Mount Vernon
FFA
Celebrating National FFA Week Feb. 16-23
Mt. Vernon FFAers achieve highest honor Three Mt. Vernon alums earn top degree in organization By Jason Haymes Mt. Vernon FFA was fortunate to have three members selected to receive the American FFA Degree Oct. 27, 2012, at the National FFA Convention held in Indianapolis, Indiana. Seth Haymes, Forrest Thompson and Paige Wallace were among the 3,245 members from across the country to receive the degree. The American FFA Degree is the highest degree granted by the National FFA Organization, and is considered the capstone of a successful FFA member. There were 540,379 FFA members in 2012 and the American Degree was awarded to one in 166. FFA members advance through the degree program starting with the Greenhand Degree and Chapter Degree awarded at the chapter level. A smaller number will receive the State FFA Degree awarded by the State FFA Organization; members must meet the minimum requirement for the degree at each progressive level. Achieving the goal of the American FFA Degree requires years of hard work and commitment. Wal-
lace and Thompson were 2010 graduates of Mt. Vernon High School and Haymes graduated in 2011. Each member had to complete a lengthy application that was evaluated by the State FFA Organization and carefully screened and approved by the FFA Board of National FFA officers and directors. Thompson, Wallace and Haymes Submitted photos were recipients of the State FFA Degree while in high school; each Above left, at the 2012 National FFA Convention, National FFA President Ryan Best presents of them had beef cattle as the pri- Seth Haymes, Mt. Vernon, with his American FFA Degree. Above right, Mt. Vernon FFA advisor mary enterprise of their Super- Jason Haymes is presented an Honorary American FFA Degree. vised Agricultural Experience Proby the FFA at the National FFA Convention. He received gram (SAEP). A snapshot of the minimum requirements for the the Honorary American FFA Degree at a ceremony Oct. 26, American Degree include $7500 earned and pro- 2013. Haymes was one of 185 national recipients of the ductively invested in their SAEP, perform communi- award. He has been an FFA advisor for 25 years, the last ty service, have demonstrated leadership skills and 21 at Mt. Vernon. The Honorary Degree is presented to individuals who have made major contributions to advance involvement in community activities. FFA Advisor Jason Haymes was also recognized agriculture and agricultural education.
A publication of the Mount Vernon High School FFA Chapter produced in cooperation with the Lawrence County Record, Mt. Vernon, Missouri Feb. 13, 2013
Page 2 • Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013
Lawrence County Record, Mt. Vernon, MO
National FFA Convention presents opportunity By Taylor Bowling National Convention this school year was Oct. 24-27, 2012, in Indianapolis, Ind. It was a fourday event. The qualified members left Wednesday morning and came back Saturday night. The top 25 students with the highest amount of points were able to attend. On the slate of activities were many different leadership sessions, the local rodeo and a monument tour. The members also saw advisor Jason Haymes walk across the stage to receive his Honorary American Degree, and chapter alumnus Seth Haymes, accept his American Degree. The trip to National FFA Convention was a wonderful opportunity for the members. They got to meet wonderful people from all across the nation, make friends they’ll never forget and learn so many leadership skills.
Locals do well at Nationals By Sarah Atallah
Submitted photo
Tens of thousands of FFAers, including Mt. Vernon’s, made the trek to Indianapolis for National FFA Convention.
had only three days of vigorous practice to prepare them for the national competition. It was revealed that the newly establish 4-H team—now consisting of Anna Brashers, Sierrah Johnson, Jarod Prater and Shellby Thompson—placed fifth in their division. The FFA team—consisting of Sarah Atallah, Eleesa Gaddert, Selena Hientz and Ethan Walrath—didn’t land a placing spot, but thoroughly enjoyed the experience of the competition. The teams then competed at the MidAmerica Grasslands Evaluation Contest in Springfield where both teams took fifth in their respected divisions. It then became time for the preparation for the new 2012-2013 grasslands teams. This time, the FFA team consisted of Sarah Atallah, Jonathan Keplinger, Sierrah Johnson and Sage Walrath. The 4-H team was composed of Brittney Bolin, Ben Crider, Shellby Thompson and Rudy Valasco.
The Mt. Vernon FFA Chapter has had great success at the national level this year. The chapter had two national proficiency competitors, Alex Garrett competed in the area of diversified livestock production, and Brook Mareth competed in equine science placement. The chapter’s grasslands evaluation teams also participated in two national competitions. It was through hard work and determination that the 2011-2012 grassland evaluation teams placed within the top five teams at state. This qualified the FFA team—consisting of Sarah Atallah, Eleesa Gaeddert, Jarod Prater and Shellby Thompson— and the 4-H team—consisting of Anna Brashers, Selena Heintz, Sierrah Johnson and Ethan Walrath—for the National Oklahoma RangeLand Contest held in Oklahoma City, Okla., and the MidAmerica Grassland Evaluation Competition held in Springfield. The teams traveled to Submitted photo Oklahoma the first week of Grassland team members Sarah Atallah, Eleesa Gaeddert and Shellby Thompson May where they pose with advisor Jason Haymes.
The district competition was Oct. 4, in Fair Grove. There, the FFA team placed first in their division, with Sage Walrath taking first high individual and Sarah Atallah taking third. The 4-H team placed fourth in the 4-H division. This qualified both teams for state, where the FFA team placed fifth
and the 4-H team placed third. Both teams plan on competing at the 2013 National Oklahoma Range-Land Competition in Oklahoma City and the 2013 National Mid-America Grasslands Competition in Springfield this coming spring and summer.
FULL COLOR in this issue is provided by the
Mt. Vernon FFA Booster Club Fifth Annual Mt. Vernon FFA Booster Club
Truck & Tractor Pull Saturday, June 15, 2013
Lawrence County Record, Mt. Vernon, MO
Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013 • Page 3
Mt. Vernon chapter travels to Columbia for state convention By Riley Carnes Five members of the Mount Vernon FFA chapter received the State FFA Degree, the highest degree members can receive at the state level. These members were Alex Garrett, Ashley Bailey, Brittany Jones, Anna Brashers and Riley Carnes. The Mt. Vernon students were five of 773 degree recipients receiving the honor during the State Degree Ceremony at the 84th Missouri FFA Convention. The annual convention was April 19-20 at the Hearnes Center, in Columbia. Awarding of the degree is based on each member’s Supervised Agricultural Experience Program in agribusiness or production agriculture, and leadership ability as demonstrated through involvement in FFA, school and community activities. FFA membership and the number of State FFA Degree recipients have reached an all-time record high. The degree earners, represent three percent of the total Missouri FFA membership per year. This is the largest number of state degrees Missouri has ever presented. The state association presented degrees to 773 members who, as a result
Submitted photo
Five members of the Mount Vernon FFA chapter received the organization’s highest honor to high school students, the American FFA Degree. Pictured are (from left) — advisor Jason Haymes , Kayla of agricultural and leadership achievements, have qualified for this degree. The Missouri FFA has 25,760 members representing 327 chapters. The national organization has more
Fletcher, Ashley Bailey, Riley Carnes, Alex Garrett, Anna Brashers and advisor Steven Prewitt.
than 540,000 members representing 7,489 local chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam and the Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of stu-
dents by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
FFA
for Personal Growth, Leadership & Career Success.
®
Looking Ahead. Focused On You. East side of Square • 466-2163 Business Loop I-44 • 466-3701 www.midmobank.com
Submitted photo
Posing at state contests are Eleesa Gaeddert, advisor Jason Haymes, Sarah Atallah, Ethan Walrath and Sierrah Johnson.
Mt. Vernon sends four teams to state By Rachel Mareth As part of FFA, FFAers love participating in contest teams. Four Mt. Vernon FFA contest teams went to state last year. Those teams were agronomy, grasslands FFA, grasslands 4-H and forestry. On the agronomy team were Brittany Bolin, Jonathan Keplinger, Rachel Mareth and Sage Walrath. They placed 12th at state.
Contestants on the FFA grasslands team were Sarah Atallah, Eleesa Gaeddert, Jared Prater and Shellby Thompson. They placed third at state. The 4-H grasslands team included Anna Brashers, Selena Heintz, Sierrah Johnson and Ethan Walrath. They placed third at state. Participants on the forestry team were Sarah Atallah, Eleesa Gaeddert, Sierrah Johnson and Ethan Walrath. They also placed third at state.
Freistatt, MO 417-235-7579
Rogersville, MO 417-881-2677 West Plains, MO 417-256-7127
Nixa, MO 417-724-2226 Harrison, AR 870-741-4915
Page 4 • Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013
Lawrence County Record, Mt. Vernon, MO
Two Mt. Vernon FFAers prove proficient at state By Jason Thompson The Mount Vernon FFA Chapter was able to send six outstanding students to state convention due to their hard work and dedication on their supervised agricultural experience, better known as their SAE. These kids went the extra mile to fill out their proficiency awards. They all placed first at Area allowing them to advance to state. Those advancing were Ashley Bailey, Eleesa Gaeddert, Alex Garrett, Brooke Mareth and Jason Thompson. Alex Garrett’s and Brooke Mareth’s proficiencies both placed first at state and advanced to nationals. At nationals, their proficiencies Submitted photos received bronze and silver, respectfully. FFA advisors Steven Prewitt, in tie, and Jason Haymes, pose with Alex Garrett, top, and Brooke Mareth.
Mt’Neers place at district contest By Jordan DeLaSalle District contests are a very competitive time of year. It’s the last stop before maybe making your way to state convention. Things get pretty heated when it comes time to actually step into that room with those judges, sit down and take that test, or give reasons as to why one animal is better than others. Some of the teams that Mt. Vernon sent to districts were: ag issues, parliamentary procedure and creed speaking. It was the ag issues team’s first year at the contest and they did a great job, receiving fourth place which made them
the alternate to go to state. The students that participated on the team were Tyler Gray, Jason Thompson, Colter Sexton, Gage Harmon, Becca Owens and Ashley Bailey. The parliamentary procedure team was able to earn fourth place, as well. The students on that team were Becca Owens, Ashley Bailey, Jacob DeLaSalle, Manuela Bedoya, KC Swearingen, Brooke Mareth, Alex Garrett and Riley Carnes. Lastly, Jordan DeLaSalle was the creed speaker and she placed third. She later moved on to continue to state. All in all, Mount Vernon FFA had a great year with contest teams through dedication and hard work.
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Lawrence County Record, Mt. Vernon, MO
FFAers advance at area contest
Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013 • Page 5
Crowder College hosts Greenhand Conference
By Gage Harmon This past year the Mount Vernon FFA Chapter participated in fall and spring leadership competitions. This year Hailee Dudley wrote a speech about pork producers. She said she loved doing this competition team because she got to meet tons of new people from all around our area. Dudley also said that she loved meeting with all the other speech writers and working as a team to help each other. She said it was tough to write and memorize a fiveminute speech, but said she learned a lot during all of it. Dudley plans on doing the competition team next year also, and says she hopes more people are active in this competition next year and that she can’t wait to meet even more new people. The area competition was held in McDonald County High School. Many teams from Area 11 came and participated. During competition, freshman Kaistlyn Foulk make it to district competition. She made it to districts with the speech topic of “sheep producers.” Last spring the chapter also had multiple teams go to area competition, including creed speaking, knowledge team, ag sales and scrap book. In creed speaking, Jordan DeLaSalle went on to the state competition where she received a gold medal and finished in the first group. The knowledge team finished in fourth place, and in ag sales Riley Carnes and Ryan Bracht made it to districts, trying to pitch Red Monkey, a spice and rub company in Mt. Vernon. The scrapbook
Submitted photo
Mt. Vernon Greenhands pose with state FFA officers, who stand in front. By Cory Ard What is the Greenhand Conference? What do you do there? These are just a couple of the questions people have about Greenhand Conferences. The Greenhand Conference is a conjuncture of Greenhands from the local area and district. There are two Greenhand Conferences, the district and the area.
The Area Greenhand Conference, held at Neosho’s Crowder College is where most of the Greenhand recipients went. There, the Greenhands from the surrounding area learned a little about our area officers and about CDE’s, SAE’s and other information about the FFA. Recently, the ag students went to the district conference. All 32 ag students had to wear official dress to at-
tend. It was held at MSU in Springfield. The area officers performed a skit about how an FFA member can survive. Most, if not all 32, students loved the trip most of all because of one thing, Golden Corral. So all in all, the Greenhand Conference is a great source of knowledge and an easy reason to leave school.
was also entered into competition with other area eleven schools. The scrapbook was compiled by Jake DeLaSalle and KC Swearingen.
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• No Burning
Applications • Construction site prep & lot beautification Submitted photo
Mt. Vernon FFAers smile for the camera at area contests.
• Dense brush, undergrowth, vegetation & cedar removal • Storm & fire clean-up • Hunting plots & riding trail clearing
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Page 6 • Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013
Lawrence County Record, Mt. Vernon, MO
Apple Butter Makin’ Days teaching civic duty
By Kelsie Raucher Every year, since 1967, Mt. Vernon has held their annual Apple Butter Makin’ Days (ABMD). Up to 45,000 people travel from all over during the second weekend of October to attend one of the biggest outdoor festivals in southwest Missouri. Much entertainment can be found throughout the three-day weekend. Everything from a pet parade to an apple pie eating contest. The kiddy tractor pull usually has a big turnout as well. Floats from all over southwest Missouri come together for the traditional parade Saturday morning. Additionally, several hundred vendors set up craft booths for their products. Above everything else, you can always smell the delicious food coming from different booths, and the appetizing aroma of apple butter cooking in the large copper kettles on the courthouse lawn. Mt. Vernon FFA Booster Club has a food booth at ABMD every year. The members of the booster club, along with parent volunteers, take turns cooking yummy hamburgers, brats, and of course, the well-known corn on the cob. The FFA Chapter members can work shifts in order to earn points to go to National Convention in Indianapolis, and for the Adventure Trip at the end of the year. FFA member Dylan Shoemaker said he enjoyed working the booth, and the
apple brats were “really good.” Another FFA member, Dale Loftis, was asked if he enjoyed working the booth and replied, “Oh yeah! It was a lot of fun.” The FFA chapter also had a float in the parade. The theme was “Bonfire Rodeo.” Freshmen Hannah Stamper, Emily Reyelts and Kaitlyn Foulk (pictured above from left to right) were three of the active members who worked on the float. Apple Butter Makin’ Days was a very successful fundraiser for the chapter.
Kiddy tractor pull By Kale Schnake The kiddy tractor pull is held on the second Friday of October, on the courthouse parking lot. This is a fun event that the Mount Vernon FFA puts on during Apple Butter Makin’ Days. The chapter has a peddle tractor and a sled to hook behind it for kids K-7. The competition starts off with no weights for the youngest, and then weights added as the ages progress. If two kids have a full pull at the end of their class, five pounds will be added and they pull again. When all the classes are done, trophies are handed out for the kids that place first through third. This is a fun event for the little ones to come and have some friendly competition with their friends and other kids their age.
Submitted photos
Top, Hanna Stamp, Emily Reyelts and Kaitlyn Faulk prepare the banner for this year’s parade float. Bottom, FFAers serving their fire-roasted corn at Apple Butter Makin’ Days smile for the camera.
A proud supporter of Mount Vernon FFA!
Paul & Barbara McDannald 8802 Highway M, Mount Vernon, MO 65712 615 E. Mt. Vernon Blvd. • Mt. Vernon, MO 417-461-1717 • 7 a.m.-10 p.m. 7 DAYS A WEEK!
417-849-5219 Visit us on Facebook!
Lawrence County Record, Mt. Vernon, MO
Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013 • Page 7
and Hen House Bakery Come join us at our 2nd location. 101 N. Hickory • Mt. Vernon • 466-3460
Submitted photo
Ag Olympics
The Mt. Vernon FFA received second place in the area, beaten only by first place Seneca, at Monett’s Ag Olympics.
107 W. Mt. Vernon Blvd. • Mt. Vernon • 466-4650 Hours: 6 a.m.-9 p.m. Mon.-Sat. • 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Sun.
HEN HOUSE BAKERY is open same hours as cafe.
Food for America, food for thought By Clay Eldridge Food for America is a fun way for younger students (elementary and intermediate) to gain a little more knowledge of FFA and agriculture. All of the ag kids who participated chose a project for Food for America and brought it to the school they were assigned. They then taught the younger students about their projects. Some of the ag kids brought big feed mixers, tractors, cows and some brought their dogs. Dirt bikes seemed to be the favorite attraction for all of the younger kids though. This was sort of a field trip and fun day out of school for all students. Third-grader Hailey Eldridge just transferred to Mt. Vernon School District, and this is the first time she has been to Food for America. “I really liked the ice cream. My favorite animal was Logan York’s English mastiff, Conan,” Hailey said.
Third-grader Reagan Boswell said her favorite thing was the big feed mixer because, “I have never seen one and it was BIG!” Reagan added that she also liked all the animals and the trucks and tractors. The FFA chapter really enjoyed teaching the younger kids and look forward to teaching them about more agriculture next year.
Submitted photo
Younger students gather to learn about agriculture from FFA members.
FOOD, FUEL & MORE! • Open 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. West end of Business Loop, next to L&M Tire & Auto
Top Rail Fencing, Inc. ▲ Custom Fencing ▲ Dozing ▲ Backhoe LICENSED SEPTIC INSTALLER Jack Rathmann — (417) 466-5261 Dustin Schnake — (417) 461-3139
Page 8 • Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013
Lawrence County Record, Mt. Vernon, MO
We support the
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P.O. Box 536 104 B W. Mt. Vernon Blvd. Mt. Vernon, Mo. 65712 e-mail: mvrs@bigfoot.com
Sam & Sharon Logan, Owners 417-466-7861 417-461-0093 – Fax
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Proud Supporter of the FFA
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Dr. Greg Lenz and Janeth Lenz 13147 Lawrence 2103 • Mt. Vernon, MO 65712
ESTIMATE SERVICE • DELIVERY SERVICE
213 SPRING PARK BLVD. MT. VERNON, MO 65712
(417) 466-2718 FAX: (417) 466-4608
JOHN COWHERD Attorney At LAw, p.c.
Personal Injury • TrIal PracTIce • esTaTe PlannIng 105 E. Dallas • Mt. Vernon, Mo. 65712 (417) 466-0068 email: johncowherd@mchsi.com
Supports the Mt. Vernon FFA Chapter and congratulates them on their successful year! 210 S. Highway 37 MONETT, MO 65708 Phone: 417-235-7739 • Fax: (417) 235-4275
Proud Supporter of the FFA!
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We buy and sell video games and gear for all platforms. Inside of Home Computer Repair on the Square in Mount Vernon 417-466-3316 • www.GameOverGames.net
Lawrence County Record, Mt. Vernon, MO
Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013 • Page 9
Mount Vernon FFA! Ozark Electric
PROUD SUPPORTER OF THE FFA! LOCKWOOD JOPLIN ROGERSVILLE MOUNTAIN GROVE
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417-232-4700 417-695-8334 417-865-5252 417-926-6520
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Proud Supporters of the FFA! YOR GENERAL 500 E. Mt. Vernon Blvd. Mt. Vernon, Mo. 65712 417-466-4442
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Mt. Vernon Hours: Lobby: 8:30-5 M-F 8:30-Noon Sat. Drivethru: 7:30-6 M-F 7:30-12 Sat.
Spring is around the corner!
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FIND US ON FACEBOOK!
Upcoming Events March 8-10 Cathy Drumm clinic featuring hunters, jumpers, equitation and Western dressage I-44 Ex. 49 Mt. Vernon
Supporting the Mount Vernon FFA P.O. Box 191 • Mt. Vernon, MO 65712 (417) 466-4646 Phone • (417) 466-2941 Fax • Toll Free @ 1-888-427-3235 www.windandwillow.com
Horses bought and sold daily.
March 10
Interscholastic Equestrian Association Horse Show
April 6
Spring Farm & Ranch Consignment Auction Call to consign
LESSONS • OVERNIGHT STABLING • PONY CLUB Dennis Raucher, Auctioneer (417) 316-0023 • Mariellen Raucher (417) 316-0119 www.heritagelivestock.com • mareden@corpranet.net
Page 10 • Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013
Lawrence County Record, Mt. Vernon, MO
Area banquet fun for all By Selena Heintz FFAers donned their official dress, met up at the agriculture building, hopped into a school bus and headed to Cassville for the area FFA banquet. After about an hour of talking, singing, doing hair and trying to pass the time, the bus arrived at Cassville’s high school. Once there, FFAers traveled through winding hallways to get their food and get settled in the giant gymnasium. The National FFA president spoke during the dinner. Then, all the area degree and proficiency recipients gathered in the hallway and waited in line for names to be called. Students were excited to get their degrees and one by one they were presented. Shortly after, FFAers all crunched together for pictures and headed home.
Submitted photo
FFAers pose for a group picture in Casseville at the area FFA banquet.
FFAers make sweet sales from fruit By Becca Owens This year’s FFA fruit sales were amazing in Mt. Vernon. The entire chapter sold a chapter record-breaking 2,222 items. Anna Brashers, a senior, sold 255 items and took first place in top sales for
her fourth year in a row. Becca Owens, also a senior, took second place, selling 212 items. Taylor Bowling, a freshman, took third with 80 items. Everyone stepped up and worked hard to raise money for the chapter. The freshman class came out and set the bar high for next year. Fruit sales are the chapter’s biggest fundraiser, and members are very grateful for those who purchased items.
Dake
Submitted photo
VETERINARY
Mt. Vernon FFAers Becca Owens, left, and Ashley Bailey pose with National FFA President Ryan Best.
Area Officer
Clinic
Riley Carnes
Every year, each FFA chapter in the state of Missouri sends one of their own members to try out for an office in their area. Mount Vernon falls under Area 11. The process to be an officer breaks down into three different criteria: an agricultural knowledge test, an interview conducted by the past officers, and an application that shows how active you are in your FFA Chapter. This last May I was asked to try out for an office. With high hopes and determination, I was able
to make the cut and was elected an area officer. During the year, our area has had lots of activities. We set up an officer training day for chapter officers to come and learn how to best fulfill their office. At Crowder campus in Neosho, we had our Area Greenhand Conference. We set up a dance at the Aurora armory where kids all across the area could come and have fun, and now we are getting ready for the area banquet. This is a huge gathering of people, who come to see how their kids have done throughout the years and to see how strong their SAE really is. Being an Area Officer has been a blast. I have really enjoyed being part of the Area 11 Association and will miss it when I am gone.
Charles A. Dake, dvm • Chuck Dake, dvm
• • • •
Large & Small Animals 24 Hour Emergency Service Equine Ultra Sounding Breeding Soundness Exams
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Lawrence County Record, Mt. Vernon, MO
Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013 • Page 11
Lawrence County Youth Fair expands By Jon Herbert Every year on the first three-day weekend of June, the Lawrence County Youth Fair comes to the little town of Freistatt. Many youth exhibitors await this time all year, and for some, even the days preceding the fair. At the same time, some members start planning and preparing for next year’s show. Youth members there display and compete with their projects. FFA members from across the county and southwest Missouri exhibit livestock, woodworking, gardening and other various indoor exhibits, as well. Many youth members put in countless hours and months preparing. Getting up at the crack of dawn to feed and care for their livestock, until after the sun sets over the horizon, after doing chores and working with their show heifer or market lamb, hog or steer. Through their projects, youth learn responsibility, dedication and to build a
Students travel country for cattle shows By Sam Wallace and Mark Moriondo This summer, we went to many cattle shows all across the country. We went to the National Junior Simmental show in Lima, Ohio, and the National Junior Angus show in Louisville, Ky., as well as many shows in Missouri and other states. We were very successful at both the local and national levels. To be this successful, it takes a lot of hard work and determination. Most of our summer days were spent working in the show barn at home preparing the cattle for the shows. Showing cattle has taught us a lot of responsibility, if we hadn’t worked as hard as we did, we probably wouldn’t be as successful as we have been the past few years. This year we were fortunate
Brad’s
good work ethic to achieve the top spot, whether it’s best in show, supreme heifer overall, grand champion, or first prize with their exhibits. In 2011, the Lawrence County Youth Fair Board bought the field behind the Lions Club in Friestatt, where the fair is normally held. There they decided to build the new fairgrounds, which included two big show barns and a cook shack just for the youth that show at the fair each year. The barns were built and were used in 2012, but did not have water and electricity in time for the fair. The cook shack was built in the months following the fair. In 2013, the fairgrounds will be completed and ready for all of its exhibitors that show there year in and year out. All of this was possible only with the help of the fair board and everyone that makes the fair happen each year. The next Lawrence County Youth Fair is scheduled for June 5-7, 2013.
to win reserve champion heifer at the Simmental Junior National, reserve supreme heifer at the Missouri Cattleman’s, champion Angus at Missouri Cattleman’s, reserve champion Angus heifer at the Ozark Empire Fair, supreme champion heifer at the Ozark Empire Fair, champion steer at the LCYF, supreme champion heifer at the Kansas beef expo and reserve champion Angus heifer at the American Royal. Hopefully next year will be just as successful as the last.
Submitted photo
Hardware
PAINT • PLUMBING • ELECTRICAL
30
Submitted photo
Mt. Vernon students participate at the UMC Field Day. From left, Gage Richardson, dark hair, Tanner Tipton, Jacob Gross and Selena Heintz.
th year FIRST YEAR OF SERVICE:
1983
T
he Missouri Veterans’ Home has been honoring and serving Missouri Veterans in Mt. Vernon and surrounding areas since 1983. Our commitment to serving the men and women whose dedication and sacrifice have preserved our nation and its freedoms continues to grow with each passing day.
Missouri Veterans’ Home 1600 South Hickory Street • Mt. Vernon, MO 65712
“The Price of Freedom is Visible Here” 530 E. Mt. Vernon Blvd. • Mt. Vernon • 417-466-3769 Brad & Sheree Runcie • Hours: M-F 8 a.m.-6 p.m. • Sat. 8 a.m.-3 p.m.
Page 12 • Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013
Parent Night and Barnwarming bring people together By Hannah Cox Although FFA has changed a great deal over the years, some traditions stay the same, one of these being parent night and Barnwarming. As proud parents walked into the high school commons, they were greeted by the enticing smell of homemade chili and cornbread that filled the air. After a good, home-cooked meal, there were plenty of degrees to be conferred. The majority of Agricultural Science 1 students received their Greenhand Degrees, and many of their fellow upperclassmen received their state degrees. Sidney Carnes came before everyone and recited the creed, and did a great job. After the degree event, parents departed and the FFA students headed over to the Flying M Arena for the time honored tradition of the Barnwarming dance. It was a fun night filled with plenty of dancing, games and skits. “My favorite skit was Colter Sexton and Shaylin Benbrook’s because it was great to see Col-
Lawrence County Record, Mt. Vernon, MO ter losing all his dignity in a dress,” said sophomore Gage Harmon. Seniors Keaton Real and KC Swearingen had the privilege to be crowned Barnwarming king and queen. From beginning to end it was an exciting night, from the chili to coronation, it was exciting for everyone. All of it wouldn’t have been possible without the Mt. Vernon FFA Alumni and Boosters and Flying M Arena.
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FFA Camp teaches lessons By Dale Loftis In the summer of 2012, at Camp Rising Sun, FFA members from all over the state came to learn and meet new people. FFAers took part in leadership sessions, various contests and competitions, trap shooting, a dance and various activities on the lake. Members also went to the opera, and were all thankful for the air conditioning. There were a lot of pranks played over the week, mainly by the FFA state officers. Since Camp Rising Sun was full, several boys had to stay at Camp Rosebud, 15 minutes away.
Camp Rosebud was right by the lake, so the state officers came in on a boat one evening while the boys were all at the opera. When the boys returned, they found their possessions thrown around the cabin and their mattresses flipped. Zack Cook said that he liked camp, except for having his stuff messed with. “If you don’t mind sunburns and poison ivy, it was fabtastical,” said Jonathon Keplinger. Camp last summer was a great experience for everyone. Not only did campers get to swim in the lake, shoot clay targets with shotguns, and other entertaining things, but they also got to meet other FFA members from all over the state.
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Lawrence County Record, Mt. Vernon, MO
Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013 • Page 13
Booster club tractor pull drags in big crowd
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This large sled keeps things in check at the annual truck and tractor pull. By Shelby Weaver On a hot summer night, with summer break in full swing, the Mount Vernon FFA Chapter held its annual truck and tractor pull. It was unknown that this would turn into the most successful event held by the local chapter. With the sight of black smoke and the smell of diesel fuel in the air, the event was booming with success. One could see people in the back of trucks and flooded onto flatbed trailers,
up against the boundary ropes and everywhere in between. The roar of the crowd was deafening when the trucks and tractors pulled past the audience. The sight of mud flying, and wheels spinning made the crowd go absolutely wild. The chapter enjoyed an amazing turnout, and the pull lasted almost into the wee hours of the night while in the presence of a clean family atmosphere that the whole community could participate in. All in all, the 2012 Mt. Vernon Tractor Pull was a complete success.
Each year, FCS Financial awards up to thirty-five $1,000 scholarships to Missouri high school seniors whose parents or grandparents are current FCS Financial customers. Visit myfcsfinancial.com to learn more details. Applications are available online and must be submitted by March 1, 2011.* 2013 Experts in rural financing since 1916 Mt. Vernon Office 304 West Mt. Vernon Blvd. 1-866-466-7101 • 417-466-7101 *Applicants must meet all qualifications to be eligible for a scholarship. Ag & Business is a registered trademark of FCS Financial, ACA.
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Chapter banquet spotlights year of accomplishments By Sage Walrath The Mt. Vernon FFA Chapter held its chapter banquet May 11, 2012, at Kings Way Church. At the banquet, the chapter honored those who had won awards or whose teams had placed at district, state or the national level. The chapter also installed new officers. The national placing teams were the 2012 FFA Rangeland Contest, receiving 10th, the 2012 4-H Rangeland Contest, receiving fourth, and 2011 Mid America Grasslands contest, earning fifth. The chapter had four teams place at the state contests. agronomy got twelfth, FFA grasslands got third, forestry got third, and 4-H grasslands got third. Eight chapter teams also went to districts; ag sales, horse judging, ag mechanics, livestock judging, entomology,
poultry, farm business management, and nursery/landscaping. Proficiency award recipients were also recognized. Those at the state level were Ashley Bailey, beef production, Alex Garrett, first place in diversified livestock production, Brooke Mareth, first place in equine science got, Jason Thompson, forage production and Eleesa Gaeddert, specialty crop production. Also recognized were Ashley Bailey, Anna Brashers, Riley Carnes, Kayla Fletcher and Alex Garrett for receiving their state degrees. Finally, a new slate of FFA officers were installed, with Riley Carnes as president, Jason Thompson as vice president, Sarah Atallah as second vice president, Anna Brashers as secretary, Selena Heintz as treasurer, Becca Owens and Sage Walrath as reporters, Shelby Weaver as sentinel, and Jordan DeLaSalle as historian.
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Ice-cream social kick starts school year By Sidney Carnes At the beginning of the school year, the FFA held their annual ice-cream social. The purpose of this event is to introduce new members of the FFA and their
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Page 14 • Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013
Lawrence County Record, Mt. Vernon, MO
66-percenters take Adventure Trip By Becca Owens This year, the Mt. Vernon FFA Chapter decided to re-name the traditional 66% Trip, at the end of the year, to the Adventure Trip. All students that have participated in 66 percent of the year’s activities are invited to come on an all-expenses paid trip at the end of the school year. This year the chapter took 25 students, two chaperones and both advisors, to Kansas City. Students had an incredible time at Worlds of Fun. Between getting sunburned and screaming on roller coasters, they were all exhausted by the end of that day. They also visited the Kansas City Zoo where advisors Jason Haymes and Steven Prewitt got a kick out of watching a monkey smoke a cigarette. The group also ate at the famous Golden Ox where the “Kansas City Strip” was first invented. Everyone was said to have had a great time and was sad to come home.
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Worthy FFAers take a break during the chapter’s annual adventure trip.
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Lawrence County Record, Mt. Vernon, MO
Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013 • Page 15
Meet the M.V. FFA Chapter officers for 2012-13
Riley Carnes
Hi, my name is Riley Carnes. I am a senior and I currently serve as the president of Mount Vernon FFA. This year has been a great experience. It is my third year as an officer, and I have to say that it has been the most productive and positive year. It’s a good feeling being an officer. Other members look up to you. As an officer, I feel it is very important to act in a positive manner. Hopefully I can set an example for other members, so they may want to be more active in FFA. Currently I have a very active Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE). I have a large garden of all types of vegetables that I sell at the local farmers market. I have a small corn project of eight acres that I sell to a local farmer. I restore old tractors for people and buy old tractors and restore those to be sold. I have 16 laying hens, and I have been cutting cherry wood to be sold for smoking. I also work at Race Brothers Farm and Home Supply where I help customers load their purchased products and find everything they need. This year, I plan to expand my SAE by having several tractors to be restored and adding a new sale place for all my vegetables. I love FFA and look forward to being involved next year.
Jason Thompson
Hello, my name is Jason Thompson, I am a senior and have been in ag all four years of high school. This year I am serving as the vice president. All the memories I have made while in ag have been priceless, and are memories I will remember forever. This year I am on the agriculture issues team along with six other members. Last year I was on the agriculture issues team as well the livestock judging team. I have had a blast being on these contest teams. I have been growing my SAE project since I started FFA. I have kept records of my expenditures and receipts in my record book. This has allowed me to win several awards and I am looking forward to applying for more. I have been glad to serve as the vice president of this chapter. I encourage all younger members to get involved early and stay involved!
Sarah Atallah
Hello! My name is Sarah Atallah and I’m a senior at Mount Vernon High School. I currently serve as the second vice president of our school’s FFA chapter and this is my fourth year as
part of the FFA! I’ve wanted to be part of the officer team throughout my entire FFA experience and this year has been great. I’m very active in our FFA chapter’s contest team. I’ve gone to state on our chapter’s agronomy team and had a third placing state forestry team. I’ve competed at two national grassland evaluation competitions, and plan on returning to those competitions this year. The skills I learn from these contests are life-lasting and I love having the opportunity to compete against not only FFA members from our chapter, but also members from across the state and nation. FFA has taught me so much in leadership, service and hard work. The memories and friends I’ve made through FFA have been unforgettable. I would encourage anyone and everyone to join, because even if you’re skeptical, there really is something in it for everyone.
Selena Heintz
Hello! My name is Selena Heintz, I’m a senior and am the treasurer of our FFA chapter. Being the treasurer has been an amazing and fun experience, as well as furthered my record keeping abilities. Over the past four years FFA has given me so many skills that will last a lifetime. FFA has also given me a lot of memories as well. Memories like practicing for a contest team and learning something new, and how excited I am that I will always remember it from then on, has created an impact on me. Memories like these have shown me that I can always learn something from the experience no matter what it is. FFA has pushed me to the limit when it has come to contests, doing a speech or even striving for a higher degree. I can’t thank Mr. Haymes and Mr. Prewitt enough for that. So thank you Mount Vernon FFA for letting me figure out just how amazing FFA is.
Anna Brashers
My name is Anna Brashers. I am a senior this year and the Mount Vernon FFA Secretary. I have been in FFA since my freshman year in high school. My SAE has included numerous amounts of Holstein bottle calves and cleaning up old fence rows on the farm. I have learned to use old remedies to help make my calves feel better when they are sick. Outside of FFA I am in National Honor Society and National Art Honor Society. Outside of school I go to Civil War reenactments and dress as a young woman would in that time era. I am very involved in my church, Chesapeake Baptist, and their youth ministry. I am also active in the Mount
Vernon Historical Society. In 2011 I went abroad to Europe as a student ambassador.
Becca Owens
Hey everyone! I’m Becca Owens, a senior at Mt. Vernon High School and the reporter for Mt. Vernon FFA. This is my second year as an officer and I couldn’t have been any more blessed with a better year. I have bonded with the rest of the officer team and have made so many hilarious memories I know I’ll never forget. FFA has taught me so much in my four years as a member and helped make me a better and more confident person. I would encourage anyone to join FFA and stick with it all four years of high school because it’s an awesome experience that will teach you more than you first realize. Outside of FFA I am a member of NHS, FBLA, student council and the pep squad. I’ve had the amazing opportunity to travel abroad to Australia the summer of 2010, and Europe the summer of 2011 as a People to People Student Ambassador. I plan on attending Drury University and majoring in business.
Sage Walrath
My name’s Sage Walrath and I am a junior in high school and one of the two FFA reporters. I’m also part of other school activities such as I play football and tennis. I’m also a member of the Hellenikos Culture Club, Science Club, and I’m part of the Quiz Bowl team. Along with being an officer in FFA I also participate in some of our CDE contest teams. I’ve been to state contests for our knowledge, agronomy, and grasslands CDE’s. For my SAE project, or Supervised Agriculture Experience project, I grow hogs and butcher them to sell the different cuts of meat.
By: Anna Brashers
Shelby Weaver
Hey y’all! I’m Shelby Weaver, a junior at MVHS. I am the sentinel for the Mt. Vernon FFA Chapter. Being an officer has been a wonderful experience; it has given me lots of great memories and taken me to the edge of my comfort zone, then shoving me off the cliff. Before achieving my officer position, speaking in public would never have been an option. If I had not been a part of FFA, I am not sure where I would be right now. I am a third year member and plan on continuing next year as well as after I graduate in being an active member of the chapter alumni. Outside of FFA, I show registered American Miniature Horses at the local and national level. I have shown at the American Miniature Horse Registry National show for eight years. With my hard work has come much success including, a national championship, over 15 national top ten placings, and a 2012 National Top 5 All Star Award for my youth senior halter gelding. I have shown with many trainers and have decided to take the reins to go my own way to accomplish my dreams.
Jordan DeLaSalle
My name is Jordan DeLaSalle. I am a sophomore this year and I am the Mount Vernon FFA’s historian. I have been really interested in FFA since I moved to Missouri four years ago. I love FFA because of all of the amazing experiences that come with it. I can easily say it has made a big impact in my life. As creed speaker my freshman year, I got the wonderful opportunity to go to state contest! It was a blast! I have also been able to go to national convention both years in FFA, which was a privilege I was so happy I was able to take part in. Other than FFA I am a coquette as well as a cheerleader and will be playing softball this year. Pretty busy schedule but I make it work!
Officer Retreat
There is a tradition in the Mount Vernon FFA Chapter that is known by all the past and present FFA officers. This tradition is taking a weekend out of summer vacation and all the new officers head to Shangri Lloyd’s Cabin on Table Rock Lake. This time is reserved for the officers to get to know one another a little better and discuss plans for the upcoming year. Lloyd takes small groups out on
his boat to allow tubing, knee boarding, skiing and just having fun. Back up at the cabin Mr. Prewitt fixed supper while the rest of the group hung out. After supper there was a short meeting, then bed. The next morning after breakfast it was back to the meeting. Not for long though. The advisors let the officers back in the water before heading home. Another officer retreat ended with high spirits about the new school year.
Page 16 • Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2013
Lawrence County Record, Mt. Vernon, MO
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