Bowling Green FFA kicked off 2023 with planning and fundraising for the chapter’s philanthropic event Bobcat-A-Thon. Thanks to support from the BG athletic department and athletic boosters, the chapter worked the concession stand, had a 50/50 Raffle and held a bake sale during the boys and girls basketball games on Jan. 23.
The chapter raised $450 for Nationwide Children’s Hospital-Toledo through this event. All money raised through a variety of activities will go towards the final total that was given to the hospital and presented at Bobcat-A-Thon in March.
Emma Ferguson, Drew Thomas, and Addie Naus participated in the County Public Speaking Contest. Emma Ferguson and Drew Thomas participated in Advanced Prepared where they had to write a 6 to 8 minute speech that they had to memorize and answer questions about it. Addie Naus participated in Beginner Prepared. Emma Ferguson placed second, Drew Thomas placed fourth, and Addie Naus placed second in her event. Emma and Addie went on to participate at the district level where Emma placed third and Addie placed sixth.
In late January, FFA evaluations were held and our officers received ratings for their books. Secretary Lindsay Eisel, Treasurer Peyton Bosworth, and Reporter Kenzie Spangenbeg all received a gold rating and perfect scores on their books. All three will be recognized at the State Convention at the beginning of May for being gold rated officers in Ohio.
The month of February started with some new faces visiting the Ag Department. Eighth grade recruitment allowed us to introduce the incoming freshman to Agricultural Education and FFA. Members of the chapter volunteered their time to inform and present about different aspects of the chapter. Paired with this was eighth grade parent night which allowed for the parents of the eighth graders to get more information about the Bowling Green FFA during an open house held at the high school.
Two fundraisers took place in February for Bobcat-A-Thon – including a Rapid Fired Pizza Night which raised $200 along with the annual strawberry sale.
The district Ag Sales was also held in February at Redline Equipment in Portage. The Ag Sales CDE includes an online exam and customer relations practicum. The team placed fourth overall in the district and participants included Eddie Eschedor, Hunter Sockman, Ethan Hevoigt, and Addie Naus. The Ag Power Diagnostics CDE was also held, with members troubleshooting five different pieces of agricultural equipment. Wyatt Bechstein and Cole Brokaw participated and placed fourth in the district.
February ended with National FFA Week. The chapter had themed dress up days for members to participate in. Monday was Ag Credit shirt day. Tuesday was HeyDude or Boot day. Wednesday was Candyland Day where students wore pastel colors to correlate with the theme of Bobcat-A-Thon later in the week. Thursday was Blue and Gold day where students wore blue and gold to represent the FFA and their colors. Friday was class color day and future day where each grade wore a color corresponding with the grade level, and seniors wore something to represent their future plans.
The chapter held a drive your tractor to school day. Members who participated were Eddie Eschedor, Hunter Sockman, Ethan Helvoigt, Cole Brokaw, Easton Schick, Natalee Haris, and Mr. Wongrowski joined them as well. The monthly FFA Meeting took place on Monday night and the 2023-2024 officers were elected. Congratulations to the following officers:
- President-Addie Naus
- Vice President-Drew Thomas
- Secretary-Averie Crawford
- Treasurer-Aiden Meyer
- Reporter-Annie Urban
- Sentinel-Cole Brokaw
- Historian-Kate Suter
- Student Advisor-Cece Dye
Members also enjoyed doughnuts one day and searching for a hidden FFA emblem throughout the week.
The Bowling Green Agricultural Education Department is a satellite program of Penta Career Center.
