Prague FFA 2009-2010
By Jared Troumbley
May 27, 2010
Prague FFA 2009-2010
This last year in the Prague FFA has been full of opportunities and excitement. We started the year off by attending Husker harvest days as a Chapter. Here chapter members had the opportunity to meet with suppliers of agriculture products and learn of new developments designed to help improve production agriculture.
In October we attended the district land judging competition in David City. Several members experienced success by earning a ribbon at the competition. The highlight of the competition was when Jake, Nathan, Sadie and Hannah, placed first and qualified for the state competition.
November started off with Jake, Nathan, Sadie and Hannah, at the state land judging competition in Wolbach, NE. At the state competition the team placed 3rd which qualified them to compete at the National Competition that was to take place in May. At the end of November we attended Leadership Skills Events which was hosted at Blair High School. Several members received ribbons, although not at the level they had hoped, it was a great learning experience for all who attended. In the midst of all of these competitions the Prague Chapter conducted its annual fruit sales fundraiser, which added to the FFA budget to help fund the many competitions and activities that members participate in.
Our next event was National FFA Week in February. The chapter planned many activities to take place throughout the week, these events included a: “Monopoly Run”, career dress up day, high school and staff breakfast, relay races for the elementary, and marshmallow toss competition.
In March we traveled to Beatrice, to Southeast Community College, to compete in district Career Development Events. At Beatrice members competed in a variety of events including the envirothon, Farm Management, Meats judging, floriculture and food science. We experienced varied levels of success at CDE’s, which included qualifying a team for the state food science competition. As March continued a few members traveled to the Wahoo fairgrounds where we were competed in the district Livestock Selection competition.
As April started we were off the Nebraska State FFA Convention in Lincoln. During the convention members had the opportunity to compete in the several competitions which, they had qualified for earlier in the year. In addition to the competitions members also were able to attend many different leadership seminars that were available as part of the convention. Members had a great time at the state convention. One of the highlights of the convention was attending the closing ceremonies, where we were able to cheer Nathan Sousek on as he received his state degree. All of Nathan’s hard work throughout the years paid off as he was able to earn this award. The FFA/FCCLA banquet was moved into April due to the timing of the National Land Judging competition. During the banquet we were able to celebrate the accomplishments of the Prague FFA this last year. It was an emotional meeting, not just because many of our chapter was graduating, but in part due to the fact that this would be Prague’s final FFA banquet.
May, found Jake, Nathan, Sadie and Hannah, in Oklahoma City, Ok for the National Land Judging competition. Attending the national competition was a wonderful opportunity and provided many new experiences for those attending. The Prague team competed against over 900 other FFA members from 32 different states across the US and the team placed 89th overall. In addition to meeting FFA members from other states, we were able to attend some of the local sites to enhance our time in Oklahoma. The team attended the Oklahoma City Zoo, the National Western Museum, and the Oklahoma City Memorial and Museum. Attending these venues provided additional educational activities as well as points of reflection.
The Prague FFA had an exciting and successful year in 2009-2010. We had many opportunities to learn and experience new things and places. Over the last thirty five years Prague FFA has developed an incredible legacy and for that legacy we wish to thank all who have participated in the FFA over the years either as a member or as a supporter. Thank you and farewell.
Prague FFA
