On May 4-5, the Bowling Green FFA chapter attended the 95th Ohio State FFA Convention. A total of 23 members traveled with Otsego FFA to Columbus.
On the way down to the convention, members stopped for an educational tour at Kalmbach Feeds in Upper Sandusky. Members learned about the operation, toured a feed mill and enjoyed lunch while hearing about job opportunities in the animal nutrition industry.
After arriving in Columbus, members attended the second general session of the convention. President Edison Eschedor and Vice President Emma Ferguson walked the stage to receive Bowling Green’s recognition as a Gold Medal Chapter.
To qualify for this honor, the chapter must submit an application that includes a summary of all of its activities. The chapter’s application will now be forwarded to the National FFA for further evaluation at that level.
Also during this session, Gretchen Germann received second in the state in her proficiency award area, Diversified Horticulture. Proficiency awards are earned through outstanding SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience) projects developed and maintained by the member.
Gretchen’s SAE is owning her own business, Germann Family Traditions, where she makes and sells floral arrangements and grave blankets as well as raising and selling mums. This along with job placements at Mid-Wood and Klotz Flower Farm helped her earn her proficiency award.
On Friday of the State FFA Convention, gold medal officers were recognized on stage. The officers get evaluated on their officer books and record keeping skills. During the fourth session the three BG FFA officers that were recognized with gold ratings were Lindsay Eisel (Secretary), Peyton Bosworth (treasurer), and Kenzie Spangenburg (reporter).
Also during this session, state winning Career Development Event (CDE) teams were recognized. The BG FFA Outdoor Power Equipment team of Edison Eschedor, Hunter Sockman, and Cole Brokaw received their coveted blue banner.
Finally, during the last session of convention, the BG FFA watched Hunter Sockman and Drew Thomas walk across the stage and receive their State FFA Degrees. This is the highest degree that the state of Ohio can award to an FFA member.
These two names will be added to the wall of state degree winners in the classroom. This degree recognizes outstanding Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects, FFA achievements, and involvement in school and community activities. This is a big honor with less than 2% of members achieving this degree.
Hunter Sockman’s SAE was job placement at Sockman Inc. and Germann family enterprises. This entailed working outdoors including mowing and various other landscaping tasks. He served as the 2022-2023 chapter Sentinel. He also participated in the Soils, Ag Sales and Outdoor Power Equipment CDEs. Hunter is the son of Jay and Kelly Sockman.
Drew Thomas’ SAE projects were Breeding Sheep and Job Placement at Frobose Meat Market. Drew cares for his breeding stock as well as takes them to shows across the country. His job placement was at Frobose Meat locker where he used the register, stocked the shelves, and prepared custom orders. In his years of FFA he has earned the Star Greenhand award and Star Chapter Farmer. This past year he served as the chapter’s Student Advisor and this upcoming year he will be Vice President. Drew is the son of Andy and Holliday Thomas.
The Bowling Green FFA is honored to have these hardworking and accomplished members. Bowling Green FFA is a satellite of Penta Career Center.
