Roundup of FFA news for Jan. 1, 2026

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Black River FFA Middle School members Kaleb Owen and Serina Dearth participated in the Ohio FFA State Career Conversation Leadership Development Event. (Submitted photo)

HILLSDALE, Ohio — Three Hillsdale FFA members competed in the District 2 FFA Job Interview Career Development Event on Nov. 6. This CDE is designed for FFA members to practice and demonstrate the skills needed in seeking employment in all areas of agriculture. Each part of this event simulates real-world experiences that students will have when seeking employment in the future. Maci Atterholt competed in the Junior Division, placing second. At districts, she placed third. Derek Coleman competed in the Sophomore Division and placed fifth, and Laney Meek competed in the Freshman Division and placed third.

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MILLERSBURG, Ohio — The West Holmes FFA had one team travel to Wellington for the District 2 parliamentary procedure contest on Nov. 25. The senior team placed sixth. The team included Madison Ringwalt, Mia Spencer, Shane Lorentz, Emma McDonnell, Natty Lint and Makenzie Mast.

Members of the West Holmes FFA chapter went to Hillsdale on Nov. 23 for the sub-district parliamentary procedure contest. The senior team placed first and the junior team placed third. The senior team included Madison Ringwalt, Mia Spencer, Shane Lorentz, Emma McDonnell, Natty Lint and Makenzie Mast. The junior team included Jensen Lorentz, Emily Ogi, Una Holasek, Tori Bell, Macie Sours, Conner Allison, Breck Sheldon, Jocelyn Olney and Tori Kaufman. The senior team moved on to districts.

MILLERSBURG, Ohio — Seven West Holmes FFA members attended the Christmas parade in Millersburg to bring Santa to town. The chapter’s theme was The Grinch, and despite the cold, the members had a great time decorating the trailer and participating in the parade. Members in attendance were Jack Jewell, Shane Lorentz, Makenzie Mast, Jarrett Schafer, Breck Sheldon, Tyler Tope and Wyatt Troyer.

MILLERSBURG, Ohio — The West Holmes FFA chapter traveled to ATI Ohio State Campus to attend a Leadership Night on Dec. 4. Ten members attended the leadership night hosted by the Smithville FFA Chapter and presented by several state officers. The theme for the night was Cooking up a Recipe for Success, and the message of the workshop was focusing on being a good leader and what it takes to be a good leader. The members got to tour the ATI beef farm and farm shop before the leadership night started. Members participated in multiple leadership games and ate pizza during the night as well. Members in attendance included Courtney Crider, Claire Drzazga, Cassidy Holasek, Rowan Holasek, Natty Lint, Reagan Mackey, Shane Lorentz, Mia Spencer, Rayne Larimore and Wyatt Troyer.

MILLERSBURG, Ohio — On Dec. 17, members of the West Holmes FFA chapter attended the Annual Christmas on the Equator event at the Wayne County Fairgrounds, hosted by the Northwestern FFA Chapter. Members attending were Shane Lorentz, Wyatt Troyer, Landrie Croskey, Cadence Martie, Ellectra Beachy, Mia Spencer, Jack Jewell, Jensen Lorentz, Jackson Baker, Emily Ogi and Natalie Lint. The members got to participate in nine square, cornhole, card games and line dancing, as well as hang out with other members from different FFA chapters. Thank you to Northwestern FFA for hosting this event.

Northwestern-Wayne FFA chapter members participated in a gingerbread house/creation contest during the annual winter meeting Dec. 3. (Submitted photo)

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SULLIVAN, Ohio — The Black River FFA Middle School Chapter recognized the outstanding achievements of two eighth-grade members who recently competed in the Ohio FFA State Career Conversation Leadership Development Event. Serina Dearth achieved a first-place finish in Heat 2 with a perfect score, advancing to the state semifinal round, where she placed fourth overall individually.

SULLIVAN, Ohio — The Black River FFA chapter attended the Ohio FFA Leadership Night series at Ohio State University ATI campus Dec. 4. Hosted by the Smithville FFA Chapter, the program provided members with tools to promote premier leadership, personal growth and career success. The evening began with guided tours of the ATI beef facility and farm shop, followed by a welcome from ATI admissions staff who shared information about educational opportunities and college pathways available to students. The remainder of the evening was led by six Ohio FFA State Officers. This year’s theme focused on developing a leadership mindset and strengthening teamwork skills. Through interactive activities, state officers guided students in exploring what motivates FFA members to grow as leaders and pursue their goals, regardless of the challenges or paths they may face. Approximately 350 FFA members participated in the event.

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CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Three members of the Zane Trace FFA Chapter recently received the gift of an official FFA Jacket through the Ohio FFA Foundation’s Blue Jackets program. The program connects local supporters with FFA Chapters to provide FFA Jackets at no charge to members who are selected to receive them. Sophomore Noah Powell, along with freshmen Talan Skaggs and Rylie Benson, were chosen for this opportunity through an application process that took place in early October. In the application, members answered questions about their goals in the FFA, as well as summarizing what receiving an FFA jacket would mean to them. The students look forward to wearing their jackets at upcoming Zane Trace FFA events, including the Chapter Banquet.

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Members from five Ross County FFA Chapters convened at the Creekside Occasions event center in Chillicothe for the third annual Ross County Ag Professionals Day on Nov. 18. The event started with welcome greetings and a workshop led by Ohio FFA President Carter Boyd and lessons in life from the keynote speaker, Ohio State Dairy Program Specialist Bonnie Ayars. Next, the members participated in a luncheon that featured lessons on dining and conversation etiquette led by Sereana Dresbach. Special guests, including elected officials and county farm bureau representatives, joined the students for the meal. After lunch, members participated in two service projects, preparing care boxes for military service members and making knitted blankets for patients and families at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — The Zane Trace FFA Chapter held its annual fruit sale fundraiser Dec. 8 in the Zane Trace AG Shop. The event helped the chapter raise money to support its activities throughout the year, including travel, competitions, banquets and local activities such as elementary Ag lessons. The top sellers in this year’s sale were Kylie Arthur, Mary Helber and Mariska Wax.

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WEST SALEM, Ohio — The Northwestern-Wayne FFA chapter hosted its annual winter meeting Dec. 3. After the regular meeting reports and business, the chapter provided dinner consisting of chicken and jojos. Members were able to participate in a fun gingerbread house/creation contest. Members divided into groups of two to three students and had 20 minutes to complete their gingerbread creations. Guest judges then determined the winners for the most creative, most festive and best overall.

Congratulations to Nikki Troyan, Laci Butler, McKenna Ramsier, Taryn Wagner, Carlee Bailey, Makenna Connelly, Brook Hershey and Lilly Boreman. The chapter would like to thank the Northwestern FFA Alumni for helping judge the gingerbread creations.

WEST SALEM, Ohio — The Northwestern FFA hosted Christmas on the Equator on Dec. 17 at the Wayne County Event Center. The night was filled with games such as corn hole, nine square, card games and line dancing. The chapter also supplied refreshments for all members who attended.

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