Grinnell FFA Experience the Action Team takes top state honors

​         Members of the Grinnell FFA Experience the Action team were named state champions and will advance to nationals in Indianapolis during the 96th State Leadership Conference held April 15 - 17 at Iowa State University in Ames. Pictured are, from left, front row: Haley Moyer, Peyton Davenport, Sophia Louden, Dylan Heater, Kai Gibson, Brayden Jones. Back row: Brenton Hefflefinger, Maddie Eddins, Tristan Graff, Wyatt Eaton, Carson Penyich, Andrew Peterson and Carter Hansen. Six members were allowed to be the main presenters or media tech specialists and the others were mock audience members/participants. Abby Spriggs was part of the team, but is not pictured.

By J.O. Parker
     
​       The Grinnell FFA Chapter wrapped up the 96th State Leadership Conference held April 15 - 17 at Iowa State University in Ames with several top honors.
   Grinnell FFA’s Experience the Action Leadership Development Event team brought home state championship honors and a gold rating at this year’s state conference.
      Team members included Sophia Louden, Wyatt Eaton, Andrew Peterson, Carson Penyich, Dylan Heater and Abby Spriggs, who were main presenters in the competition. The following eight team members served as mock audience/participants as part of the competition. They are: Haley Moyer, Peyton Davenport, Kai Gibson, Brayden Jones, Brenton Hefflefinger, Maddie Eddins, Tristan Graff and Carter Hansen.
      Experience the Action team members developed enthusiastic presentations that marketed Agricultural Education and FFA. This program serves to inform and educate the general public regarding the benefits and activities of Ag Ed/FFA programs.
FFA Creed Speaking
     Grinnell’s Aden Wolfe earned second place honors and a gold rating in the Creed Speaking Leadership Development Event at this year’s conference. Aden was one of 18 FFA members from across the state to compete in the competition.
       This event is designed to develop leadership and the ability to appear before groups by seventh through ninth grade students as they become members of the FFA. This event recognizes outstanding FFA members for their ability to present the FFA Creed from memory and answer questions on the meaning and purpose of the FFA Creed. The event is just one way members can develop their ability to communicate in a powerful, organized and professional manner.
Conduct of Meetings
      The Grinnell FFA Chapter Conduct of Meetings team earned sixth place honors and a silver rating. Twelve chapters participated in this year’s Leadership Development Event.
      Team members included Lauren Louden, Alyssa Peterson, Maggie Dayton, Jacob Thilges, Easton Edelen, Owen Kaltsas and Zane Iverson.
       Teams participating in this event were composed of seven members organized to act out the duties of an officer team. Teams were required to perform opening ceremonies, demonstrate two parliamentary procedure abilities, and successfully close a meeting. This event aids in the development of leadership abilities of young members for present and future chapter activities.
Ag Sales Team
    The Grinnell FFA Chapter Ag Sales Team earned eighth place honors and a silver rating at this year’s convention.
     FFA teams from 87 chapters participated in this year's CDE designed to provide the students an opportunity to display their agricultural knowledge and skills in the area of Agriculture Sales. The 318 individuals who participated in the event each completed an objective test, made a sales presentation, and performed a customer relations practicum. All team members worked together to prepare a marketing plan and make an oral presentation of the plan to the judges.
​        The 97th National FFA Convention & Expo is Oct. 23-26 in Indianapolis.

​      Aden Wolfe earned runner up honors in the Creed Speaking Leadership Development Event during the 96th State Leadership Conference held April 15 - 17 at Iowa State University in Ames. He is joined by his mother, Ashley Wolfe, the Grinnell FFA Chapter Advisor.

​        The Grinnell FFA Conducts of Meeting team earned sixth place honor and a silver rating at the 96th State Leadership Conference held April 15 - 17 at Iowa State University in Ames. Pictured are, from left, front row: Owen Kaltsas, Maggie Dayton, Zane Iverson, Easton Edelen, Jacob Thilges, Lauren Louden and Alyssa Peterson.

​        Members of the Grinnell FFA Ag Sales Team finished in eighth place and earned a silver rating at the 96th State Leadership Conference held April 15 - 17 at Iowa State University in Ames. Pictured are, from left: Wyatt Eaton, Sophia Louden, Andrew Peterson and Dylan Heater.