Leadership is a big focus for Cadott’s FFA program
Some members of the Cadott FFA, left to right, in front, are Alexa Gindt, Myka McCullough, Elena Clark and Alex Gindt. In back, are Nicholas Goettl, Gabe Dohms, Katylnn Jackson, Maddie Hrdlicka and Olivia Urbanek. Submitted Photo
Over the 2023-24 school year, so far, the Cadott FFA chapter has been fortunate to have 93 members actively participate in community service, fundraising, competitions and fun activities.
They started the year with a community service activity, helping the Cadott community at the Come Now and Eat event.
“Thanks to the support of Cadott football fans, who purchased goods at the FFA concession stand, the chapter sent students to the World Dairy Expo, the Fire Leadership Conference, the National FFA Convention and the Fall National Leadership Conference,” said adviser Keith Becker.
During the fall, the FFA had the opportunity to do roadside pick-up, then have some fun paintballing at Battlefield Paintball. The chapter also sent five students to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, to participate in the Fire Conference, learning about leadership and opportunities in FFA.
At the end of October, the Cadott Dairy Team, including Brock Nesvacil, Devin Pilgrim, Adam Glenz and Anthony Glen, placed second at the Chippewa County Dairy Evaluation clinic. While competing at the National Convention, the Agronomy Team earned a Silver ranking.
“Going into November, the Cadott FFA had a very successful fruit sale, thanks to the Cadott community,” said Becker.
The top seller in the high school was Will Morgal, with over $1,500, while the middle school’s top-selling family was the Puchalskis, with over $1,200 worth of fruit, peanuts and local meat/cheese.
In addition, nine members attended the Fall National Leadership Conference in Green Bay.
“The nine Cadott students and over 900 others from across the state, were able to self-evaluate themselves, and learn how to grow personally and professionally during this conference,” said Becker.
Throughout December and January, 16 members practiced to compete in leadership development events, including parliamentary procedure, FFA creed, discussion, extemporaneous and Quiz Bowl.
“Their hard work paid off, with the Parliamentary Procedure Team, including Payton Pedersen, Gabe Dohms, Maddie Hrdlicka, Olivia Urbanek, Charlie Puchalski and Garrett Engel, placing fourth.
Discussion speaker Braden Denzine placed third, while Creed speaker Brener Rodriguez also placed third. The Quiz Bowl team placed second, including Megan Lanou, Jacob Pilgrim, Ryan Mathison, Kaylee Stai and Lorelai Puchalski.
Nicholas Goettl placed fourth and Alaina Kempen first, at the Extemporaneous Competition. The Quiz Bowl team and Kempen will compete at the Sectional competition, March 26, at Chippewa Falls High School.
Upcoming events for the FFA, include Regional career developments, including the Mid-State and UW-River Falls Tech Contest, where the chapter expects over 16 teams to compete. Also coming up, is the Sectional Leadership Development event and the Spring National Leadership Conference.
“This summer, the chapter will be sending six members to the Washington Leadership Conference, this July,” said Becker.
