The Sutton FFA chapter members have been very busy throughout the year participating in contests, applying for State FFA Degrees, and the SAE proficiency award program.  Several members have qualified for state competitions.

Matt Drudik, Gary Griess, Jason Lemkau, Alan Nelson, Samantha Overturf, and Taylor Schlautman will be receiving the State FFA Degree on April 3rd.  Hailey Schmer and Kelli Green will be participating in the State FFA Chorus. 

Three members qualified for the State Leadership Skills Events.
• Samantha Overturf will compete in the Job Interview Contest.
• Amy Cox will compete in Extemporaneous Speaking.
• Kelli Green will compete in Creed Speaking.

Eleven members filled out proficiency award applications dealing with their Supervised Agricultural Experience Program.  The applications were judged on the district level Feb. 11th.  Member’s applications placing in the top three in their proficiency area were selected for state evaluation on Feb. 28th.  Below is a list of the judging results:

• Ashley Nunnenkamp was the district winner in the area of Agricultural Sales Entrepreneurship and is a State Finalist.
• Samantha Overturf was the district winner in the areas of Vegetable Production and Ag Processing and is a State Finalist in both areas.
• Levi Ochsner was the district winner in the area of Specialty Animal Production Entrepreneurship and is a State Finalist.
• Shelby Yost was the district winner in the area of Equine Production Entrepreneurship.
• Lane Steinhauer placed 2nd in the area of Beef Production Entrepreneurship on the district level.
• Jason Lemkau received a silver rating in Turf Grass Management on the district level
• Shelby Overturf received a silver rating in Vegetable Production on the district level.
• Megan Korb received a bronze rating in Beef Production on the district level.
• Amy Cox received a silver rating in Veterinary Science on the district level.
• Dillon Ochsner received a silver rating in Specialty Animal Production on the district level.
• Chyanne Barnhill received a bronze rating in Small Animal Production on the district level.

Dillon Ochsner has submitted the Agri-Entrepreneurship Application for his Largemouth Bass SAE program.  He will receive his state placing during the State FFA Convention.

Chapter members filled out the National Chapter Award and were selected as one of the 13 chapters in Nebraska that will receive a national rating.

Sutton FFA members celebrated National FFA Week Feb. 21-28, 2009. Step Up, Stand Out was the theme this year for more than half a million members around the nation participating in National FFA Week activities at the local and state levels. Stepping up and standing out is not only a way of life for FFA members, but it’s also a call to action for others. FFA members set a positive example with their leadership, work ethic and community service activities.

As a part of National FFA Week, chapter members participated in the following special events:
• Monday – Samantha Overturf and Jason Lemkau were guests on the KHAS Channel 5 Noon Show.
• Tuesday – FFA members held a breakfast for 78 community leaders and FFA Alumni.
• Wednesday – FFA members had an inflatable obstacle course for elementary students.
• Thursday – FFA members handed out drawstring bags to elementary students.
• Friday – FFA members sponsored an elementary coloring contest.

FFA members are success-oriented students who are driven to achieve their goals and be the leaders of tomorrow. They stand out by recognizing the importance of being active in their schools and communities and are urged to step up when volunteers are sought, friendship is needed and leadership is required.

Through classroom instruction and hands-on learning, agricultural education and FFA are making a positive difference for members every day. FFA members have opportunities to attend national leadership conferences, develop a supervised agricultural experience project, learn life skills and serve their communities with civic engagement. For example, members have planted flowers at the community home, picked grapes for a local producer, hosted a Dodgeball tournament, decorated the downtown for Christmas and had floats during the summer festival and winter parade of lights.

The Sutton FFA Banquet will be held on April 4, 2009 featuring Dave Thorell as a banquet speaker.  Dave is the "Dave Of All Trades" entertaining listeners from 9 to 1:30 each day and assisting in the farm and production departments at KRVN FM Radio.