News : V-S FFA Chapter Receives 2 Star Rating placing in the Top 5% of the Nation

V-S FFA Chapter places in the Top 5% in the Nation

Members stopped at Hardy’s Reindeer Ranch and got to feed the reindeer and learn about the specialty animal.

FFA Members attend a Brett Young concert to start their National Convention adventures.

Bailey Weeks and Isabel Mullinex accepted the 2 Star National Chapter Award on stage at the convention.

By: Co-Reporter, Grace Schminke 

On October 27th, 16 members of the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana. On their way there, the chapter stopped at Hardy's Reindeer Ranch. While there the members were able to pet, feed, and even kiss the Reindeer. They also got to learn about practices used on the ranch to raise the unique species. The members really enjoyed their time at the Reindeer Ranch, especially when they got to use their extra time to explore a 10-acre corn maze and play on pedal carts.

After visiting the ranch, the members finished their trip to Indianapolis where on the first night they attended the Brett Young Concert, exclusive to FFA members. The chapter spent the next day at the National Convention where they attended workshops to improve their leadership skills, sessions where they were able to listen to guest speakers and have dance parties on the convention floor. They got to explore the FFA Mega Shop and attend the FFA exhibit center to meet leaders in the industry.

The chapter also received a 2 Star Rating for National Chapter. To give perspective: 1 Star reflects the top 7.5% of chapters in the nation, 2 Stars is the top 5%, and 3 Stars the top 1.5%.

On the following day, the chapter traveled back to the convention center. On Friday night, members attended a tour of a Honey Farm. At the tour, the members were able to taste different honey products, and learned how they make candles out of wax, and fill their own honey bottles.

On the final day of the National Convention, the Vinton-Shellsburg FFA Chapter was able to acknowledge Shelby McDonald, George Heafner, Maddilyn Moen, and Issac Wiley in getting their American Degrees. This is the highest degree a member can earn in FFA.

Overall the time spent in Indianapolis was a lot of fun and members can't wait to go back next year. 

Group Photo Caption:

 Back Left: Paul Herger, Gunnar Schminke, Chase Rippel, Annabelle Newton, Kail Evans, Grace Schminke, Allie Gieger, Christopher Fleming, Josh Wiley, Advisor Gabby Power

Front Left: Advisor Louise Fleming, Clayton McKenna, Isabel Mullinex, Charlee Johnson, Kinzzy Miracle, Autumn McGowan, Baylee Wheeler, Bailey Weeks, American Degree Recipient Shelby McDonald