Iowa Valley FFA brings home top awards

AMES — Members of the Marengo FFA Chapter took home several awards from the 97th Iowa FFA Leadership Conference at Iowa State University in Ames in April.

Marengo FFA was well-represented across a variety of contests and leadership activities, said FFA adviser Marcia Kilgard.

Alannah McKibben earned a gold rating and fourth place in the state in the Prepared Public Speaking Leadership Development event. As part of the contest, McKibben wrote and delivered a speech on an agricultural topic in front of a panel of judges. She was recognized on the main stage during the convention.

McKibben also took home first place in Service Learning Proficiency and will advance to compete at the National FFA Convention this fall. Abby Sparrowgrove was named State Runner-Up in Agricultural Sales Proficiency, and Shayla Helgeson earned State Runner-Up honors in Small Animal Placement Proficiency.

Claire Smolik was selected to serve as chairperson of the Program of Activities Committee. Smolik addressed the delegation of voting members during one of the official business sessions.

Voting delegates Asher Stubblefield and Jackson Slaymaker helped review speeches and cast votes for state FFA officers on behalf of the Marengo chapter.

Marengo FFA was also recognized with the Ambassador Award during the conference. Jackson Slaymaker accepted the award on behalf of the chapter.

Two Marengo FFA members, Carli Kanke and Avary Helmrichs, participated in the Teach Ag Signing Day, pledging to pursue careers as future agricultural educators. Kanke is attending Iowa State University while Helmrichs is attending South Dakota State.

Several Marengo FFA alumni were recognized for their involvement in collegiate agriculture programs. Stella Sayers represented the DMACC Agriculture Department, and Brooklyn Kilgard served as an ambassador for the Iowa State University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

Students spent time exploring career opportunities at the Career Show, listening to keynote speakers, including the popular “Iowa Dairy Farmer” YouTuber and participating in fun activities such as the CALS BBQ and Fun Night at the Memorial Union.

Three Marengo FFA members — Delaney Stubblefield, Derek Sherman, and Elijah Lillie — performed during the convention as part of the State FFA Band and Chorus.

Kathryn Kilgard, Abby Sparrowgrove and Claire Smolik received a silver rating in the Chapter Display contest for their presentation on the chapter’s greenhouse program. The Marengo FFA Ag Sales Team, consisting of Jasmine Slaymaker, Hailey Dietze, William Sayers and Carter Koenig, also earned a silver rating.

Koenig led the team individually, placing 48th out of more than 300 competitors.

Dallas Sherman and Brahn Hawkins represented Marengo FFA in the FFA Knowledge Quiz, and Ogden Truempler and Caleb Achey served on the Courtesy Corps, assisting with the operation of contests at the Hansen Learning Center.

Carli Kanke accepted the Gold-Rated National Chapter Award on behalf of Marengo FFA.

The conference marked a milestone for seven Marengo FFA members who received their Iowa FFA Degrees, the highest honor the Iowa FFA Association bestows on its members.

In addition to competition and leadership activities, Marengo FFA members participated in a statewide community service project, packing thousands of meals for Meals from the Heartland.