On May 2-3, the Bowling Green FFA chapter attended the 96th Ohio State FFA Convention. Fifteen members traveled with Otsego FFA to Columbus. On the way down to the convention, members stopped for a trip to the Columbus Zoo.
After arriving in Columbus, FFA members attended the second general session of the convention. President Addie Naus and Student Advisor Cece Dye 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, Drew Thomas received fourth in the state in his proficiency award area, Ag Processing. Proficiency awards are earned through outstanding SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience) projects developed and maintained by the member. Drew Thomas’s SAE project was Job Placement at Frobose Meat Market. He used the register, stocked the shelves, sanitized work spaces and prepared custom orders. All of this helped him earn his 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 who were recognized with gold ratings were Averie Crawford (Secretary), Aiden Meyer (Treasurer), and Annie Urban (reporter).
Finally, during the last session of convention, the BG FFA watched Zack Bechstein, Cole Brokaw, Henry Strow, and Annie Urban 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 four 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.
Zach Bechstein’s SAE was raising market lambs and market chickens. This involved cleaning and maintaining the animals food and water supply as well as living conditions. He is the son of Jeremy and Kelly Bechstein.
Cole Brokaw’s SAE was a job placement at Wynn Farms and Fabrication. This entailed him working on farm machinery repairs and other tasks involving welding and fabrication. He is the son of Greg and Samantha Brokaw.
Henry Strow’s SAEs were crop production and raising market steers. He planted, harvested and marketed corn and soybeans. He is the son of Bob and Angie Strow.
Annie Urban’s SAE was a job placement at Mid-Wood. She worked the register and also gave recommendations for grass types and mulch. She is the daughter of Veronica Wilhem.
The Bowling Green FFA is honored to have these hardworking and accomplished members. Bowling Green FFA is a satellite program of Penta Career Center.
