WAYNE – Future Farmers of America (FFA) established a chapter in Wayne during the 2017-18 school year, their first banquet was held Thursday evening from the Beaumont Event & Concert Hall.
A graduate from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in May of 2017, Toni Rasmussen teaches Ag Education and is the advisor for the Wayne FFA program. A highlight Rasmussen stated was member-response. 31 individuals made up the first Wayne FFA Chapter.
“As a new teacher, as a new program you don’t always know what the response is going to be from students,” said Rasmussen. “Whether they’re going to like it or whether they’re going to say why do we have this. But, Wayne definitely has been absolutely what can we do and very dedicated members and that’s been a huge help throughout the year.”
A chapter highlight was that Wayne FFA was recognized as a Superior Chapter along with earning Gold Merit in Hall of Chapters and being a New Chapter.
The Inaugural Wayne FFA Banquet began with opening ceremonies and a welcome just after 6 p.m. before a meal was provided by members and their parents.
Several awards and community members were then recognized before Rasmussen had her advisor remarks along with installation of officers and a closing ceremony.
Mariah Frevert just completed her junior year at Wayne Community Schools and was the president before moving into the vice president position in 2018-19. Frevert was also amazed on how many members joined taking a dive into FFA.
“We had a lot of people qualify for different events at State FFA,” Frevert added. “Which really shows a lot of the dedication and effort put into FFA from all these different people.”
Frevert, along with incoming president for 2018-19, Tyler Gilliland and Casey Koenig were a part of 30 students in the state of Nebraska to qualify for Ag Issues Academy. Frevert’s team also qualified in Vet Science during the State Convention.
Wayne took part in watching some of the State FFA sessions while also earning some ribbons, according to Rasmussen.
“Range anywhere from a purple to a white,” Rasmussen added. “Only the top 50% of participants in a contest will earn a ribbon. So, the fact that you get a ribbon State Convention it’s pretty good, because it’s a really really competitive program.”
In the summer, Rasmussen will be doing Supervised Ag Experience visits along with an Ag Tour Day and be around for the Wayne County Fair.
For any questions about the Wayne FFA, email Rasmussen at torasmu1@waynebluedevils.org.
