Nebraska FFA and NCTA to Indy

Nebraska FFA and NCTA to Indy

Students from FFA chapters in southwestern Nebraska often compete in their district FFA contests at the campus of the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture. (NCTA file photo)
Students from FFA chapters in southwestern Nebraska often compete in their district FFA contests at the campus of the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture. (NCTA file photo)

Oct. 23, 2018

By NCTA News

CURTIS, Neb. – Ten collegiate Aggies will be honored Saturday for their high school careers in FFA when the 91st annual National FFA Convention and Expo reaches its finale in Indianapolis.

The 10 FFA leaders, who are currently students at the Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture in Curtis, will be receiving an American Farmer Degree, one of the highest awards earned by FFA members.

Although they are now in college and active members of the NCTA Collegiate FFA, the students have earned these degrees due to their high school careers and involvement in those local FFA chapters.

Listed alphabetically by chapter, they are:

  • KayLee Rasmussen- Burwell FFA
  • Andrew Cast- Centennial FFA
  • Kaylee Hostler- Central City FFA
  • Peyton McCord- Centura FFA
  • Jacob Vallery- Conestoga FFA
  • Trevin Likens- Fairbury FFA
  • Chantelle Schulz- McCool Junction FFA
  • Nathan Lashley- Medicine Valley FFA
  • Colbey Luebbe- Seward FFA
  • Donovan Buss- York FFA

These Aggies may not be able to attend the awards ceremony on Saturday due to their studies and activities in Nebraska so advisors or leaders of their high school chapters can pick up their awards.

Between 5,000 and 6,000 Nebraskans are expected to be among the 65,000 attendees at Indianapolis, said Krystal Knabe, Nebraska FFA state director of agriculture education.

“We have 10 busses going with FFA chapters from around the state,” said Knabe, who works with the Nebraska Department of Education.

This includes chapters from the NCTA area in Frontier County including FFA members from Maywood, Curtis (Medicine Valley) and Eustis-Farnam.

NCTA recruiters Emily Griffiths and Julia Krotz Kroeger, and NCTA admissions coordinator Tina Smith, are representing NCTA with an information exhibit.  Find them at booth #2387, near Hall F at the FFA Expo.

In addition to many Nebraska chapters present in Indianapolis, Isabelle Stewart, a 2017-2018 Nebraska State FFA Vice President and graduate of Columbus Lakeview FFA, is seeking a national office.  She competes in interviews and competitions this week. Isabelle is majoring in agricultural education at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Also, Aaron Deunk of Norris FFA is one of four finalists competing for the American Star Award in agribusiness.  Sixteen FFA members from throughout the U.S. are in contests for the overall Star Awards.

Thirty nine Nebraska FFA student will be receiving national proficiency awards, as well.

Knabe said the current Nebraska FFA State Officer team serve as voting delegates at the convention.

One policy revision under consideration is a change to the national FFA charter, which will also require Congressional action, if approved.

“The change in the charter would allow more involvement and input from the industry,” Knabe said, adding that the revision, “would ensure FFA is meeting the needs of the agriculture industry.”

For more convention information, see National FFA Organization at:  https://convention.ffa.org/.

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