FFA Members Shoot for “Stars”

Janie Fritz (12) and Bridger Gordon (10) were two of hte four FFA members recognized at the district level for outstanding achievements. photos by Cody ClineSTURGIS, SD -- Four Sturgis Brown High School FFA members were recently recognized on the district level for outstanding achievements.

Senior Janie Fritz received Star in Agriscience and senior Destiny Wesner was named the Star in Agribusiness. Sophomore Ryan Wilen was awarded the Star Greenhand along with sophomore Bridger Gordon, who was awarded the Reserve Star Greenhand for District 5, which encompasses all FFA Chapters in Western South Dakota.

The awards are based on student projects and involvement in FFA. Students must complete an application based on project records, as well as participate in a face-to-face interviews to discuss their project with the District 5 FFA advisers.

All four students will now represent District 5 in their respective areas at the State FFA Convention this April in Brookings.

“These projects develop student’s skills for future career success,” said instructor Brett Monson. “These students put in countless hours toward this and I am so proud to see them recognized for their work.”

For her project, Fritz worked with a veterinarian in Texas, which included doing research and learning about the duties and responsibilities of a veterinarian.

Wesner won Star in Agribusiness for her work training and selling horses.

For his Star Greenhand project, greenhand means first year member, Wilen mowed lawns, removed snow, raked leaves, cleaned gutters and removed rocks. Wilen said that in order to stay organized for his many projects, he “kept a good, organized record book.” This book included detailed accounts of what was done, income, hours spent and contact information.

Gordon’s project involved raising and showing meat goats.