Local FFA earns state recognition

TIFFIN — Local FFA students attended the Ohio FFA Convention April 30-May 1, representing Seneca County and their schools as they competed and pursued opportunities in agricultural education. Valerie Karhoff, a Vanguard-Sentinel instructor who teaches agricultural education at Lakota Schools, said local participation in FFA remains "stable," with each school district in Seneca County offering agricultural education in some capacity. This year, she said, Lakota offered five different FFA courses, from eighth grade through high school. All eighth-grade Lakota students take Ag Ed 8 as part of career exploration, Karhoff said, and FFA-minded high school students were offered Mechanical Principles, Animal and Plant Science, a Capstone Course, and Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. Through agricultural education, Karhoff said, students have the opportunity to earn industry credentials and grow within their area of interest, furthering their readiness for life beyond high school; whether that path includes higher education, additional training or entering the workforce. "FFA participation starts in the classroom," Karhoff said, and opens opportunities to students. Similar to Skills USA and Educators Rising, FFA members have the chance to compete locally and advance to the state and national level, Karhoff said. Students at the recent state convention showcased the strength of Seneca County's FFA program and the local commitment to preserving the agricultural heritage that helps define the county. Listed by school, the following students participated in or were recognized at the Ohio FFA Convention. Lakota The following Lakota students attended the convention: Michael Blasius, Brody Hansen, Kendall Shaull, Madalynn Gillmor, Grace Sautter, Cayden Bursiek, Bradley Thomas, Ezekiel Ley, Xavier Thomas, Parker Eidenour, Corrina Ley, Brody Brubaker and Joel Ruble. The following students were recognized: Corrina Ley, gold-rated secretary; Grace Sautter, gold-rated treasurer; Joel Ruble, gold-rated reporter; Cayden Bursiek, first place individual and first place oral reasons in the Dairy Cattle Evaluation CDE; and Carter Bursiek, fourth place in the middle school Dairy Cattle Evaluation CDE. Five students received the State FFA Degree: Xavier Thomas, Parker Eidenour, Corrina Ley, Brody Brubaker and Chloe Foos. Corrina Ley and Ezekiel Ley were State FFA Band members. Lakota also received a bronze rating in the National Chapter Award Program. Hopewell-Loudon Alexander Fitzpatrick, Katelyn Schneiderman and Mallory Rowe earned their State FFA Degree and were recognized at the convention. New Riegel Alexandria Elchert, a New Riegel graduate, has submitted an application for her American FFA Degree. Whether she will be recognized at the National FFA Convention in the fall will be determined in late July. Old Fort The following Old Fort students earned their State FFA Degree: Layla Garland, Lucy King, Brock Hull, Grady Eakin, Clara Williams, Abbi Ward and Nakiah Wall. Nolan Heilman placed second in the State FFA Grain Production proficiency area; Grady Eakin placed fourth in the State FFA Turfgrass Management proficiency area; and Heilman was selected and hired by Sunrise Cooperative through the Ohio FFA Works program. He will begin his career in the agriculture industry after graduation May 17. The Ohio AgriBusiness Association provides an industry-recognized credential that verifies high school student expertise in agriculture, agribusiness and production systems. The following Old Fort seniors earned the credential: Dimitri Carter, Connor Fredritz, Elijah Garza, Grant Havens, Nolan Heilman, Brock Hull, Cale Hull, Piper Powell, Nolan Scherger, Laura Stawowy, Caiden Swecker and Nakiah Wall. Gibsonburg Caden Althaus and Gabriel McCrory both received their State FFA Degree. Althaus was hired through the Ohio FFA Works Program and will work for Luckey Farmers. Tiffin-Sentinel FFA Anderson Mennel and James McCartney earned their State FFA Degree, and Trinity Company earned her American FFA Degree. Clyde The following Clyde students were recognized at the convention: Dalaina Pinion, gold-rated reporter; Ian Strausbaugh, gold-rated secretary; Vivian Gibbs, silver-rated treasurer. State FFA Degree recipients were Vivian Gibbs, Mallory Meggitt, Ian Strausbaugh and Jocelyn Adair. The degree recipients will now work toward earning their American FFA Degree. Mohawk Grace Carper, a sophomore, earned the title of gold-rated reporter, and Elyn Hetzel, a sophomore, earned the title of gold-rated treasurer. Holden Parker, a junior, and seniors Danielle Searls and Preston Tyree earned their State FFA Degree. Tyree and Searls will work toward the American FFA Degree after graduation. Bellevue Caleb Martin was elected state vice president at large for the 2026-2027 officer team. State FFA Degree recipients were Blake Armentrout, Azlin Bollenbacher, LilliAnn Jarrett, Emma Lyon, Morgan Neill, Helana Obermiller and Aubree Valko. Seneca East The following students were recognized at the convention: Kayleigh Walliser, gold-rated secretary book; Adalyn Lutz and Luella Burkholder, gold-rated reporter book; Cadi Schwab, gold-rated treasurer; Logan Snavely, Ohio FFA Foundation Earl F. Doc. scholarship. Nora Kelly performed in the talent show and sang the National Anthem. State FFA Degree recipients were Landen Fruth, Jack Ziegler, Gunner Polachek, Nora Kelly, Addison Dawson and Jordyn Enders. Matt Martin, livestock coach and supporter of Seneca East FFA, received an honorary state degree. The Seneca East FFA chapter was recognized for making a $500 charitable donation to the local community and was named a gold-rated chapter for its program of activities. Fremont Ross Corbyn Root was named an Ohio FFA State Officer Candidate and received his State FFA Degree. Heidi Jahns and Allison Myers also earned their State FFA Degree. Results from Upper Sandusky had not been received by press time.