Area FFA chapters honored at state convention

From news reports
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Members of the Mount Pulaski, Hartsburg-Emden and Olympia FFA chapters were honored with the following awards during the 94th annual Illinois State FFA Convention June 14-16 in Springfield.

Andrew Liesman
Andrew Liesman

Andrew Liesman was recognized for winning the electricity category of the state Agricultural Mechanics CDE, which helps participants develop their technical skills, knowledge, and ability to work with others to solve complex problems.

The chapter was also  recognized for coordinating a local campaign for the Illinois Foundation FFA which raised at least $3,000. The chapter's fundraising total was $3,715.

Mount Pulaski FFA members Grace Davis and Hannah Stoll accept the Foundation $3,000 Club Award at the Illinois State FFA Convention.
Mount Pulaski FFA members Grace Davis and Hannah Stoll accept the Foundation $3,000 Club Award at the Illinois State FFA Convention.

FFA students at Hartsburg-Emden were also given the same award with their  fundraising total at $3,025.

The Hartem FFA was also recognized for providing financial contributions to the Illinois Foundation FFA for 25 years, as of 2021.

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Olympia FFA students were recognized for winning the state Horse Evaluation CDE, which requires team members to evaluate and rank horses based on breed characteristics, conformation, and performance. Student participants also provide oral reasons to describe and defend their placings.

Olympia FFA members who were recognized for winning the state Horse Evaluation CDE from left: Tarah Hilt, Trista Davis, Kassidy Tackett and Elizabeth Shaffer.
Olympia FFA members who were recognized for winning the state Horse Evaluation CDE from left: Tarah Hilt, Trista Davis, Kassidy Tackett and Elizabeth Shaffer.

Members of the Olympia FFA chapter were recognized for coordinating a local campaign for the Illinois Foundation FFA which raised at least $6,000. The chapter's fundraising total was $6,200.

Olympia FFA representatives Tori Fishburn and Kylie Britt were recognized for coordinating a local campaign for the Illinois Foundation FFA which raised at least $6,000.
Olympia FFA representatives Tori Fishburn and Kylie Britt were recognized for coordinating a local campaign for the Illinois Foundation FFA which raised at least $6,000.

With a 2022 theme of “Initiate,” the three-day event annually recognizes achievements of Illinois FFA members, elects the major state officer team, and celebrates agriculture.

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The convention spotlighted the Association’s annual service project, which provided $250 scholarships to 20 FFA chapters planting trees throughout the state.

Students at the convention were greeted with activities including a career fair featuring colleges and agribusinesses and an opportunity to engage in the history of Illinois’ capital city. The sessions featured addresses by National FFA Western Region Vice President Josiah Cruikshank of Oregon and from each of the retiring major state officers.

This article originally appeared on Lincoln Courier: Illlinois FFA convention honors local