CENTRAL FFA HAS A BUSY YEAR

It’s been a busy year for Central FFA. Three students, Ted Hilgerson, Luke Orr and Andrey Shirbroun, showed their steers at the Iowa State Fair in August with impressive results. Earlier last summer, the Central group joined with the Tri-Star and Ed-Co FFA chapters for a livestock judging contest at the Clayton County Fairgrounds. Central FFA member Tom Shirbroun was the high-scoring senior individual.

“Our soil judging and agronomy teams participated in district and state contests,” said FFA advisor and Central teacher Jerry O’Brien, “and we had another successful year with our fruit sales, which is our main fund raiser.” He added that his students are now getting reading to participate in various leadership career development events, another important component of the FFA experience.

At the group’s annual banquet last spring, the group’s outgoing officers were honored. In addition, Arlene Doepkke was given the title “honorary FFA member” for her tireless efforts fruit sales fund-raiser. The Central chapter also saluted their many volunteers and supporters, including “Outstanding Supporters” Joe and Suzanne Shirbroun, and Palas Fencing, Volga, and Hutchison, Inc., Manchester, for their $1,200 donation. O’Brien said the money will be used for ongoing expenses like dues, jackets and entry fees for contests and competitions.

Again this year, O’Brien has 39 students in FFA, a number that’s held steady for the last few years.

Several Central students took time to share their thoughts on FFA membership. Their comments can be found in our “Salute to FFA,” on pages 8-11.