Busy time of the year for Hennessey FFA! Since the annual labor auction at the end of January, activities have not let up for FFA members. The following week Brooklyn Harris, Leah Dickens, Paeton Choate, and Nicholas Moery represented Hennessey FFA at the NOC interscholastic as they competed in the Food Science Career Development Event. Also, there are 11 students who are currently practicing and participating in the Livestock Evaluation CDE. Several FFA applications, and scholarships were due in February. Two students, Amey Haymaker (Swine Production- Entrepreneurship), and Casen Scott (Grain Production- Entrepreneurship) completed and turned in a Proficiency Award Application for a chance to be a state finalist in their respective specialty area. Amey Haymaker is a state proficiency finalist for the 3rd time, and she will be recognized and placed at the State FFA Convention on May 8th. Also applying, and passing the State FFA Degree review were seniors Cale Dickens and Amey Haymaker. They too will be recognized on stage at the State FFA convention.
Shortly after the calf fry, several FFA and 4H members exhibited their livestock projects at the Kingfisher County Livestock Show from February 18-20. The show concluded with the premium sale on the 26th, only to turn around and move into the Northwest District Livestock Show from February 27-March 2nd. Vandin Vadder, Kaden Kennedy, and Kaden Moulton also exhibited their Ag Mechanics projects through the Ag Mechanics show in conjunction with the stock show. Vandin Vadder received Champion honors in the Wood Only Division with his custom made desk, and also received a showmanship award. Kaden Kennedy and Kaden Moulton received Reserve Champion honors in the Livestock Equipment Division with their custom made “Up Down Bars.” The show season ended with the Oklahoma Youth Expo in Oklahoma City from March 12-22 (list of achievements below).
In the midst of all of this, seniors Cale Dickens and Amey Haymaker completed coursework, and passed their certification exams in Veterinary Medical Applications, and Principles of Livestock Selection and Evaluation. The coursework required to complete was started at the beginning of the year, and now that they have passed their exam, they will be recognized on stage at the Oklahoma FFA State Convention on May 7th. At the same time, their ag mechanics classmates have been busy with several ag mechanics projects with emphasis in completing a three month long, wrap-around tree bench project with a powder coated finish for the outdoor classroom in the early childhood center. This project was funded by the Hennessey Educational School Foundation. Since this bench was 100% custom built, there were SEVERAL learning outcomes. Specifically, LOTS of Geometry because students had to find, bend, and/or cut countless angles precisely. Time was found for guest visitors from Invenergy where they provided the entire chapter Hideaway Pizza for lunch, informed them about the Wind Energy industry, and the Wagon Wheel project coming to Hennessey and surrounding areas.
Livestock Show Highlights
Cade Charmasson- County Grand Champion Wether, OYE Premium Sale qualifier
Crew Charmasson- County Grand Champion Ewe, OYE Premium Sale qualifier
McKenzie Hladik- County/NW District Show Grand Champion Steer, OYE Premium Sale qualifier
Addisyn Hladik- County Premium Sale qualifier/NW District Show Bronze Medallion steer
Paityn Koehn- County Reserve Grand Champion Steer. 6th place Steer at NW District Show/OYE
Amey Haymaker-County Breed Champion Berkshire Barrow, Reserve Champion Crossbred Barrow and Bronze Medallion, NW District Sale Qualifier, 4th place Crossbred Barrow at OYE
Kaden Kennedy- County Bronze Medallion Steer and premium sale qualifier
Kole Smith- County Champion Red Angus Heifer, Reserve Champion Red Angus Heifer NW District Show, Champion Division 1 Red Angus Heifer at OYE
Kinsley Moeller- County Premium Sale qualifier, 1st place crossbred gilt NW District Show
Hannah Swart- County/NW District Premium Sale qualifier (crossbred barrow)
Cale Dickens- County Premium Sale qualifier (Crossbred steer)
Harper Streck- County Premium Sale qualifier, 1st place Angus Heifer NW District Show
Adler Dowell- County Premium Sale qualifier (barrow)
Holden Swart- County 1st place crossbred gilt and Premium Sale qualifier
Adin Dickens- County Premium Sale qualifier (sheep)
Camden Dowell- County Premium Sale qualifier (barrow)
Leah Dickens- County 2nd Place Angus steer
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