Johnstown FFA News

Johnstown FFA Members Compete in the Chapter Creed Speaking Contest

Recently, the Johnstown FFA held their Annual Chapter Creed Speaking Contest at Johnstown High School. The contest was judged based on the memorization of the Creed, their ability to present it, and the questions that they answer on their opinion of what portions of the Creed meant to them, etc. All students from the Agriscience I class participated in this contest. This included from left to right: Front Row—Sierra Gast, Jordan Sweetman, Lindsey Gorsuch, Amber Smith, Vaughn Green, and Brittany Noll. Back Row—Chris Vine, Christine Broehl, Jennifer Sweetman, Eric Wood, Daniel Mark Almendinger, Brandon Dingess, Ethan Gordan, Justin Mooney, and Corbin Grassman. The results were as follows: Daniel Mark Almendinger placed first, Brandon Dingess placed 2^nd, Lindsey Gorsuch placed 3^rd, Justin Mooney placed 4^th, Corbin Grassman placed 5^th and Brittany Noll placed 6^th. The top 4 individuals will compete at the County Creed Speaking Contest. A thank you also goes out to the judges who volunteered their time for that contest as well. The Johnstown FFA Advisor is Debra Burden.

Johnstown FFA comes home with a Gold Rating

On Tuesday, December 8, 2009 the Johnstown FFA Chapter competed in the District 7 Parliamentary Procedure Contest that was held at Clear Fork High School. This contest is based on having a proper business meeting. The team is made of 10 people and they are given four items of business for discussions and 6 abilities. The group has to perform this meeting by following the bylaws and is judged on how they handle the different abilities. They also are each asked a question worth 30 points each. The team consisted of 10 members (LtoR): Brooke Ison, Drew Dague, Christine Snowden, Jacob Randall, Katie Kirk, Kyle Barclay, Megan Sherrod, Berlynn Litchfield, Elisa Higgins, and Daniel Mark Almendinger. The team competed against many other teams in the district. The team came in third place with a gold metal just behind Clear Fork and Bloom Carroll, and is the alternate team for the state competition. Johnstown FFA Advisor is Debra Burden.

Johnstown FFA takes 1^st PLACE at County Parli-Pro Contest

Reporter Brooke Ison

Recently, the Johnstown FFA Chapter competed at the Parliamentary Procedure contest that was held at Johnstown High School. This contest is based on having a proper business meeting. The team is made of 10 members and they are given four discussions and 6 abilities. The group has to perform this meeting by following the bylaws and our judged on how they handle the different abilities, their discussions, official dress, professionalism, etc. They also are each asked a question to answer. The team consisted of 10 members (LtoR): Kyle Barclay, Jacob Randall, Daniel Almendinger, Drew Dague, Katie Kirk, Brooke Ison, Megan Sherrod, Berlynn Litchfield, Elisa Higgins, and Christine Snowden. The team competed against Northridge, Licking Valley, and Utica. The team took first place followed by Utica in 2nd, Licking Valley in 3rd, and Northridge in 4^th place. Congratulations to the team as they advance to the District competition on Tuesday, December 8^th. Johnstown FFA Advisor is Debra Burden.

Pumpkin Days

By: Reporter- Brooke Ison

Recently the Johnstown FFA members conducted Pumpkin Days with the kindergarten classes at Searfoss Elementary. During these days the kindergarten classes made the trip next door to the Ag Room at the High School where they enjoyed a Pumpkin Story then they got to pick their own “Seed Pumpkin” that the chapter grew themselves. On their trip, they were also able to explore the tractors that high school students drove to school that day on their way back to the elementary. Upon return from the elementary the FFA members joined the classes to assist students in painting their pumpkins to decorate to their own seed pumpkin to take home. The FFA members also shared a homemade pumpkin treat with the students. Students also wrote sentences about their pumpkins as well. Overall it was a fun day for both the kids and the FFA members. The Johnstown FFA Advisor is Debra Burden.

Johnstown FFA members Excel at the National FFA Convention

Reporter Brooke Ison

Recently the Johnstown FFA sent members to the 82^nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. Along with the over 50,000 other members in attendance were the following members (L to R): Matt Adell, Christine Snowden, Chris Vine, Brooke Ison, Justin Mooney, Kaitlynn Kirk, Jacob Randall, Elizabeth Lycans, Drew Dague, Elisa Higgins, and Daniel Mark Almendinger. The chapter first visited the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. There students went on a tour around the track and toured the museum, attended a Toby Keith concert, rodeo, toured an Elk Farm, etc. Member attended the National Convention sessions that took place at the convention where the Opening Keynote Speaker was Mike Rowe from Dirty Jobs. The students were able to attend the career show at the convention where students could talk to many agricultural businesses and were given opportunities to talk to many colleges that were also there. While at the Convention, Johnstown had 5 members who were recognized there. Elisa Higgins, received a GOLD rating for her Agriscience Fair Food Science Fair Project. Also, Johnstown had four collegiate FFA members who received their American FFA Degrees.

Those members who received their American FFA Degrees that are pictured (L to R) is Adam Dague, Leonard Marlowe, Daniel Ulry and Joe Julian. Leonard Marlowe, the son of Peggy Marlowe and Leonard Burgess, is attending The Ohio State University and majoring in Animal Science. Adam Dague, the son of Tom and Dawn Dague, is attending the OSU/Agricultural Technical Institute and majoring in Agronomy/Ag Business. Joe Julian, the son of James and Connie Julian, is attending the Ohio State University and majoring in Agricultural Education. And Daniel Ulry, the son of Jeff and Melinda Ulry, is also attending The Ohio State University and majoring in Animal Science/Horticulture. This is the largest amount of members from the chapter to ever receive their degree in the same year.

There are 500,823 FFA members in 7,358 Chapters in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands with over 50,000 members attending the convention activities. Overall the 82^nd National FFA Convention was a fun, successful, and informative for all who attended. Johnstown’s FFA Advisor is Debra Burden.

Johnstown FFA Chapter Hosts Schoolwide Drive Your Tractor to School Day

By : Brooke Ison

Recently the Johnstown FFA Chapter hosted a Drive your Tractor to School Day for Johnstown-Monroe High School. Any member of the school whether it be a student or staff member could drive their tractor to school as their alternative transportation. These tractors ranged from your every day lawn tractors to large heavy duty farm tractors. The participants in this event were as follows: Daniel Mark Almendinger, Drew Dague, Justin Mooney, Garrett Jackson, Eric Wood, William Huber, James Gorsuch, Garrett Holter, Garrett Jackson, John Borris, and Cameron Colvin. Johnstown FFA Advisor is Debra Burden.

Johnstown FFA Member takes the GOLD in the National Agriscience Fair

INDIANAPOLIS-Elisa Higgins of Johnstown, OH recently competed in the National FFA Agriscience Fair. Elisa Higgins was awarded with a Gold medal in honor for the project titled: The Battle of the Proteins: Whey vs. Soy.Elisa Higgins was successful at the state level before moving onto the National Fair. Participants received ribbons along with their medals and were honored at a banquet at the National FFA Convention, October 21 - 24, in Indianapolis, Ind.

The agriscience fair program is sponsored by Ford Motor Company Fund and Syngenta as a special project of the National FFA Foundation, which includes cash awards.
FFA is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture with 7,429 local chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. FFA strives to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. Visit www.ffa.org for more information. Johnstown FFA Advisor is Debra Burden.

Johnstown FFA Competes at State Soils

Reporter: Brooke Ison

On October 10^th the Johnstown FFA State Soil Teams competed at the state competition which was held at Wilmington College this year. The Soil judging contest consist of determining the slope of the terrain, judging the possible uses for the soil, there is also a written test which includes questions out of the County Soil Survey book. There were three pits located at different sites that are used in the judging process. The students are given twenty minutes to evaluate the pit to determine the slope and fill out a score sheet about the pit applying procedures that are approved for the type of soil identified.

There are two types of soil judging, Rural and Urban. In Rural soil judging, you judge the soil based on its capability to be used in an agricultural manner for crops, forestry, or wildlife management. Urban soil judging is determining the soils ability to be used for roads, lawns and gardens, landscaping, for home building sites, buildings with basements, and septic tanks.

The Rural Soils Team consisted of Daniel Mark Almendinger, Brandon Dingess, Vaughn Green, and Brooke Ison. The team placed 43^rd overall in the state.

The Urban Soils Team consisted of: James Gorsuch, Elisa Higgins, Lydia Ulry, and Brayden Warner. The team placed 4^th overall in the state and missed national qualification by only 35 points. Elisa Higgins placed 6^th overall individually and James Gorsuch placed 11^th overall individually out of the 194 individuals that competed. They will be bringing home a banner from the State FFA Convention. Congratulations to both team job well done! Johnstown FFA Advisor is Debra Burden.

Pictured from L to R:

RURAL SOILS (Brandon Dingess, Brooke Ison, Daniel Mark Almendinger, and Vaughn Green)

URBAN SOILS(Brayden Warner, James Gorsuch, Lydia Ulry, and Elisa Higgins)

Johnstown FFA has 2 teams qualify for State Soils Competition

Reporter: Brooke Ison

The Johnstown FFA competed at the District Soil Contest on September 29. The Soil judging contest consisted of determining the slope of the terrain, judging the possible uses for the soil, there is also a written test which includes questions out of the County Soil Survey book. There were four pits located at different sites that are used in the judging process. The students are given twenty minutes to evaluate the pit to determine the slope and fill out a score sheet about the pit applying procedures that are approved for the type of soil identified. They are also given a written test to take.

There are two types of soil judging, rural and urban. In Rural soil judging, you judge the soil based on its capability to be used in agricultural manner for crops, forestry, or wildlife management. Urban soil judging is determining the soils ability to be used for roads, lawns and gardens, landscaping, for home building sites, buildings with basements, and septic tanks.

Both teams qualified for State Competition in October. The Urban team placed 4^th overall the team consisted of Lydia Ulry, Brayden Warner, James Gorsuch, Elisa Higgins, and Drew Dague. The Rural team placed 5^th overall. Team members consisted of Daniel Mark Almendinger (who also placed third individually), Vaughn Green, Brandon Dingess, Brooke Ison, and Eric Wood. The teams will compete in October at the state competition which will be held at Wilmington College this year. Johnstown FFA Advisor is Debra Burden.

Johnstown FFA goes to Farm Science Review

Reporter: Brooke Ison

Recently, the Johnstown FFA took a trip to the Farm Science Review in London, Ohio at the Ohio State University--Molly Caren Agricultural Center. This was the 48^th Farm Science Review. At the review the students were able to walk around in their assigned groups to see and explore a wide variety of new and different agricultural topics . Students were asked to complete an assignment on different topics at the Review. Students were able to see many different types of machinery and tractors from new equipment to antique equipment that our ancestors used. They were able to check out the lastest that Agriscience and Technology had to offer. For upperclassmen it was a good time to explore the variety of agricultural careers fields and colleges that were there and see what opportunities agriculture had to offer. Students were also required to attend an informational session to learn about rain gardens or extending your fall crops, which benefited many students and caught a lot of interest. Overall the members had a good day at the Farm Science Review and look forward to returning next year. Johnstown FFA Advisor is Debra Burden.

Members attending are:

(LtoR) Front Row: Daniel Mark Almendinger and Drew Dague

2^nd Row: Christine Snowden, Megan Sherrod, Elisa Higgins, Elizabeth Lycans, Amber Smith, Lindsey Gorsuch, Vaughn Green, Brittani Noll, and Julia Myer

3^rd Row: Brandon Dingess, Corbin Grassman, Katie Kirk, Brooke Ison, Sierra Gast, Jennifer Sweetman, Jordan Sweetman, Daniel Scheeler, and Ethan Gordan.

4^th Row: Nikki Jones, Berlynn Litchfield, James Gorsuch, Christine Broehl, Jacob Randall, Lydia Ulry, Matt Adell, Eric Wood, Chris Vine, and Jessica Stought.

Higgins to compete in National FFA Agriscience Fair Competition

The National FFA Organization has selected a local student to participate in a national agriscience competition. Elisa Higgins, a member of the Johnstown-Monroe FFA Chapter, will be competing in the National Agriscience Fair program. The event will be held during the 82^nd National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana on October 21-24^th. More than 400 participants from across the nation will defend their projects against other entries for judging in 20 divisions.

Elisa’s project, “The Battle of the Proteins: Whey vs Soy,” will be on display at the convention in the National Agriscience Fair area of the Indiana Convention Center. Categories for competition are biochemistry/microbiology/food science; botany; engineering; environmental science; and zoology. Four divisios divide students by grades 7-12. Each national winning participant recieves either a cash award or scholarship.

The agriscience fair program is sponsored by Ford Motor Company Fund and Syngenta as a special project of the National FFA Foundation, which includes cash awards.

The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 507,763 student members—all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture—as part of 7,439 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. Visit www.ffa.org for more information.

Johnstown’s FFA Advisor is Debra Burden.

Johnstown FFA places at the County Soil Contest

The Johnstown FFA competed at the County Soil Contest on September 15th. The Soil judging contest consist of determining the slope of the terrain, judging the possible uses for the soil, there is also a written test which includes questions out of the County Soil Survey book. There were three pits located at different sites that are used in the judging process. The students are given twenty minutes to evaluate the pit to determine the slope and fill out a score sheet about the pit applying procedures that are approved for the type of soil identified.

There are two types of soil judging, are Rural and Urban. In Rural soil judging, you judge the soil based on its capability to be used in an agricultural manner for crops, pasture, forestry, or wildlife management. Urban soil judging is determining the soils ability to be used for roads, lawns and gardens, landscaping, for home building sites, buildings with basements, and septic tanks.

Johnstown’s Urban team placed 1^st overall. The team that will be going to districts for urban is Elisa Higgins who also placed 1^st individually in the county, Lydia Ulry who also placed 2^nd individually, Drew Dague who placed 4^th individually, James Gorsuch and Brayden Warner, alternates will be Christine Snowden and William Huber.

Johnstown’s Rural team placed 4^th overall. The team that will be going on to districts consist of Vaughn Green, Brooke Ison, Daniel Mark Almendinger, Brandon Dingess, and Eric Wood with alternates being Justin Mooney and Chris Vine.

Congratulation to those who competed and did well and Good Luck at districts! Johnstown FFA Advisor is Debra Burden.

The students who competed are as follows: Urban Soils Picture: (LtoR)—Front Row-Daniel Scheeler, Elisa Higgins, Elizabeth Lycans, and Julia Myer. Back row-William Huber, James Gorsuch, Brayden Warner, Lydia Ulry, Christine Snowden, Tyler Deal, Jacob Randall, and Drew Dague

The students who competed are as follows: Rural Soils Picture: (LtoR)—Front Row-Eric Wood, Vaughn Green, Matt Adell, and Chris Vine. Back Row-Ethan Gordon, Brandon Dingess, Daniel Mark Almendinger, Justin Mooney, Brooke Ison, Corbin Grassman, Katie Kirk, Jennifer Sweetman, Sierra Gast, Jordan Sweetman, Brittani Noll, Amber Smith, and Christine Broehl.