AMANDA, Ohio — The Amanda-Clearcreek FFA had 31 members attend the 98th National FFA Convention where members won awards, attended session and toured different facilities. Emma Strickler represented Ohio in the Prepared Public Speaking CDE and placed fifth in the nation. Hannah Saum, a 2023 graduate from Amanda-Clearcreek, acted as a Ohio National Officer Candidate. Although she didn’t get elected, she represented the chapter and completed interviews throughout the week. Carley Claypool and Karlee Perry also received their American FFA Degrees.
Additionally, members participated in fun activities and toured facilities like Freshwater Farm in Urbana Ohio, The Fastenal Supply/Distribution Warehouse, Stuckey Farm Orchard and Cider Mill, Lincoln School of Technology, the Indiana Historical Center, the Indiana State Museum, Rascal’s Fun Zone and Buckeye Bash. The members in attendance were Alana Benjamin, Cate Buckley, Samantha Buckley, Callie Corey, Harley Devaney, Sophia Dossman, Brooke Edgar, Greta Helser, Cece
Kerns, Emily Kissling, Demi Lee, Abbie Leist, Alayna Leppert, Ava Loel, Grace Martin, Madison Matheny, Reese Melton, Bella Metz, Dakota Stevens, Emma Strickler, Riley Strickler, Brinn Tuttle, Carley Claypool, Karlee Parry, Benjamin Brewer, Troy Busch, Peyton Davis, Lane Drake, Caleb McGee, Tyler McGraw and Hannah Saum.
•••
MILLERSBURG, Ohio — West Holmes FFA hosted its annual fruit sale from Oct. 9 to Nov. 19. On Dec. 12, members assembled buckets, bags and boxes of fruit at the Holmes County Fairgrounds. The members then delivered the fruit. The organization sold 566 cases of fruit and 3,458 tins of nuts, blocks of cheese, rings of trail and bottles of maple syrup for a total of $61,589. The total profit was roughly $14,000. The top salespersons were Breck Sheldon, Logan Van Dalen, Emma Eberhard, Grady Hawkins and Wyatt Troyer. West Holmes FFA thanks community members for supporting the sale and Harvest Ridge for opening up their facilities to the group.
•••
JEROMESVILLE, Ohio — Hillsdale FFA held its monthly meeting on Dec. 8 at 7 p.m. in the high school cafeteria where it prepared for the “Christmas on the Equator” event. The evening kicked off with officer reports and announcements for upcoming events followed by dinner. Afterward, students brought out coats, hats, gloves and other warm items they collected. These items will be donated as part of the “Christmas on the Equator” event that will help families stay warm during the colder months. Members also made blankets and wrote thoughtful cards for nursing home residents.
JEROMESVILLE, Ohio — Hillsdale FFA held its annual Santa Breakfast on Dec. 13 from 8-11 a.m. where community members had a chance to enjoy breakfast and make crafts. Attendees also donated coats, gloves, hats and pajamas to Hillsdale Cares, a local organization that provides supplies to those in need within the school community. The organization raised $1,730 and collected four pairs of pajamas that will be given to families. Hillsdale FFA thanks Jillian Cowger for organizing the event and the community for its support.
JEROMESVILLE, Ohio — Twenty-three Hillsdale FFA members participated in the “Christmas on the Equator” event on Dec. 16 hosted by the Northwestern FFA Chapter at Wayne County Fairgrounds. Members indulged in pizza, chips, cookies and drinks before participating in activities like card games, cornhole, nine square and line dancing. In total, six chapters attended the event, where they mingled and donated winter clothing for families in need. Hillsdale FFA thanks Northwestern FFA for hosting and Hillsdale Transportation for transporting members to and from the event.
