The Aurora FFA Chapter has started off to another great year. The 2008-2009 officers consist of Brad Hohwieler-President, Chris Boehle-Vice President, Tara Hansen-Secretary, Max Anderson-Treasurer, Matthew Grosshans-Parliamentarian, Jessica Vettel-Reporter, and Jamie Bergmark-Sentinel.

   The leaders attended COLT Conference in Aurora over the summer where they each learned their specific duties for the position they hold, as well as how to become better leaders.

   The new leaders got off us to a good start with the annual BBQ held at the local park where we invited the old and new members to attend.

   To help fund some of the activities we do for the community and workshops our Chapter attend, we participate in fund raisers. Each home football game, members volunteer to sell concessions.

   We sold numerous Christmas food gifts to our local community right before the holidays. First year members sold magazines to help defer the cost of their first FFA jacket. Overall we were very pleased with our sales outcome.

   The Aurora FFA had 38 members participated in a community service project where they help decorate the downtown square with carved pumpkins called Scare the Square.

   For the costume competition the winners were: Chris Boehle, Jacie Geiger, LeAnna Spencer, and Kayla Carriker, and for the best carved pumpkin, awards went to Shelby Gowen, Cody Collins and Shaunie Comer.

   As a chapter we picked the pumpkins from a local farmers patch and we placed them uptown once we were finished with our designs.

   The creativity of the chapter is boldly being expressed in the planning of the activities for National FFA Week.

   We decided that the weeks activities will consist of the following: FFA T-shirt day, faculty appreciation day, breakfast pizza, a petting zoo and open house. Members will drive tractors to School Day on Friday.

   And hold a dance Friday evening with country dance lessons prior to the dance. The chapter is very excited to spread our love for FFA in a fun and positive way during FFA week.

   The Aurora Chapter felt very blessed to have Lauren Perry, one of the State FFA officers, come and give the Freshman a leadership workshop on Tuesday, February 10.

   The freshman participated in learning activities and games throughout the day. Over the lunch period the Chapter officers met with Perry to relax, eat some pizza, and discuss how our chapter was doing. We were all very appreciative to have her come.

Forever Blue and Gold,
Jessica Vettel
Aurora FFA Chapter News Reporter