The State FFA Convention was held June 15-18 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison. Over 3,500 FFA members from the state were in attendance for the convention, of which Mineral Point FFA had several members in attendance to receive awards, participate in speaking contests, vote on important issues, and take part in leadership activities. The State FFA Convention allows FFA members to meet new people, develop leadership skills and receive recognition for the hard work they do throughout the year.
Representing Mineral Point as official delegates for the convention were Morgan Fitzsimmons and Jake Steffes. These members voted on important issues, attended workshops, developed leadership skills and voted on the next state officer for our section.
Elizabeth Moellers placed 3rd Gold and received a Gold rating in Diversified Horticulture. Elizabeth was also the sectional winner. Elizabeth’s SAE is based on her work tending the family garden and landscape. Elizabeth plants, harvests, processes, and preserves a variety of fruits and vegetables raised at home. She is responsible for the landscape and garden maintenance at her home. Elizabeth has a true passion for her work and enjoys working outside in all seasons.
Eric Heisner placed 6th Gold at the state level and received a rating of Gold in Vegetable Production. Eric was also the sectional winner. Eric grows his own vegetable garden that he raises produce in to sell to others. Eric has many duties with his garden including planting, weeding, harvesting and selling the produce. Eric is looking to expand his garden and is always looking for new customers.
Morgan Fitzsimmons placed 11th Gold at the state level and received a rating of Gold in Diversified Livestock Production. Morgan works for her family farm performing a variety of duties. Some of Morgan’s work includes: milking cows, feeding cattle, working hogs and making hay. Morgan puts in many hours throughout the summer and school year.
Katie Fitzsimmons placed 9th Gold at the state level and received a rating of Gold in Swine Production. Katie was also the sectional winner. Katie’s SAE is based on showing pigs. Katie shows hogs at county fair and state fair. Katie has developed a real interest for the swine industry and agriculture through her SAE.
Tea Bossert placed 6th at the state level and received a Gold rating in Beef Production. Tea’s SAE is based on showing and raising beef cattle. Tea shows at several shows as well as at county fair. Tea has her own herd of beef cows that she makes daily management decisions with and puts in a lot of hard work caring for them.
Helen Linebreger placed 11th at the state level and received a Gold rating in Equine Science Production. Helen’s SAE is based on training horses and giving lessons to young riders. Helen does most of her work at the Cowboy Church. She instructs young riders in how to handle and care for the horses they are using. Helen also works with the horses to make sure they are safe for her riders.
Kate Fitzsimmons participated in FFA Creed speaking competition at the state level. Katie made the finals of FFA Creed and placed 4th in the state. The Creed competition involves reciting the FFA Creed from memory and answering three questions related to the FFA Creed.
Scott Pittz qualified for state in the Extemporaneous speaking contest at the state level. Scott missed making the finals, which leaves him as one of the top ten extemporaneous speakers in the state. Extemporaneous speaking involves selecting an agricultural topic and preparing a 4-6 minute speech on that topic in a 30 minute time period at the competition and he is then asked questions about his speech.
Elizabeth Moellers participated in State FFA Band during the week. The bands perform at many of the sessions at state convention and also at the Wisconsin State Fair. Elizabeth is a member of the percussion section.
Mineral Point FFA was very well represented at the State FFA Convention. Members and the community can feel very proud of the FFA’s success at the state level. Congratulations to all of our competitors on a job well done representing Mineral Point FFA.
(Compiled by Joelle Doye, Mineral Point Unified School District Communications Director. For further information, contact joelle.doye@mp.k12.wi.us 608-987-0739 ext. 388)