With over 130 members and guests present, the Harford Tech FFA put on an amazing year end banquet! Starting with a great meal and awesome cupcakes made in the school by the culinary arts program, the banquet was off to a great start! As the evening went on, we moved into the auditorium and began the awards portion. With opening ceremonies memorized and smiles all around, the members recognized parents and supporters, awarded senior superlatives, crowned a FFA prince, princess, queen and king and of course surprised Mrs. Knight with flowers, a scrapbook and personal letters!
Congratulations to all of those members who received awards this evening!!
Star Greenhand- Emily Triolo
Star Chapter- Meghan Thomas
Dr. Richard Cook Scholarship- Julie Candelaria and Katie Tillis
Ford Truck Scholarship- Julie Candelaria
Tractor Supply Scholar- Katie Tillis
Colonial Farm Credit Scholarship- Kelly Kundratic
Best of luck to the Harford Tech FFA Chapter over the next year! Thank you so much for having Renee and I; my mom absolutely loved the flowersJ
Have you ever wanted to AGvocate in your school? Show them what FFA is all about, raise awareness about agriculture as a whole, give students hands on experience? On May 2, 2013, the Manchester Valley FFA Chapter did just that! Their Back on the Farm Day allowed teachers to bring their classes outside for a great day filled with agricultural knowledge, adorable animals and of course and question sheet!
Cattle, horses, pigs, goats, rabbits, sheep and even adorable chicks were all on the school grounds for students to see! In addition to the animals, there were educational posters, signs, and FFA members all around the event to teach the students as they walked through.
The Manchester Valley FFA Chapter did an amazing job as they raised awareness about agriculture right in their own school! Faculty, staff, students and even the day care children loved seeing all of the festivities! Way to go Manchester Valley FFA!!
AGvocate always,
Victoria Robinson
State Vice President, Maryland FFA Association 2012-2013
“[ABILITY]”
Check out this cool picture:
My first banquet as a state officer was filled with laughs, memories and of course a room full of blue jacket pride! Seeing the Middletown FFA members wait anxiously for the ceremonies and awards to begin made me remember just how special these banquets truly are! After the meal in the cafeteria, we moved into their auditorium where the blue and gold lights moved around the room as the officers were introduced! As the night went on, it was easy to see the large amount of community and family support that this chapter has! You know that the blue jacket has impacted this community as a whole when the parents are just as proud as the members!
I would like to commend the Middletown FFA chapter for another successful year and of course another amazing banquet! Keep up the great work!
Best of luck to their 2013-2014 Officer Team!!
President………………Kiley Slimmer
Vice President…………Emma Brenengen
Secretary………………Emily White
Treasurer………………Ellie Crum
Reporter……………….Nikki Cook
Sentinel………………..Josh Moore
Jr. Advisor…………….Skylar Weddle More
Over 300 members and guests + 6 Career Development Events + Awesome FFA Supporters and Alumni = A great day at UMCP for Spring Judging!
A giant thanks goes out to all of the advisors, coaches, alumni, supporters and CDE superintendents for all of the hard work that went into making this day a huge success!
It was easy to see how excited all of the members were as they arrived early in the morning with pencils and clipboards in hand! As the day went on, they used their own ability to examine, evaluate and answer questions that lied in from of them in all six CDE areas! From unknown scents in the food science CDE, to quality evaluation in horticulture judging, Maryland FFA members truly know how to have a great day, show off their skills and make their home chapters proud!
Congratulations to all participants! To see the final results please visit:
https://www.judgingcard.com/Results/Events.aspx?ID=3190
Represent always,
Victoria Robinson
State Vice President, Maryland FFA Association 2012-2013
With a little over 300 miles added to my car, I can easily say that Renee and I had an amazing time with members from the Allegany and Fort Hill FFA Chapters! We kicked off the day with a marshmallow and spaghetti tower challenge, a few getting to know you activities and of course no chapter visit would be complete without a few blindfolds and a lot of tape!
Members worked together as they confidently faced the challenges that Renee and I put forth! Not only did they succeed with successful communication, but they also used their teamwork skills and FFA knowledge to accomplish every activity! It was easy to see that each student was waiting eagerly to see what kind of challenge they would be presented with next!
In addition, we had a few extra minutes to answer a couple questions and explain our love for the FFA! Working with these two chapters in one day was awesome!
Best of luck to Region 1 as they prepare for their regional CDE competitions which are scheduled to be held within the next few weeks!
“For the members, always!”
Victoria Robinson
State Vice President, Maryland FFA Association 2012-2013
“[ABILITY]”
A late Tuesday evening, a regional event and many successful FFA members! Students from all over Frederick County traveled to Walkersville High School for the Region 2 creed speaking, extemporaneous speaking and Agriculture Mechanics competitions! The top four individuals in the speaking events will move to compete on the state level at the 85th Maryland State FFA Convention this coming June! Also, The state Ag Mechanics competition will be held in April at College Park! Best of luck to all of those members who are advancing to the next level and congratulations to all for representing your chapter!
Chad and I were in charge of the extemporaneous speaking CDE! We made sure that each individual had a half hour to prepare their speech and directed them to their presentation rooms. As I called each person to speak, it was easy to see the nerves and anticipation of having to present to the judges. While each person was presenting I wrote a little note and put it on their books so that they would see it when they got back. It was awesome to see each member smile through the stress of the competition just because of a “Good job” or “You did great!” My night was made:)
The little things mean the most!
Victoria Robinson
State Vice President, Maryland FFA Association 2012-2013
A huge thanks goes out to the Hereford FFA chapter for organizing an awesome FFA skate night at Sportsman’s Hall in Baltimore County! Renee, Matt and I laced up our skates, hit the ring, and sometimes hit the floor. The evening was filled with a ton of laughs and of course a ton of FFA members from all different chapters! Regular skate, backwards skate, reverse skate, fast skate, slow skate; we did it all!
Not only did the evening celebrate the 2013 National FFA Week, but there was also a canned food drive! A night of fun was done the FFA way by including this community service project!
Thank you to all of the members who made this night a ton of fun, a huge success and a great way to honor National FFA Week!!
Grow always,
Victoria Robinson
State Vice President, Maryland FFA 2012-2013
“[ABILITY]”
Day One:
-Flew to Miami Florida
-Visited the beach for a few hours
-Had an evening of orientation
Day Two:
-Full day of orientation (learned the customs, etiquette and ways to stay safe in the country)
-At 4:30pm all 76 attendees loaded the buses and headed to the airport for our night flight to Argentina!
Day Three:
-Our flight landed at 6:45am and we hit the ground running!
-First farm visit: Mr. Alejandro Calderon (his farm was dedicated to beef cattle and the production of corn and soybeans) This farm provided us with lunch and we were able to talk with them about crop rotation, farming practices, and the financial aspects of the farm.
-We also visited his machinery shed to see what kind of technology was used in the country.
Day Four:
-Farm visit two: Hampshire Downs: This three generation family farm of 70 hectares (1 hectares= 2.5 acres) was focused on raising sheep and poultry in addition to producing corn soybeans and wheat. This farm was beyond gorgeous and was one of my favorites from the trip!
-Farm Visit Three: Small Dairy Farm: I was very impressed with this farm in the aspect that it was very similar to the ones here at home. Very clean and technology advanced!
Day Five:
More
This past Thursday Matt and I were invited to spend the entire day with students from the Dorchester Tech FFA! We had the entire time to spend with some energetic and excited “soon to be officers!”
Not only were we lucky enough to spend the school days with these awesome students, but the entire team also arrived in the evening to conduct a re-chartering ceremony! Here are the top five highlights from the day:
5. Matt and I got slightly lost getting to the school: But after a few phone calls and a few directions, the entire class waited outside for us as we finally found our way! Thanks to them we got an awesome welcome and could instantly see how excited they were so see us!
4. After our activities, we had the chance to talk about SAE’s! With just getting re-chartered the same evening, the Dorchester Tech FFA members have already paired up and have began planning some out of the box AG experiences! So awesome to see fresh ideas!
3. Mrs. Nuwer has an amazing relationship with her students! She has done everything in her power to gain support for the FFA! It was clear to see just how much she cares for the organizations success and most importantly the growth of her students! She is the true image of a dedicated agricultural teacher!
2. All day at our chapter visit the students were so excited to be able to be out of their seats, talking and having a good time. It was rewarding to see that by the time the ceremony began, the room was silent. The same kids who loved dancing and singing were now afraid to say a word. They were nervous for the ceremony, only nervous because they wanted to represent our organization well.
1. As with any chartering ceremony, there are parent and family supporters. It never gets old seeing the smiles on their faces as they watch their son or daughter get inducted into and office or receive an award. FFA is making people proud, one smile at a time!
I am so excited to be able to say that I spent my day with awesome Dorchester Tech FFA members! Good luck as you continue to grow your chapter! You have the ABILITY to make it the best that you can!
Represent Always,
Victoria Robinson
State Vice President, Maryland FFA Association 2012-2013
“[ABILITY]”
Complete with a meal, a few laughs and of course the chartering ceremony; the rest of the state officer team and I had a great time throughout the evening! As I watched each newly elected officer sign their charter, it was easy to see just how willing and excited they were to become a part of our organization. More importantly, there was the large group of parents and supporters who photographed every detail of the evening; parents and supporters who will truly help to get this new FFA chapter on their feet and on the road to success!
Be sure to look for members of the Washington Technical High School FFA as future functions!
“Those jackets are still made from corduroy? My dad just showed me his the other week and I told him that there was no way corduroy was used anymore!” –Long time FFA supporter who now understands the importance of tradition.
Improve Always
Victoria Robinson
State Vice President, Maryland FFA Association 2012-2013
"[ABILITY]"
I am super excited to say that chapter visits are under way!
Recently, Matt and I were invited into the Harford Technical High FFA Chapter for an awesome day of activities, information and of course conversation with outstanding FFA members! We kicked off the day with a chapter meeting that included results of fundraisers, results from national convention (shout out to this chapter for fundraising like crazy to pay off their entire trip!), and most importantly their chapter Greenhand ceremony! Each new Greenhand was awarded with a pin, certificate and a cut out of a “green hand” proudly worn by all of the recipients! The meeting was concluded with a presentation of the FFA creed and of course cookies with green icing to celebrate the accomplishments of these members!
After the super successful chapter meeting, we were able to work with classes for the rest of the day! Including a few activities that involved blindfolds, students relied on each other to navigate small obstacle courses and to found things posted around the room. Simply, communication and teamwork were key to successfully completing these activities as a team! To finish the day we pieced together the FFA emblem and dove into the meaning behind CDE’s and SAE’s! Overall, the Harford Tech FFA is a strong chapter with a huge love for the organization; there is no doubt that this day was any less than amazing!
“Communication is key”
Appreciate Always,
Victoria Robinson
State Vice President, Maryland FFA Association 2012-2013
“[ABILITY]”
This past Thursday, Matt, Renee and I were invited to attend the Carroll County, County Wide FFA Banquet! This county is the only one in the state to unite for an evening of recognition, celebration and of course great food!
Each chapter president from the eight schools in the county took a leadership role in opening ceremonies- and rocked it if I might add! This group led the banquet as they had speakers, special guest introductions and chapter recognitions! Each chapter advisor was able to share everything that their chapter had accomplished since graduation. It was amazing to see Carroll County represent with so many successful CDE results, American degree recipients and community involvement.
In addition to an awesome banquet, each chapter provided a cake and a basket to be auctioned off in a silent auction! The proceeds from these items helped to pay for the evenings cost. The coolest part of the night was the “giving tree.” Next to the silent auction items was a small, fake Christmas tree. People were able to place money in an envelope, clip it to the tree and that money will soon be sent to chapters in New Jersey affected by hurricane Sandy.
Not only did the Carroll County FFA chapters unite, but they recognized each other’s success, aided FFA members all the way in New Jersey and put together a fabulous banquet centered around a love for agriculture!
“Agriculture- the backbone of our country’s success.”
Appreciate always,
Victoria Robinson
State Vice President, Maryland FFA Association 2012-2013
What an amazing week at the 85th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana! With a record attendance of over 56,000 FFA members, the streets were flooded with blue jackets! Every member wore the emblem close to their heart as they toured the career show, met others from around the country and competed in their respective Career Development Events.
Congratulations to all of the members on your accomplishments just in the past few days! The high numbers of American Degree Recipients and gold, silver and bronze medals proudly represented the Maryland FFA Association! Your State Officers could not be more proud! In addition, the Maryland FFA received an award in recognition for an increase in membership!!
While we have taken pride in our individual accomplishments, the National FFA has made huge strides in impacting our communities. In the Rally to Fight Hunger, over 1 MILLION meals were packed and will soon be shipped to families and communities in need! A huge thanks goes out to everyone who participated in this life changing event! You helped to GROW our organization, one meal at a time!
In the final session of the 85th National FFA Convention, parents and supporters of the National Officers were recognized, the final retiring address was presented and the 2012-2013 National Officer Team was installed. Congratulations to the retiring officers on their year of service and best of luck to the new team!
We grow because we can, we grow because we must!
Victoria Robinson
State Vice President, Maryland FFA Association 2012-2013
“[ABILITY]”
What an awesome day at the Maryland State Fair! FFA members showed off their ability to be competitive judges within the dairy and poultry industry. With about eight teams in each event, these members were the prime example of doing to learn. Every single member wore their corduroy proud as they represented their respective chapters, even in the heat!
In the Poultry CDE, members judged live chickens in addition to ones that were ready to cook, egg cartons, individual eggs, parts identification and presented two sets of oral reasons! In addition, the dairy judging CDE had members looking for the cattle who will take the agricultural industry to the next level. Evaluating, judging, placing and presenting, FFA members have done it all!
FFA is about what you learn, what you know and how you can apply it!
Give always
Victoria Robinson
State Vice President, Maryland FFA
This past week, the officer team and I had the opportunity to attend the National Leadership Conference for State Officers (NLCSO) in Monroe Township, New Jersey. Alongside our team, we also got the opportunity to meet and work with officers from New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, West Virginia, and Puerto Rico. Also in attendance were our National FFA Central Region Vice President, Ms. Alicia Hodnik, and our facilitators, Ms. Alex Henry (Past National FFA Eastern Region Vice President) and Mr. Kerry Swanson (Past Nebraska State Officer). The team and I learned many new concepts such as planning out workshops and other key tips to help make our year and your year very successful. We also got the opportunity to tour not only the State of New Jersey, but we also took a boat ride through New York Harbor to see national landmarks such as the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and the World Trade Center site, just to name a few. After meeting many friends and learning many concepts, the team and I look forward to taking what we learned and applying it to the members at the 3 day Chapter Officer Leadership Training (COLT) held in September and also continuing to show the members throughout the year. Stay tuned for more able adventures of the Maryland FFA Officer Team.
Matt Wood
2012-2013 Reporter
This past week has been one of adventure, realizations and inspiration! Chad and I had the opportunity to spend the week in DC for the State Presidents Conference held by the National FFA Organization! Two officers from every state attended this conference and learned how to tell their story, began the delegate process and advocated for agriculture in our nation’s capitol. As my new “association” jacket slowly softened, I witnessed the love and passion for the FFA in every single individual who attended this conference. While there were many memorable events from this week, here are the top 10 as to why this was a conference that will never be forgotten:
10. Every member was instantly willing to talk, willing to participate and willing to do more for our organization.
9. We got 106 FFA members on one metro before we heard: “step back, doors closing.”
8. Stood on the roof of the American Farm Bureau building as we overlooked our nation’s capitol.
7. Met with members of congress to tell our story about the importance of the agriculture industry and the necessity of agricultural education and the FFA.
6. Listened to a speech by the first female National FFA President; Jan Eberly.
5. Toured DC as we visited museums and monuments. Saw the past of our organization, the present as a member and where we will take FFA in the future.
4. Worked as a group to decide the six most important issues to send to the 2012 National Convention.
3. We wrote down over 1,000 ideas on how we can better our organization, leave an impact and serve the FFA to the best of our ability.
2. We were challenged by the National FFA Officers to create an agricultural promotional video over the next few months.
1. RFD-TV donated $1 Million dollars to the National FFA Organization! This is the largest unrestricted donation that FFA has ever received; we were a part of history!
In short, Chad and I have continued our able adventures as we progress the organization that we know and love! From a huge donation to telling our story, it is easy to see the faith and support that people have in founding the future of the FFA! The State Presidents Conference was an amazing learning experience that we will share with you throughout the year!
We made a choice, took a chance, all in the pursuit to make a change,