MHS Celebrates National FFA Week

MHS students and faculty celebrated National FFA week from February 20-27. “We had a very fun and successful week,” stated FFA advisor Jerry Janisch. FFA and Ag students participated in a medallion hunt and coloring contest Monday. “Four medallions were hidden around the school,” explained Janisch. “Four times throughout the day a clue was announced.”

All students were treated to a petting zoo Tuesday. Animals from FFA and 4-H students were brought in and showcased in the woodshop and ag areas of the school. Featured animals included donkeys, piglets, goats, chickens, rabbits, dogs, and cats. “The petting zoo was phenomenal,” Janisch said. “It was a big hit with everyone.”

Students who wore clothing supporting the FFA program were treated to an open noon hour on Wednesday.

All FFA students attended a breakfast Thursday morning and hosted Ag Olympics for the entire school Thursday afternoon.

Students who earned the state FFA degree, which is the highest degree in the state of South Dakota, are Chris Loutsch, Rebekah Tuchscherer, Brianna Schreurs, Tera Hanson, Katie Cannedy, and Kristine Fairchild.

Trevor Schmidt is the District I FFA officer while Tera Hanson, Kristine Fairchild, and Kimberlly Aburto were selected as delegates to the National FFA Convention. Kadon Leddy and Kiera Leddy were national winners in FFA AgriScience and Rebekah Tuchscherer was selected as the KSFY Outstanding Scholar of the Week.

MHS has 152 FFA members enrolled in the agriculture program including 35 seniors. Agriculture education courses offered for 2015-2016 at MHS include: Welding and Welding II, Intoduction to Animal Science, Ag Technologies and Greenhouse Management, Advanced Animal Science, AgriScience, Horticulture and Natural Resources.

The local organization annually takes part in fruit sales, the national and state FFA conventions, state FFA leadership, magazine sales, land and range career development, Valley Queen Cheese Cheeseburger Days, homecoming float, South Dakota FFA leadership camp, Pink Pumpkin Campaign, Building Our South Dakota Rural Community grant, and teacher in-service meal preparations.