Several members of the Marion/Florence FFA chapter received awards at the South Central District FFA selection day activities on March 5 and 6 in Wellington and Newton.
Five members received district proficiency awards for activities related to their supervised agriculture experience programs. They had to complete a 10-page application that explained their activities and financial earnings along with six pictures of their project.
Winners included Aaron Molleker in Veterinary Medicine — placement division, for his work at Animal Health Center in Marion; Clark Kroupa in Grain Production — entrepreneurship division, for his work on 80 acres of ground that he rents; Nicholas Meyer in Poultry Production — entrepreneurship division; and Jacob Cope in both Forage Production — placement division, and Beef Production — placement division, for work at Doyle Creek Land and Cattle. Clint Kroupa was named runner-up for the Diversified Crop Production proficiency award in the entrepreneurship division.
Meyer was selected as the Star Greenhand in Production for his SAW program in livestock. This award recognizes the first-year member in the district with the best overall SAE program in production.
Clark Kroupa was also selected to receive his state FFA degree. The state FFA degree is the highest degree the state can award to members. In order to receive the degree, members must attend eight activities above the chapter level, present a six-minute speech, earn at least $2,000 or work 600 hours in their SAW program, perform 10 parliamentary procedure motions, serve in a leadership position in the local chapter, and have a satisfactory scholastic record.
Two members interviewed for a position on the district officer ballot by presenting a speech and completing an interview. Caitlyn Maloney was placed on the ballot for the office of district sentinel, and Meyer will run for the office of district treasurer. Both will present nominating speeches to delegates at the South Central District FFA banquet at Arkansas City on April 16.
All members receiving awards will be recognized at the banquet.