Illinois FFA chapters, members named national FFA finalists

9/14/2022

Illinois FFA is represented by an abundance of national FFA finalists in proficiency and agriscience awards and the national chapter award program. The 95th National FFA Convention & Expo will be Oct. 26-29 in Indianapolis.

Seven Illinois FFA members were selected as national finalists in agricultural proficiency awards for their supervised agricultural experience projects.

They are: Marie Celene Baxley, Unity FFA, Mendon, in agricultural sales-placement; Delana Erbsen, Eastland FFA, Lanark, agriscience research in animal systems; Lizzie Schafer, Taylorville FFA, Taylorville, beef production placement; Nevin Erbsen, Eastland FFA, Lanark, dairy production-placement; Ty Steffen, Newark FFA, Newark, diversified crop production-entrepreneurship; Sam Jones, Flanagan-Cornell FFA, Flanagan, nursery operations-entrepreneurship/placement; and Blake Twenhafel, Wesclin FFA, Trenton, turfgrass management-entrepreneurship/placement.


Sixteen Illinois FFA members were named national finalists in the National FFA Agriscience fair. The award recognizes student researchers studying applications of scientific principles and emerging technology in agriculture.

They are: Drake Slutz, Allyson Yoakum and Lorelei Dariak, all of Sycamore FFA; Drew Mickey, Jay Bliler, Abby Norris and Abby Erlenbush, all of Taylorville FFA; Ayden Miller, Tristen Hester, Kenzie Griswold and Riley Smith, all of Southeastern FFA; Greyson Applebee and Gehrig Bunselmeyer, both of Maroa-Forsyth FFA; Samantha Alverez, Central Burlington FFA; Elaan Bader, Litchfield FFA; and Olivia Shike, Unity FFA.

Seven Illinois chapters were selected as national chapter award finalists. The National Chapter Award Program recognizes FFA chapters that actively implement the organization’s mission and strategies.

Two Illinois chapters are among 10 national finalists in the Premier Chapter Growing National Leaders category. The Bureau Valley FFA Chapter is competing with its Happy ‘FFA’ Birthday Project, and the Cambridge FFA Chapter advanced with its Personal Growth Podcast Punch Cards project.

Three Illinois chapters are among 10 national finalists in the Premier Chapter Strengthening Agriculture category. Edwards County FFA Chapter is competing with its Farmer’s Share project; Eastland FFA Chapter is vying with its Literacy on the Move project; and Pittsfield FFA Chapter is contesting with its Buddy Backpacks for Law Enforcement project.

Two Illinois chapters were named national Model of Excellence finalists. They are Central Burlington FFA Chapter and Streator FFA Chapter.

By FarmWeek

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