Students receive scholarships for FFA leadership retreats

BATH Agriculture education teachers/FFA advisers make a world of difference for the students they teach. This spring, students put into words the impact their ag teachers/FFA advisers have had on them as part of an FFA Adviser Tribute Scholarship application. Seventeen students will receive a scholarship to attend a South Dakota FFA Leadership Retreat this summer based on the powerful stories they shared about the impact their teachers have had on their lives.

Leonard DeBoer Memorial (2)

Bradyn Small, Langford Area and McKayla Dow, Tri-Valley

Walt Johnson Memorial (11)

Andrew Pruitt, Belle Fourche; Rachel Brown, Bridgewater-Emery; Allyson Couser, Brookings; Hailey Stimson, Brookings; AJ Otten, Canton; Jacoby Costello, Garretson; Matthew Smith, Gregory County; Braylon Plucker, Lennox-Sundstrom; Sutton Plucker, Lennox-Sundstrom; Ellie Storm, Sturgis; and Macee McGregor, Webster

Jason and Ashley Frerichs (2)

Megan Wiese, Milbank and Kelsey Fischer, Webster

Rhonda Wosje (2)

Ava Benson, Brookings and Gillda Larson, Lake Preston

The selected students are not afraid to share the admirable characteristics of their advisers and how they have placed a lasting impact on them and their fellow classmates. The excerpts from the student essays below illustrate their bright future because of their ag teacher/FFA advisers.

• AJ Otten, Canton junior comments, At district officer training, I learned about servant leadership. My advisor, Ms. Aime Carter, is the best example of a servant leader. Im inspired by her to not only be a better leader, but a better person.
• Gillda Larson, Lake Preston, junior shares, Mrs. Karley Hall goes far beyond teaching lessons, she encourages us to grow as individuals, take on challenges, and become leaders in our community. She helped me gain confidence in public speaking and decision-making. She reminds me that hard work and integrity matter.
• Rachel Brown, Bridgewater-Emery junior, says, Mr. Alex Toupal is constantly encouraging others to do their best and try something new. He creates opportunities, motivates us to lead, and builds a strong sense of community. His passion for agricultural education and leadership development is inspiring.
• Hailey Stimson, Brookings junior recognizes strengths in both her advisers, Mr. Joshua Johnson and Mrs. Michelle Dykstra honor agriculture and are willing to help anyone curious to learn about it. Since I dont live on a farm or acreage, I was very intimidated. They were kind and welcomed me, pushing me to strive, take on challenging tasks, and be my best. Ava Benson, Brookings sophomore, says When I was doubting my abilities and fearful of letting down my chapter, Mr. Johnson stayed positive. I strive to be a person who can have a positive impact on others like he has on me. Allyson Couser, Brookings sophomore adds, Mr. Johnson taught me to appreciate agriculture, to work with a team as well as individually, and the importance of losing as well as winning.
• Jacoby Costello, Garretson junior comments, Ms. Alysha Kientopf helped me out of my shell with public speaking. She encouraged me out of my bubble with ag broadcasting and now I can stand in front of a whole gym of people and not get nervous.
• Braylon Plucker, Lennox-Sundstrom sophomore, says, Mrs. Kasey Trouke is excited to explore new ideas, take on challenges, and help us grow as students and leaders. Through her guidance, Ive learned new ways to communicate with others, to step out of my comfort zone, and developed important leadership skills. Her hands-on teaching style help us connect with what were learning in ways that stick with us. Sutton Plucker, Lennox-Sundstrom freshman adds, Mrs. Trouke keeps us focused and pushes us to perform to the best of our abilities. She reminds us to be role models and leaders, helping shape us into driven individuals.
• Megan Wiese, Milbank senior comments, My advisor, Ms. Sara Colombe, puts her students before herself. I remember going back and forth on whether to apply for district office. She made sure I knew that if I didnt get elected, it would not make me any less of a person. Districts rolled around, and I was a nervous wreck. She stood by me until I went into my interview and was there when I got out. When my name was called, she was the loudest person in those bleachers.
• McKayla Dow, Tri-Valley sophomore says, I have never met anyone as dedicated and focused on making their students succeed in life as Mr. Tanner Peterson. FFA has pushed me out of my shell, to try things I never thought I could do, and not give up. He showed me that no matter where you are from or where you are at, you are always welcome in FFA.
• Kelsey Fischer, Webster junior says, Mr. Fred Zenk believes in me. He doesnt just teach agriculture, he teaches leadership and responsibility, pushing us to grow out of our comfort zones, and to do more than we think we are capable of. Whether preparing for contests or working on our SAEs, he shows up with purpose. Macee McGregor, Webster sophomore adds, Mr. Zenk is passionate about agriculture and dedicated to helping students become the best version of themselves. His love for range shines through when helping students study and practice plant lines. His charismatic wit keeps everyone on their toes and guarantees learning is fun and exciting.

For more information about the South Dakota FFA Foundation and South Dakotas FFA programs, visit www.sdffafoundation.org.