task of judging soil on character-istics to determine if soil would be good forbuildings, basements, roads, septic tanks,etc. The seventh and eighth graders alsohad the chance in participating this year.

This year the Fayette FFA ofcers as-sisted the county in the Annual 3rd GradeAg Fest. The ofcer team set up a stationwhere students learned about various ani-

mals that included: cows, horses, guineapigs, ducks, chickens, puppies and kittens. The ofcers taught the students about ani-mal care, safety, and general facts about thespecies.

Wrapping up the year, FFA members pre-pare for the National FFA Week, held Febru-ary 18 – 25. They will be celebrating with adistrict wide spirit week, teacher luncheon,and Ag. Olympics for both the elementaryand Jr./High school students. This weekwill be a great week for the FFA members toshow their pride in their organization andbe proud of being part of the largest youthorganization in our country!

Fayette FFA Year-In Review

Ceairia Keller

“Livestock. I’ve done 4H,

and I like animals.”

Asks Fayette FFA Members ...

Dylan Stannard

“Livestock. I work on ahog farm, and I nd it

interesting.”

“AGRICULTURE OR LIVESTOCK. WHICH ASPECT OF FFA DO YOU PREFER?”

Jordan Ramos

“Agricultural. I know more

about that than livestock.”

Taylor West

“I like both of them

equally the same.”

Kamrin Hunter

“Agricultural. I work withmy dad doing landscaping

and agricultural work.”

Paige Keefer

“Livestock, because I take

animals to the Fair.”

Miranda Minzey

“I like the livestock partbecause I enjoy taking

care of animals.”

Presley Pennington

“Livestock. We get out of

school for it, and I used toshow.”

Adrianna Hibbard

“Livestock, because of the

contests, and becauseof 4H.”

MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE ... Any

doubt Leah Bussing had about transfer-ring to Fayette left her mind when she

joined the school’s chapter of the FFA.

MORE FAYETTE FFA NEWS



By: T.J. Hug


There is a preconceived notion about

the Future Farmers of America (FFA), aswell as its members. One can hardly be

blamed for making the quick judgment,asthe very name of the organization seems to

imply its implicit truth. After all, if a per-

son joins the FFA, they must be planningon either owning or working on a farm one

day, right?Wrong.

Zandra Vassar, a four year member ofthe North Central FFA, has no intention

of raising her own livestock when she gets

out of school. Nor is her plan to get into theagricultural sector. And yet, she still joined

her school's chapter of the national groupdedicated to both teaching and encourag-

ing future generations to farm.So why is she a part of the organiza-

tion?

“I joined the FFA because it gives you so

many opportunities.” Those opportunities include taking

part in contests, soil judging, and working

on her public speaking skills. The seniordoesn't actually do a lot of public speaking

herself in the group, but she does set up

for such events and admire those who docompete or speak.

But the biggest opportunity offered bythe FFA is the chance to work with animals

both large and small. In her younger days,Vassar wished to own her own cow, as she

wanted to take care of the bovine creature

from her own home. That wasn't in her fu-ture, however.

“I wasn't allowed to take big animals.”Instead, Vassar was allowed to get a

rabbit. As it turns out, she was pretty good

at taking care of it. That's probably why

her mother and father decided that shewas ready for a little more responsibility.Well, either that or they just thought it was

just so cute.“My parents liked them, so they got me

nine of them.”

Currently, Vassar owns ve HollandLops and four Dutch rabbits. Having

owned them for years now, there is nodoubt that she knows exactly what she's

doing when it comes to raising bunnies.It was in the eighth grade that Vassar

nally discovered to FFA. Upon joining the

organization, she has competed in sever-al competitions, including Parliamentary

Procedure, Poultry, Soils, and dairy cattle,at last giving her a chance to interact with

the animal she really wanted to keep athome.

Between what she has learned in the

classroom and in contests, Vassar hascome across a treasure trove of valuable

information. And not just about agricul-ture, either.

“You learn a lot more than just farmingskills,” Vassar claimed.

In Vassar's time with the North Central

FFA, she has learned a lot of basic skillswhich can be applied to everyday life. Her

Agricultural Business course, for example,taught her how to create a resume, as well

as setting up business proposals.But perhaps the most valuable lessons

she has learned thus far are in the way she

deals with people.“FFA has improved my communication

skills.” Those skills will come in handy at some

point in the future, as the ability to com-

municate is a versatile trait considered keyto several jobs. As it happens, Vassar is

hoping to take up photography when sheis ready to settle into a career. Dealing

with clients in that eld involves a signi-cant amount of both talking and listening.

Barring some unforeseen cirumstanc-

es, Vassar is not going to become a futurefarmer, in America or any other country.

That doesn't mean her timein the North Central FFA

has been wasted, though.In fact, there may not be an

organization at the school

which could better prepareher for her own future, re-

gardless of what direction ittakes.


[email protected]


EXECUTIVE GUEST ... The Edon FFA Ofcers pose in a picture with their special guest,current Vice President of the State FFA Ofcers, Shelby Furer.

A BREAK FOR THE OFFICERS ... Hannah Crossen takes the ofcers of the Edon FFAon an Ofcer’s retreat, as the group sets out to participate in an all-out paintball war.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

Various FFA Activities Enjoyed GOING TO CAMP ... Kylie Dennison, Paige Aschemier, Kaelyn Borton, Kelsey Fruchey,and Haley Perdue, Paige Blad pose for a picture while attending the FFA Camp Musk-

ingum.

AG FEST! ... A member of the Fayette Future Farmers of America takes part in the Ful-

ton County Ag Fest.

FORGING THE LEADERS OF THE FUTURE ... Michaela Bates (right) is participating in

the Fayette Future Farmers of America’s Leadership Night.

Fayette FFA Participates In Several Activities During School Year

Charting The North Central FFA

-Total number of members: 62 kids

-Male members: 31 boys

-Female members: 31 girls-Freshmen members: 30 kids

-Sophomore members: 16 kids-Junior members: 5 kids


Zandra Vassar: Not A Future Farmer

By: T.J. Hug


From a pancake sausage breakfast to acornhole tournament, it has been a busy

year for the North Central branch of theFuture Farmers of America (FFA).

One event in which the organization

took part was the Kaleb McLaughlin Me-

morial Ride. There was a particular senseof pride for the members helping out withthe event, as they were honoring one of

their own.“It was for a good cause,” Chapter Pres-

ident Adam Knepper said of the Ride. “We

all knew him.”McLaughlin's mother, Kim Oxender,

still assists FFA members in nding schol-arships.

As a Christmas project each year, the

North Central FFA has an adopt a fam-ily program. For this program, they build

something for the children in that family. This past Christmas, the group built a pair

of toy boxes for a two child family.

“We try to do something like that every year,” said Jessica Tracey, the teacher in

charge of the North Central FFA.For the third year running, the North

Central Future Farmers have taken partin the Stockings For Soldiers campaign.

Students bring things to ll stockings to

school from their homes, and the lledstockings are sent to troops overseas. Last

Christmas, the organization sent out sev-enty-two stockings to American soldiers.

One of the newest undertakings of theNorth Central chapter is raising some

chickens hatched by the school's animal

science class. Of the sixteen eggs they at-tempted to incubate, nine of them hatched.

Currently, those baby chicks are living un-der a heat lamp in Tracey's classroom.

With all of these happenings, therehaven't been too many dull moments in

the North Central FFA chapter.


Activities Of The North Central FFA

MORE FAYETTE FFA NEWS

Front Row: Megan Ulrich (Parliamentarian), Emerald Newton (Treasurer), Kirby Miller

(Secretary), Adam Knepper (President), and Dakota Pitts (Chaplain). Back Row: BradyZuver (Reporter), Jordan Bailey (Sentinel), Josh Sawyer (Student Advisor) Ethan Doug-

lass (Vice President), and Colton Pilmore (Historian).

MORE THAN FARMING ... Zandra Vassar

has found that the North Cenral FFA isabout more than just agriculture and live-

stock.

14620 Selwyn Drive - Holiday City, Ohio419-485-2020

Cell: [email protected]

Custom Molded

Plastics, LTD

Ronald E. ErnsbergerPRESIDENT

20 20/

MORE EDON FFA NEWS

MORE NORTH CENTRAL FFA NEWS North Central 2014-15 FFA Ofcers

419-485-3147 Montpelier OH, 43543

www.winzelerstamping.com



Lindsay Fager: From A Farming FamilyBY: T.J. HUG


Heritage can be a tricky

thing.It undoubtedly plays a

substantial role in how onelives their life. And yet,

people have precisely zero

control over their heritage,as the decisions of their fa-

milial predecessors weighheavily on their own path

on this Earth. It’s almost

enough to make one ques-tion the very notion of free

will.How can the choices

made by others have sucha deep impact on our own

reality? Is it the pressure to

follow a family legacy thatdictates the way in which

one navigates through theirexistence? Or might it be

that, as children grow intoadulthood, they begin to

see the wisdom in their an-

cestors’ ways?

For Lindsay Fager, itwould most certainly be thelatter.

Claiming four yearsof membership in the

Wauseon High School chap-

ter of the Future Farmers ofAmerica (FFA), Fager is de-

scended from farmers. Notonly did her parents work

the land, but each of themgrew up on family farms as

well. That deep family con-

nection with farming hasn’tgone unnoticed by Fager.

“I’ve always been rootedin agriculture,” the senior

girl stated. The Fagers owned a farm

in Fremont, Ohio before

moving to Wauseon. Aftersettling in their new home

town, the realization thattheir was no longer a fam-

ily farm came to the chil-dren. There was absolutely

no pressure to carry on the

work of their parents. Itwas a fresh start, and the

sky was the limit in termsof their respective futures.

“If anything,” Fager said,

“we were less likely to be in-volved in agriculture.”

So in what direction didthe Fager kids choose to

take their high school ca-reers?

All of Lindsay’s siblings

not only joined the FFA, butheld ofce in the organiza-

tion as well. She herself

took on the role of Recorder

during her junior year, aposition which had a greatdeal of inuence over her.

“That gave me someleadership skills I didn’t

have (before),” recalled

Fager.Now poised to graduate

from Wauseon, Fager hopesto put those leadership

skills to use at the colle-giate level. Her destination

is Ohio State University,

where she incoming fresh-man plans to study Agricul-

tural business and AppliedEconomics. Beyond that,

she’s looking to build a ca-

reer in agribusiness, possi-bly even working on the leg-

islative side of agriculture.“It depends on what I

nd after four years,” Fagerproclaimed.

Of course, Fager isn’t

waiting for her time at uni-versity to begin opening her

pathway to the future. Theeducation she’s receiving at

Wauseon is doing plenty tohelp her along the way. As

a member of the school’s

FFA program, she’s par-ticipated in ve Career De-

velopment Events (CBEs). These include Soil Judging,

Agronomy, and Farm Busi-ness Management. These

CBEs have not only served

to educate Fager on agricul-ture itself, but also on the

diverse nature of the eld.

“(CBEs) have shown me

the different aspects of thebusiness.”

Fager’s standard curric-

ulum at Wauseon has alsoassisted her in the educa-

tional undertaking. She

has taken courses such asEnvironmental Science and

Food Science in order tostudy different parts of the

agricultural process.Ultimately, Fager has

chosen emulate her par-

ents, at least somewhat.While she may not ever

have her own family farm,

the pull of the agriculturallifestyle has taken hold overher. As for whether or not

she ever felt held back fromher dreams by her family

history, Fager sums things

up quite well in her ownwords.

“I guess I’ve never reallythought of anything else.”

Maybe heritage isn’t sotricky after all.


BY: T.J. HUG


Education is a major

part of the Future Farmersof America (FFA). After all,

how could the future farm-ers work their lands, sell

their crops, or run theiragribusinesses if no one

ever showed them how to

do so.Yet, there is more to the

FFA than simply learninghow to plant, grow, and

harvest crops, or raise live-stock. Some lessons tran-

scend the classroom. A feweven transcend farming al-

together.

Take the ChristmasCheer program, for in-

stance. Throughout Fulton

County, each school’s FFA

program plays a role in giv-ing families with very little

a brighter Christmas. Theschools come together in

order to provide food andtoys to those in need, with

individual schools being

assigned different roles tomake the program a suc-

cess.“We served about six

hundred families (this year),” Brian Pike, a rst

year Agricultural Teacher

at Wauseon, said.For their part, Wauseon

is charged with gatheringtoys, as well as monetary

donations. The school’sFFA members are also on

hand as families search

through the donated toys,ready to assist them in nd-

ing the perfect gift for theirchild.

The event takes place

on the Fulton County Fair-grounds, occurring roughly

a month before Christmas. Then there’s the Food

for America program. KatieBlack, another Agricultural

Instructor, organizes sev-

eral high school FFA mem-bers to engage the third

and fourth grade studentsof Wauseon. The elder stu-

dents display their skills,demonstrating lessons

learned in classes such as

Environmental Science. Itis the goal of the program to

instill a curiosity about theWauseon FFA in the young-

er generations. These are just a cou-

ple of the goings on of the

Wauseon FFA,a very busyand well organized institu-

tion.


[email protected]

Activities Of The Wauseon FFA

The 2015 Wauseon Future Farmers of America

C. BUNDE SALES, INC.1533 W. Laskey Rd., Toledo, OH 43612

419.472.7082

Power

HONDA

Equipment

Millwright Services, Electrical Services, Electric Motor

Repair, Fab Shop, Renewable Energy.

www.nrgrecyclinginc.com

ALWAYS LOOKING TO LEARN ... Lindsay Fager approaches Wauseon Agricultural In-

structor Brian Pike after class, lled with questions just waiting to be asked .

NOFZIGER FARM SERVICE

NOFZIGER TRUCKING LLC

See Us For All YourFarming Needs

419-335-9136

Co. Rd. BWauseon, Ohio

877-591-SEED (7333) · ruppseeds.com

GREATER PERFORMING PRODUCTS

ARE ALWAYS A

GOODDECISION.

Archbold - 419-445-6846 • Wauseon - 419-335-9507

Working Together ... Securing Tomorrow

Visit us at www.shortagency.com

Congratulations to Zach Purselfor being our Newest Insurance Agent

Contact Zach at [email protected]

Members of the WauseonFFA for the 2014-2015

school year are:

Grade 9

Omar ArmasLevi Arps

Mauricio BarajasEverett Bueter

Cassandra Cameron

Taylor CaudillBlake Cole

Gavin Foote

Jacob GillenHenry Humbarger

Joel Jenkins

Conner Johnson

Cory JohnsonKyle Leninger

Jack ManzSage Marshall

Kaylee Moore

Dalton Rice Juan Smith

Alexander SosaMcCormick Warncke

Sean WaughNathan Whitman

Kyle Zircle

Grade 10

Brianna AndrewsAndrew Bailey

Anthony Banister

Marcel BarajasNatalie Betz

Elliott Bingham Tai Bishop

Shelby BoydCarter Bzovi

McKayla Campbell

Caleb DuncanKoelton Fenton

Zachary FinkMitchell Flint

Luke GrimeLogan Hines

Angel Juarez

Juilanna KahrsGarrett Krasula

Christian Laging-SuarezBrady Neifer

Alexandra Pursel Jacob Raabe

Joseph Richer

Quincy Rhoda Jacob Seiler

Grant SuntkenHunter Thourot

Kylee TrucksDakota Valdez

Gordon WinlandElizabeth Yackee

Grade 11

Travis Adkins

Marina AyalaMitchell Bachman

Drake Banister

Gage Banister Troy Brink

Chase BrockBrianna Burgoon

Antonil Campbell

Hayley ChamberlainSpencer Clausen

Dylan CliffordMason Creager

Breanna DemalineWilliam Dorsey

Emily Franklin

Cheyenne GarciaGerardo Gomez

Faythe Hernandez

Kristian LippertAlexandria Maberson

Hope MahnkeBrayden Marshall

Alexis MatthewsMarcus Miller

Valerie Nofziger

Sara RufenachtBrook Saaf

Abigail SchmunkDerek Schuette

Keely SilveousBrittany Smith

Travis Smith

Cody SpiessEmalee Stewart

Kallie StraussAudrey Thacker

Dean Torres

Marquita TorresClaudia Weber

Joshua WhitcombCarl Wittenmyer

Dakota Zimmerman

Grade 12

Jaycob Bailey Elijah Becker

Morgan Bliss

Edmond BordersSydney Bosell

Austin BrownAlexis Conrad

Tanner Ely Lindsay Fager

Amber Falor

Tabb Gype Taylor Hernandez

Anthony Howard

Keegan MackMalachi McCabe

Dylan Nicely Clayton Peebles

Raychel RamosSamuel Richer

Courtney Roberts

Dillon SchantzLydia Schmucker

Trent SchroederMickenna Schweinhagen

Joshua SimonNoah Stickley

Lauren Villarreal

Chase WaldronDesirae Walther


8770 St. Rt. 108 Suite B

Wauseon Ohio, 43567

Fulton Soil & Water

Conservation District

419-337-9217

C O M M E R C I A L

A G R I C U L T U R A L

R E S I D E N T I A L

CONCRETE CRUSHING • WOOD WASTE RECYCLING

ARCHITECTURAL SALVAGE MATERIALS

BULK MULCH • DRIVEWAY STONE

[email protected]

Office: 419-636-1460

4103 Co. Rd. 15D

Bryan, OH 43506

OBERLIN

FARMSD E M O L I T I O N & R E C Y C L I N G



BY: T.J. HUG


Even before Sam Richer was elected as

President of the Wauseon branch of theFuture Farmers of America (FFA), he knew

exactly what he wanted to accomplish

from within the organization.“I wanted to build the foundation for a

better FFA next year,” Richer admitted.Always an admirable trait in any good

leader, Richer isn’t simply concernedabout the present. His mind is focused on

the future as well. Not only that, but the

four year member of the FFA program hasnever been afraid of putting in the neces-

sary amount of work to meet his goals.Richer began his path toward leader-

ship in his junior campaign, taking on theresponsibilities of a Sentinel. The role is

an important one within the FFA, though

it seldom gets the recognition it deserves. That may be due to the nature of the of-

ce, as Sentinels serve in more of an advi-sory capacity.

“It was more like helping the other of-

cers,” was Richer’s description of the po-sition.

As a Sentinel, Richer was also in chargeof setting thing up before his fellow ofcers

and he held meetings and activities. Then,at the conclusion of said meetings, Richer

would stick around, cleaning up the scene

afterward. So, in that respect, he wasamongst the rst to arrive and the last to

leave most FFA sanctioned events.Despite the background nature of his

initial post within the FFA, Richer foundthe job to be a worthwhile one.

“I enjoyed being part of the ofcer team.”

Perhaps that is why Richer sought toobtain the highest ofce during his senior

run in the organization. Well, that andcontinuing a family legacy. Richer is a sec-

ond generation President of the WauseonFFA, as his father served from that func-

tion during the elder Richer’s own high

school career.

Now holding Presidency himself, the younger Richer runs meetings, rather thansetting them up. He is also in charge of all

chapter operations, though he is advisedby his teachers on what they believe to be

the best course of action. The ofcer team

is also under his charge, as they now ad-vise him, helping to formulate new ideas to

help the branch.As the current leader of Wauseon’s

future farmers, Richer understands theplace agriculture holds in the development

of America’s nancial systems and beyond.

“I know it’s a vital part of the U.S. econ-omy,” Richer stated, before adding, “and

the global economy as well.”

Because it holds so much weight over,

not just the present, but the future of thisplanet, Richer feels as though it is his per-

sonal duty to guide those interested infarming down a fruitful pathway. And not

just during his time in the Wauseon FFA,either.

“FFA is going to be a part of my every-

day career,” announced Richer.Indeed, Richer is looking to become an

agricultural instructor in his future. Thevehicle he has chosen to best prepare him

for this task is Wilmington College. Therehe will study Agricultural Education.

So what is the appeal in teaching oth-

ers how to farm, rather than simply plac-ing the entirety of his focus into his own

agricultural endeavors?“I’m hoping to educate the leaders of

the next generation.” That should come as no surprise to

anyone who knows Richer. He always

seems to be tilling that metaphorical soil,patiently waiting for the next generation of

America’s farmers to sprout.

T.J. Hug may be reached at

[email protected]

PLEASE JOIN US FOR NATIONAL AG WEEK

AS WE SALUTE OU R LOCAL FARMERS

AND AGRI CULTURE LE ADER SIN A SPECIAL PUBLICATION MARCH 19

email [email protected] for more information

BY: T.J. HUG


It’s only been six months, Brian Pike al-

ready feels right at home in Wauseon. The kids in his classes can tell, too.

While keeping things civil, the atmospherein Mr. Pike’s classroom seems to be a laid

back one. Indeed, the rst year instructor

is a prime example of how carrying oneselfin a professional manner does not have to

include being strict or boring.As with anyone starting a new job, not

everything comes easy for Pike. Still, the

rewards of teaching make any trials andtribulations well worth the trouble.

“It’s a challenge,” Pike claimed of hisrst year, before continuing, “but it’s a

good challenge.” Teaching ve classes throughout the

day, Pike offers three different courses

from which students can enroll. Environ-mental Science and Structural Engineer-

ing are both exciting and diverse eldsof study in which he offers. His favorite

course to teach, however, is Agribusiness.“That’s actually what me degree is in.”

Pike earned his bachelor’s degree on

the subject at Ohio State University. Heis currently pursuing his master’s degree

from Bowling Green State University.But Pike’s most enriching experience

thus far in his short tenure at Wauseon

went beyond the classroom.“My highlight is Christmas Cheer,

hands down.”

The Fulton County-wide effort to help

feed and provide toys to families in needduring the holiday season is discussed at

greater length in the activities section ofthe Wauseon FFA. That helping others is

what sticks out the most in his mind is a

testament to the sort of person Mr. Pikereally is.

And his students can see that quiteclearly.

T.J. Hug may be reached at [email protected]

Brian Pike: A Teacher In His First Year Sam Richer: Planting A SeedFor The Leaders Of Tomorrow

FUTURE FARMING INSTRUCTOR ... SamRicher hopes to use the leadership skills

he’s developed in the Wauseon FFA toteach future generations about agricul-

ture.

Dylan Nicely

“It helps me learn the

business side of things

for when I start my own farm.”

Asks Wauseon FFA Members ...

Taylor Hernandez

“The people who are in it,as well as the activities

we do.”

WHY ARE YOU A MEMBER OF THE FFA?

Jacob Bailey

“It’ll give you a head startinto a career.”

Teagan Mack

“I plan to eventually run

a dairy operation. This

will help me to keep betterrecords.”

Morgan Bliss

“Everyone has different

backgrounds, and that

has helped us to see thedifferent things that are

out there.”

Information gathered

by Wauseon FFA member Beth Yackee

-Total members of the chapter: 146 kids

-Male members: 104 boys

-Female members: 42 girls

-Freshman members: 28 kids

-Sophomore members: 30 kids

-Junior members: 54 kids


Charting The Wauseon FFA

MORE WAUSEON FFA NEWS

FIRST YEAR ... Brian Pike may be new toWauseon, but he is already tting in with

his students just ne.

2015 ffa tribute.pdf

Documents