Wisconsin FFA holds alumni & supporters convention
The Wisconsin FFA Alumni & Supporters Association 42nd convention and annual meeting was held on Feb. 4-5 at the Central Wisconsin Expo Center in Rothschild.
This year’s convention theme was “Honoring our Heritage, Cultivating our Future,” as the association celebrated the 50th anniversary of their charter. Past convention memorabilia was displayed throughout the weekend and several interesting historical facts were shared at the various activities.
About 240 FFA Alumni members and guests from across the state of Wisconsin attended this year’s event.
The convention kicked off Friday afternoon with a state council meeting, followed by tour options and a dinner buffet. Convention attendees were then treated to an evening of music and dancing with a performance from the band High Mileage. Saturday morning kicked off with breakfast and opening session, followed by section meetings.
The 2021-22 Wisconsin FFA Officer Team played a vital role in the operation of the convention. They helped open the first convention Saturday morning by assisting in the presentation of the colors and as a group leading the convention attendees in the national anthem.
They helped with section meeting delegate registration, business meeting and election and presented a very moving reflection program. They also conducted two workshops, one on social media and the other on building leaders in the Alumni organization.
The 2021-22 team was recognized for all being Lifetime members, of both the state and national FFA Alumni and the 2020-21 team was honored for being named a 100% State Lifetime Team at the national convention this past fall.
Members heard from the various leaders of the other organizations, whom are part of Team Ag Ed, and were presented the annual financial report and budget during the annual business meeting.
The election for vice president was also conducted and Grant Staszak of the Bonduel FFA Alumni & Supporters chapter was elected. The remaining executive team was also forwarded to their new positions, electing Terri Wilfert of Mishicot the new president, Bobbie Jo Montgomery of Waupaca, president-Elect and Nate Zimdars from Ripon, past-president. There were a few bylaws changed adopted at the meeting and four different resolutions passed.
The closing session was full of numerous awards and recognition. Several teachers were honored with Outstanding Agriculture Educator Awards, earning a cash prize. These included, Troy Talford and Sally Ladsten from Sauk Prairie, Daniel Robinson from Lomira, Marty Nowak from Denmark, Mariah Markhardt and Walter Taylor from Oconto Falls and Katie Reider from Granton.
