Vinton-Shellsburg FFA members working together to package meals for Meals from the Heartland.
Massing of the Flags Participant: Austin Noe during the Third General Session.
Jazmyn Dods signs to Teach Agriculture Education.
Pictured: Vinton-Shellsburg FFA members at the 2025 Iowa FFA State Convention.
Back Row (L to R): Brody Waters, Juliana Luis, Jazmyn Dods, Levi Lutz, Andrew Allsup, Ben Buhr, Ben McGowan, Zane Helter, Andrew Pingenot, Austin Noe, Jonah Meyer, and Jameson Demuth.
Second Row (L to R): Kassidi Brunssen, Nora Grovert, Raine Wheeler, Alana Fleming, Megan Schlitter, Bridgette Castle, Bri Dulin, Zoey McClintock, Sophia Newton, Will McKenna, and Will Kreutner.
Third Row (L to R): Abby McKenna, Jenna Grovert, Kirsten Pettit, Madeline Pingenot, Lily Ann Hesson, Ciara Dods, Wyatt Shaver, Carlie Clark, and Cooper McClintock.
Front Row (L to R): Kara Rollinger, Ali Lutz, Kendalyn Appleby, Izzie Birker, Katelyn Fleming, and Cole Birker.
By: Co-Reporter, Sophia Newton
From April 13-15, Vinton-Shellsburg FFA members traveled to Ames for the 97th Iowa FFA State Leadership Conference. Over three exciting days, members participated in competitions, leadership workshops, and award sessions alongside thousands of FFA students from across the state. The trip kicked off with a service opportunity as members joined the FFA Meal Packing Service Project, contributing to a statewide effort to fight food insecurity. Later that day, the Vinton-Shellsburg Chapter Display was set up by members to showcase the chapter's involvement in picking grapes at the local winery. The evening wrapped up with a team meeting and pizza back at the hotel. On Monday, April 14, several members represented the chapter in a variety of Career and Leadership Development Events (CDEs and LDEs), with results shared below. In the afternoon, students attended leadership workshops and explored the Career & College Show, where they networked with colleges, agricultural businesses, and industry professionals. On Tuesday, April 15, more contests and state-level recognition followed. Members competed in the Knowledge Quiz, served as delegates and committee members, and earned recognition in several prestigious award areas. Vinton-Shellsburg members proudly competed in the following events:
Gold Ratings
Conduct of Meetings: Abby McKenna, Nora Grovert, Jonah Meyer, Cole Birker, Jenna Grovert, Jameson Demuth, Zoey McClintock
Chapter Display: Zane Helter, Lily Ann Hesson, Wyatt Shaver, Will Kreutner, Madeline Pingenot, Kendalyn Appleby
Job Interview: Alana Fleming
Farm Business Management: Andrew Allsup, Cooper McClintock, Ben McGowan, Ben Buhr
Silver Ratings
Ag Broadcasting: Raine Wheeler
Ag Communications: Brody Waters, Kara Rollinger, Kassidi Brunssen, Ali Lutz
Ag Biotechnology: Will McKenna, Ciara Dods, Sophia Newton, Katelyn Fleming
Team Ag Sales: Carlie Clark, Izzie Birker, Juliana Luis, Jazmyn Dods
Marketing Plan: Bri Dulin, Kirsten Pettit, Levi Lutz
Additional Contests & Recognition
Knowledge Quiz: Ciara Dods (2nd Gold), Abby McKenna (Gold), Cole Birker (Gold), Kendalyn Appleby (Silver), Madeline Pingenot (1st Gold)
National Chapter Award: Accepted by Kirsten Pettit
Ambassador Award: Accepted by Ali Lutz
Delegates: Sophia Newton, Zane Helter
POA Committee: Megan Schlitter
Auditing Committee: Alana Fleming
Teach Ag Signing Day: Jazmyn Dods
1st Place Proficiency in Diversified Ag Production: Ben Buhr
Rising Star Award: Sophia Newton
2nd Silver in Service Learning Proficiency: Izzie Birker
WLC Scholarship Recipient: Will McKenna
Massing of the Flags Participant: Austin Noe
State Officer Candidate & Star in Agribusiness Over Iowa: Andrew Pingenot
The Iowa FFA Band featured Brody Waters, Kara Rollinger, and Kassidi Brunssen.
Iowa FFA Degree Recipients: Will McKenna, Cooper McClintock, Jazmyn Dods, Alana Fleming, Izzie Birker, Andrew Pingenot, and Brody Waters.
Vinton-Shellsburg FFA left a strong impression on the state stage, showcasing leadership, excellence, and community involvement. Congratulations to all who participated-you made your chapter proud!
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