education

Wisconsin FFA Foundation Wisconsin FFA Alumni & Supporters

Message from Danielle Waterworth, Foundation Board President

The definition of normal — can anyone help me with that one right now? What we used to find normal seems to shift every day as of late. While there is a lot of uncertainty and new norms, what is certain is the world still needs to eat and we still need to find ways to support those entering the agricultural workforce as best as we can!

The Wisconsin FFA Foundation and the Wisconsin FFA Alumni & Supporters have joined forces to produce this Special Edition newsletter, showcasing Alumni members: their great work in their local chapters and for statewide partners.

So much of what we learned of being a servant leader we learned through our years in FFA. The support that we, as a Foundation and Alumni members, give to our local communities and state are a vital part of providing for opportunities for others. Being a part of the Alumni organization allows us thoughts of hope, provides for moments of joy as students learn new skills, and provides for different opportunities to give back as we walk through this world.

What a fitting time to share some good news!

WI FFA Alumni Have 5 Important Roles

Did you know there are five essential “roles” of an Alumni member? The National FFA Organization says our thousands of Alumni members fill vital functions as: Advocates, Donors, Fans, Mentors and/or Volunteers. There is no shortage of each of these personas in Wisconsin and we found some to talk to about why their Alumni role is important to them, and those they serve. #1 Advocate In Wisconsin Dells, Ben Babcock has been advocating for his local chapter in major ways. He was instrumental in helping the Wisconsin Dells FFA Alumni Chapter reactivate, but also affiliate, to grow the membership without the barriers of dues.

“It makes it easier to get people to join and help out,” he says of the affiliation, a newer push by National FFA to help Alumni chapters attract parents and volunteers that maybe aren’t directly involved in agriculture and/or weren’t FFA members themselves.

Ben says his community is building a new high school, which has opened opportunities to expand the Dells' agriculture education program. “Through an Alumni chapter, I wanted to be able to give our ag teacher the resources he needs to take advantage of these changes,” he says.

Ben advises other Alumni members not to feel obligated to do everything and become burnt out through volunteering but, instead, look for areas to help out where and when they can, and then encourage others to do the same.

Julie Meixelsperger knows something about chapter reactivations, as hers, the River Valley FFA Alumni, went through the process two years ago. A farmer’s daughter and wife, Julie says she worked at the high school for 15 years before finding a special niche in helping those with learning disabilities, especially with their agriculture classes.

“My practical knowledge in farming was very helpful to both students and our ag teacher/FFA advisor, Shari Graffunder,” Julie says. “I have Amy Voigt and Nick Lowe show their Alumni spirit at the FFA Convention Expo.

seen on a daily basis the amount of time and energy Shari puts into her students. She is truly amazing!”

Julie strongly believes the ag community needs to advocate for the state’s youth — encourage and support them.

“Agriculture is not easy in this day and age of public skepticism,” she says. “River Valley FFA Alumni has given local scholarships to members, financially supported their competitions and worked countless hours to support the school fair each year.”

Julie says she and a few others have been dedicated to reestablishing the local FFA Alumni, and hope to continue growing the chapter in numbers, providing even more support to River Valley’s teacher and students. #2 Donor D a v e Weiland of Freedom says that he and his wife, Jackie, are proud donors of Wisconsin FFA — as Alumni and through the Foundation. It’s important to this couple that students have access to a variety of hands-on learning experiences and FFA activities.

His strong passion for the state's agricultural education program has made Dave an active donor to the Wisconsin FFA, both financially and in time and talent. “I’m a big believer in the local economic development of a community and, a lot of times, that depends on how strong its local agriculture is,” he concludes.

Jack Ellickson lives quite a ways south of Dave, in Stoughton, but truly believes in donating to FFA as much as his northern counterpart.

“Learning to work on a class project or activity with fellow students helps build a strong work ethic, character and cooperation for FFA members,” Dave says. “They also then learn leadership lessons at the same time. Skills like that eventually build strong families, communities and local businesses.” A saying he believes strongly in is: “If you think education is costly, try ignorance.”

Dave says he was never an FFA member, but his parents were farmers. His high school teacher impressed upon him the impact a teaching profession has on youth. Dave taught at Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton for many years, spending much of his time meeting with and advising young farmers.

He says his time in the FFA Alumni has helped him develop lifelong friendships but, most importantly, a sense of accomplishment in working toward a common goal — the strength of the FFA members in Wisconsin. #3 Fan Every great organization needs great “fans” and FFA is no different! Venture north again and it’s not hard to spot a top FFA Fan, Candie Lehto of the Section 8 Oconto Falls FFA Alumni Chapter, who says she’s been an active and vocal advocate for the Wisconsin FFA Alumni program as it supports the state’s teachers and students.

Jack donates much time serving at the local FFA Alumni food stand, among dozens of other hours throughout the summer at various events. For more than two decades he has served the Stoughton FFA Alumni board in different roles.

He is active on the state level as well, currently serving on the Wisconsin FFA Alumni Council and volunteering for the Foundation at the WPS Farm Show Auction.

“It’s enjoyable to watch students learning from older members and their ag instructors, then grow into mentors themselves,” Jack says. “I feel happy if I help one student develop skills to have a successful and rewarding career.”

One of her favorite activities has been accompanying local FFA members to state and national conventions. “Their excitement is contagious and their dedication to the FFA and ag ed program is awesome,” Candie says.

When asked by a friend about a chapter fundraising activity and how the money was used, she told her the Alumni paid for jackets, in addition to conference and convention registrations for members and teachers, hotel rooms, agriculture classroom supplies, scholarships and buses.

“We sent area students to the Washington Leadership www.WisconsinAgEd.org .org | 608-831-5058 Alumni roles, cont. Jack Ellickson of the Stoughton FFA Alumni is a proud donor of Wisconsin FFA! “As the definition of agriculture education is forever changing, so is the need to support our local and state programs."

www.WisconsinAgEd.org | 608-831-5058 Conference through our two annual Section 8 banquets and auctions,” Candie adds. “All of these fundraising activities directly support our current FFA members and encourage others to participate. My friend responded with a single, simple word: ‘Wow.’”

Candie believes that FFA is a total educational program that supports academics, arts and career paths for all levels of learning, and that the payback of belonging and participating to the Alumni is priceless.

“I see hope for the future and catch the enthusiasm and excitement of dedicated students as they explore their futures,” this top fan says. “There’s nothing better!”

Another top fan in the state is Nick Lowe, who serves on the State Alumni Council and hails from the Stoughton FFA Alumni. He says he “bleeds blue and gold” and being a fan is more than just wearing the FFA jacket.

“I’m a fan of my chapter by always promoting any upcoming event, knowing Alumni members by first and last name and something personal about them,” he says. “I cheer them on by being an active and positive president myself.”

He says that attending local FFA chapter meetings builds the bridge between the FFA and its Alumni. While encouragement comes in many forms, Nick says he chooses to lead by example and impact the FFA and classroom as an FFA fan and volunteer.

“As the definition of agriculture education is forever changing, so is the need to support our local and state programs,” he says. “Right now we need to support the students that will be tending to our fields, putting food on our tables, looking after our natural resources, and acting as our leaders in the future.” #4 Mentor In Mishicot, Alyssa Neff-Miller is a mentor in a variety of ways, encouraging FFA Alumni to step out of their comfort zone and get involved with the organization. “You don’t have to do everything or even something big,” she says. “I love being an FFA Alumni member because I can see the positive difference FFA makes in students,” she adds. “Seeing a shy freshman develop into a responsible, hard-working, outgoing senior is an amazing transformation.”

As a mentor, Alyssa wants to help students become more confident at whatever they are doing, whether it’s trap shooting or by helping them review other SAE opportunities.

“Being there to encourage them along the way, help them when they fall down and give tips to make it better next time is the biggest impact I feel I’ve had,” she says. “If you can take time to review applications, be a guest speaker, cook a meal, or teach a kid how to tie a tie, you are making a difference.”

A little further north at the Waupaca and WeyauwegaFremont FFA chapters, Bobbie

Jo Montgomery provides mentorship through proofing degree and award paperwork, writing letters of recommendation and sharing feedback prior to speaking contests.

“I want to give back to an organization that has made a significant impact on me,” she says. “I hope that by taking time to proof an application or listen to a student speak helps to build their confidence and leadership skills.”

Bobbie Jo says being a mentor shows FFA members that what they are passionate about is important to her and their greater Alumni chapter.

She believes "Living to Serve" is the most important part of the FFA Motto, and that it’s okay to be an alumni member who helps once a year with an event, or makes a donation and isn’t able to attend anything. “No matter your level of involvement, you make an impact!” #5 Volunteer

Audra Kearn loves flowers, and has become an essential volunteer for the Parkview FFA Chapter. She helps their Floriculture CDE team prepare for contests, judges LDE competitions, spends time at events such as the mum and spring plant sales, annual Alumni convention, and spends time coordinating volunteers for the Candie Lehto of the Oconto Falls FFA Alumni was honored at the 2020 Alumni Convention. Ben Babcock builds a chicken tractor for the local agricultural education program.

Wisconsin Cattlemen’s Trailer.

Audra says she’s always had a passion for FFA and agriculture, and to be able to share that with others has been rewarding.

“I felt it was important for students and FFA members to have handson learning opportunities open to them through a school greenhouse, so I and other members of the Parkview FFA Alumni made great efforts to make that happen,” she says. They secured funding and now, the students can “Learn by Doing” in a project the community further supports through the plant sales.

Audra wants her fellow Alumni members to know that no matter how big or small their chapter is, whether the funds are deep or shallow, “being there to support the teacher and students is the most important thing you can do.”

Whether it’s a brat fry, a senior citizen prom, the very popular Annual New Holstein FFA Alumni Toy Show, Missy Steffes is there. She says she first became involved with FFA after marrying her dairy-farmer husband, Mark. They attended events hosted by the local Alumni chapter, and he joined the board when they began having children.

“While he was on the board, we started helping out more with the events,” Missy says. “I loved working with students. I love seeing them graduate, when they ask for scholarship and resume references.”

Now, the ones she’s seen grow up in FFA are having families of their own, and talking about their children joining FFA when they reach that age. Missy encourages Alumni to get to know the FFA members, work with the teacher/ advisor and ask them what they need.

“As I write this out and think of FFA, I always start to cry,” this devoted volunteer says. “This is how much FFA as made an impact on my life.” Alumni roles, cont. Audra Kearns coaches the Parkview FFA Floriculture CDE team and helps with their greenhouse needs.

Golf Events

Support Wisconsin FFA this Year!

@ the 2020 Wisconsin FFA Foundation Golf Events (At the time of printing, our golf outings are planned as scheduled. Should this change due to COVID-19, we will keep you informed!)

Northwest: Monday, July 13 Wild Ridge Golf Course, Eau Claire

Guest host: Bob Bosold Northeast: Tuesday, July 14

Crystal Springs Golf Course, Seymour * NEW this year, a 9-hole event!

Guest host: Travis Cleven Southern: Monday, July 27

Pleasant View Golf Course, Middleton Guest host: Pam Jahnke

Find details and registration online at: wisconsinaged.org/foundation/events

FFA Chapters and Alumni: This is a special offer for you!

Be an exclusive hole sponsor and register a foursome for only $500 (Northwest and Southern) and $400 at Northeast. ** This is a great way to say Thank You to Alumni volunteers, industry donors, parents, and others! **