Mid-Prairie FFA attends leadership conference in Ames

Twenty-one members of the Mid-Prairie FFA chapter traveled to Ames for the Iowa FFA Leadership Conference April 14-16. Those attending from Mid-Prairie were: Shae Becker, Bridget Fisher, Mary Fisher, Abby Frantz, Sadie Frantz, Jordan Hammen, Myah Lugar, Elizabeth Meader, Dallas Miller, Natali Miller, David Murray, Sophia Norman, Olivia Quinby, Cassidy Rourke, Colby Rourke, Quinn Schmidt, Garrett Sexton, Kaylee Shirkey, Hailey Slaubaugh, Abby Statler, and Byron Yoder. Four members participated in leadership CDEs. Olivia Quinby and Dallas Miller received a bronze for their Secretary's Book. David Murray and Sophia Norman received a gold and 4th place with their Reporter's Scrapbook. Shae Becker, David Murray, Quinn Schmidt and Garrett Sexton competed in the Ag Sales skills CDE and received a silver rating. The Ag Biotech team of Olivia Quinby, Cassidy Rourke, Colby Rourke, and Abby Statler received a silver rating. The Poultry Judging team of Mary Fisher, Sophia Norman and Byron Yoder received a silver rating. The Chapter Display showcasing the work the chapter has done for the Ronald McDonald House designed by Abby Frantz, Jordan Hammen, Hailey Slaubaugh received a gold rating.

Four members of the Mid-Prairie FFA chapter received their Iowa FFA Degrees. This is the highest degree the state can award. The members receiving their degrees were: Aubrey Fay, Abby Frantz, Olivia Quinby, Byron Yoder.

Quinn Schmidt and Shae Becker represented the Mid-Prairie FFA chapter by serving as the chapter's delegates and voting for the new state officer team. Schmidt also served as member of the state Auditing committee. Dallas Miller served as a member of the state Program of Activities Committee. Bridget Fisher, Myah Lugar and Kaylee Shirkey served as members of the FFA Chorus. Elizabeth Meader and Natali Miller participated as members of the FFA Band. Sadie Frantz assisted with the massing of the FFA Flags. David Murray and Dallas Miller took part in the Teach Ag signing promoting students pursuing a degree in Agricultural Education.

The Mid-Prairie chapter was recognized as a gold sponsor of the Iowa FFA Foundation. The chapter was also recognized with the WHO Public Relations Award. In addition the FFA chapter sponsored the Diversified Horticulture proficiency award.

Additional time was spent at the career show and watching career development events. Mid-Prairie FFA members toured the Iowa State University Biocentury Biofuels Farm. The sessions they attended highlighted the achievements of Iowa FFA members throughout the past year and they had a chance to listen to inspirational speakers such as Matt Stutzman and presentations. A fun night was held for the members at the Iowa State Memorial Union.