Monticello chapter makes the best of limited events

     Despite limitations due to COVID-19, leading to many cancellations, the Monticello FFA Chapter was able to take part in several successful endeavors within the past year.

     Seven more members of the Monticello FFA Chapter were recognized with the Iowa FFA Degree during the virtual Iowa FFA Leadership Conference held in May of 2020. Karli Recker, DeLainy Fellinger, Brooklyn Stark, Adele Hogan, Rachel Nelson, Eli Beitz and Ian Lorenzen were recognized with the highest honor that a member can receive at the state level.

     Members also participated in the abbreviated livestock shows held at the Jones County Fair and Iowa State Fair Special Edition receiving many champions during the exhibitions.

     With the Iowa FFA Leadership Conference deciding to not host CDE's, the Jason Wetzler Leadership group hosted a Public Speaking competition online for all FFA members that had qualified for their state contest but then was not able to compete.  Hannah Ahlrichs presented her speech on Bees and was named the Iowa Prepared Public Speaking champion through this event.

     The Chapter partnered with the Monticello Area Chamber of Commerce to again design and plant the flower pots that line the streets of Monticello. Members are already growing the 2021 plants during their Greenhouse class at the high school.

     Unfortunately many events were canceled this past year but the chapter still cooperated with the Hillside Sports Bar and Grill in packaging over 100 hot meals that were then distributed to area farmers on a Saturday in October during harvest season.

     Just as our state FFA convention was held virtually, the National FFA followed the same concept. During this year’s virtual National FFA Convention, Jordan Lorenzen, Wade Picray, and Celeb Hogan became part of an elite group as they received their American FFA Degree. Less than 1 percent of all FFA members receive this honor.

     As we navigate this crazy time, the Monticello FFA members have used their thoughts and time to develop new activities and events to help transition into a new and exciting time of life and learning.