2008 - 2009 Fleming FFA Chapter's Year in Review

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This year the Fleming FFA Chapter had numerous, eventful experiences. They started out with 15 total members to proudly wear blue and gold, and four more joined the chapter as the year progressed. The Big Conference, that took place at Northeastern Junior College, was the first major event for our districts Greenhands' (first year FFA members). They took part in leadership development activities throughout the day.

The first major activity the entire Fleming FFA hosted took place during Fleming's 2008 Fall Festival. We held our annual pancake breakfast; and continued the tradition of the tractor pull. The National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN was next on our agenda; eight members were able to attend. We were able to attend multiple workshops and sessions while in Indianapolis. All members who attended were able to bring home valuable lessons about premier leadership, person growth, and career success. The annual trap shoot, held at the Haxtun Gun Club, where the community could come out and enjoy the day while showing off their shooting skills. There was a giveaway and the best shooters out of two categories won a gun.

The District Leadership Conference was a day filled with many different leadership activities that the FFA member got to participate in. There were leadership workshops, Greenhand creed speaking contest, and the seniors got to take a trip to the corporate building of Cabela's in Sidney, Nebraska. Two of our very own members were competing in the creed speaking contest, and they place in the silver division. During the District Leadership Conference our members came back with new skills and achievements that will help throughout their FFA career. The National Western Stock Show was full of new innovations in agricultural technology. We had the chance to visit all the career booths and enjoy the festivities that an agricultural life can lead to. We also had the privilege of watching the Rodeo that National Western Stock Show puts on. The day was packed with exciting and memorable events. This year's FFA Quiz Bowl took place right here in Fleming. Eight schools came the quiz bowl to participate.

Our District Officer interviews were also held at this event and Josi Krumwiede is now our District Treasure. Our district Career Development Events took place at Northeastern Junior College. We had two teams that competed, one team in the field of Ag Mechanics and the other in Floriculture. Josi Krumwiede placed third in our district as an individual. From there, the Floriculture team went on to represent Fleming at the Colorado State Career Development Events competition. The members had to do a set of evaluations from a floral design to plant identification and came back with new knowledge and appreciation for the simple things we call, flowers.

This year's member auction had vast success. The annual event drew the crowd in for a night of great food and the wholesome company of fellow agriculturalists. All of our members were auctioned off to help out the members of the community. We want to give out a special shout out to the Sterling Livestock Commission for helping with auction. There were also several other items that were auctioned off thanks so support from local business. Thank you to everyone who sponsored us! The Annual Fleming FFA Chapter Banquet was the last item on our list for the school year. At the banquet many awards were given to our proud members, and new officers were called to duty.

Two of our Colorado State FFA Officers were there to help us congratulate our members. Andy Bartlett, State President, and Michelle Koroshetz, State Reporter. Thank you Andy and Michelle for coming out to enjoy the night and helping us award our members. We are proud to name our new 2009-2010 officers. They are as follows: President-Chelsea Larson, Vice President-Josi Krumwiede, Secretary- Morgan Bueltell, Treasure- Khy Rigel, Reporter- Amber Mekelburg, and Executive Committee- Morgan Wilkening and Justin Stone.

Congrats to all of the new officers and to all members who received awards. For our summer activities, we plan to go to the Colorado State Convention, have an officer retreat, and we will be helping out with this year's Logan County Fair in Sterling. Also, many of our members will be exhibiting the "product of their toil" at the Logan County Fair. We hope to see you at the fair and at next year's FFA events. Thanks for all your support!

Amber Mekelburg, Fleming FFA Reporter