The Lake Geneva Badger FFA members joined more than 62,000 other FFA members, advisors and guests at the 86th National FFA Convention in Louisville, Ky., Oct. 30 to Nov. 2.
The chapter received the Three-Star National Chapter Award on stage during Thursday’s afternoon session. Badger FFA representatives President Josh Kundert and Vice President Chad Jones accepted the chapter’s award.
The award is presented to the chapter in recognition of its success in community, chapter, and student activities as a part of its program of success. Few chapters in the nation are recognized with this award, and only 19 chapters in Wisconsin received a three-star ranking on the national level. About 300 of the 7,570 nationwide FFA chapters received a three-star chapter ranking this year, and Badger FFA was one of them.
Badger FFA member Nicholas Merry played for the national FFA band and was chosen to serve as second chair in the trumpet section as well as have a solo in one of the sessions on Friday evening.
Shanna Mercier competed in the top four semi-finalists for the “diversified horticulture proficiency” area based on her proficiency area at Pesche’s Greenhouse. While she was not chosen as the first-place individual, she won the International Experience Costa Rica trip valued at more than $2,800 for travel in June sponsored through the national FFA programming.
The Badger FFA Veterinary Science Career Development Team placed eighth- place gold overall across the national teams. Taylor Kundert placed fourth individually receiving a cash award for her accomplishments. Rebecca Kamps and Chandler Carlson placed in the gold individual rankings, and Miranda Hall placed in the silver rankings individually.
Badger FFA graduates Shanna Mercier and Victoria Rife received their American FFA Degrees at the Saturday morning session. The American FFA degree is bestowed upon members who have demonstrated the highest level of commitment to FFA and made significant contributions to their Supervised Agriculture Experience projects. Fewer than half of 1 percent of all FFA members receive this level of accomplishment.
Throughout the week, the members were able to see an exclusive member-only performance from country-star Dierks Bentley, attend leadership workshops and attend general sessions. One of the motivational guest speakers that they were able to see was Rick Pitino, University of Louisville’s men’s basketball coach who talked to members about dealing with everyday pressures and problems. Another motivational guest speaker was Josh Sundquist, who spoke about overcoming adversity, since he lost his leg from cancer in his childhood and was able to become a paralympic skier.
Jessica Heinrich also received her American FFA Degree, however she was unable to attend the National Convention. Way to go Badger FFA!