Olivia Coutinho, Van Buren FFA Reporter

Members of the Van Buren FFA took an online exam for the vet science CDE to try to qualify for the state competition.  The vet science CDE involves students demonstrating their knowledge and technical competency with small and large animals.  We had one student move on to the state competition, Josalyn Swaisgood.  She is our first student ever to compete in the state contest!  At the competition she was able to use her knowledge through critical thinking scenarios, identification, and hands on demonstrations.

Olivia Coutinho, Van Buren FFA Reporter

The four FFA members who attended the agriculture sales CDE were Landon Heath, Curtis Ware, James Homan, and Abby Leatherman.  The Ag Sales CDE allows the students to demonstrate skills related to the production and marketing of agriculture products.  Each team is provided with an example product with information and customer profiles at the beginning of the event.  They are then judged on their collaboration as well as their final sales plan.  These four students earned 4th in the District! 

Olivia Coutinho, Van Buren FFA Reporter

Each year every FFA chapter secretaries, treasurers, and reporters design their officer books to be evaluated at state, where they can be recognized for their position if they receive a gold rating.  This year all three Van Buren FFA officers received perfect score gold rated officer books.  This included Rebbecca Betts as secretary, Curtis Ware as treasurer, and Olivia Coutinho as reporter.  These officers will be recognized for their hard work at this year’s FFA State Convention in May and receive their gold officer pins.  Congratulations! 

By: Olivia Coutinho, Van Buren FFA Reporter

On December 21st, 2023 Ohio state officers Anna Moeller and Delanie Moore visited the Van Buren FFA. The officers planned a variety of fun activities for each agriculture class to participate in throughout the day. Each activity was related to future careers in the agricultural field. This was a great learning and fun experience for the students.

By: Olivia Coutinho, Van Buren FFA Reporter

Our Parli-Pro Teams did a great job at the Sub-District Competition at Tiffin-Sentinel Career Center on  November 14th.  For those of you who don’t know about Parli-Pro, Parli-Pro stands for Parliamentary Procedure. How Novice Parli-Pro works is in a team that has people selected to be the ¨President”, “Vice President”, “Secretary”, “Treasurer”, “Sentinel”,” Reporter”, “Student Adviser”, and “Member”. They are scored on their Opening Ceremonies and running a meeting while handling 5 abilities. They earned 3rd. The Team consisted of Audrey Reigle, Elle Mosser, Sophia Cole, Rachel Betts, Luke Grady, Makayla O’Malley, Izzy Adams and Alexis Heistand. Advanced Parli-Pro is based on10 harder abilities as well as getting more debates in. The Advance team members were Brahlen Tankovich, Brookanne Busch, Kaya Strausbaugh, Camden Voland, Campbell Ferguson and Mia Leatherman.  Parli-Pro is tested upon the student's ability to accept rules, ethics, and customs governing meetings of an assembly or organization following Robert’s Rule of Order. Our Novice team placed 3rd and our advance team placed 2nd. We are very proud of them!

By: Olivia Coutinho, Van Buren FFA Reporter

On November 16th, our Food Science Team went to compete in districts! Those who were a part of the team were Mia Leatherman, Curtis Ware, Camden Voland, and Griffin Ware. Students were quizzed on their sense of taste and smell of different food items. For example, students had to take a drink of mystery juice and figure out which one was different. They also have to work as a team and create a food product and packaging based on the scenario they were given. It also includes figuring out the price of the product they were developing! Out of the whole district, the Food Science Team placed 8th! 

By: Olivia Coutinho, Van Buren FFA Reporter

This fall, students were able to take the Animal Management CDE test online to determine if they will be participating in the state CDE a couple of weeks later. From the Van Buren FFA, we had 4 students pass onto the state Animal Management CDE. Those students were Josalyn Swaisgood, Rebecca Betts, Kady Voland and Kennedy Sterling. For people who don’t know about Animal Management, Animal Management is an FFA contest where students are quizzed on their knowledge of the different breeds of household pets. Some breeds they will be quizzed on are dogs, cats, rabbits, reptiles, birds, and more. These students are also quizzed on the maintenance of specific animals such as the care for a chinchilla. Students would need to know the food they eat, how often they are bathed, what type of habitat they need, what diseases they are affected by and more! All of these questions are given with a limited amount of time for students to answer, so the pressure is on! From the state CDE competition, this crew earned TOP 4 IN THE ENTIRE STATE OF OHIO! To put in in perspective there are 329 Chapters in the State of Ohio that are eligible to compete. 

Each year, the National FFA Organization honors FFA members who show the utmost dedication to the organization through their desire to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.

The American FFA Degree is bestowed upon a select group of students in recognition of their years of academic and professional excellence. This year over 4,400 American Degrees were awarded.

Grant Betts, Jacob Deiter and Clarence Durlait, members of the Van Buren FFA chapter in Ohio, were awarded the American FFA Degree at the 96th National FFA Convention & Expo on November 4, 2023.

Sponsored by Cargill, Case IH, Elanco Animal Health, and Syngenta, the award recognizes demonstrated ability and outstanding achievements in agricultural business, production, processing, or service programs. To be eligible, FFA members must have earned at least $10,000 or earned at least $2,000 and worked at least 2,250 hrs outside of class time through a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program in which they own their own business,hold a professional position as an employee, or conduct research. Recipients must also complete 50 hours of community service and demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and civic involvement through completion of a long list of FFA and community activities.  Less than one percent of FFA members achieve the American FFA Degree.

To be eligible, FFA members must have earned and productively invested $10,000 through a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program in which they own their own business or hold a professional position as an employee. Recipients must also complete 50 hours of community service and demonstrate outstanding leadership abilities and civic involvement through the completion of a long list of FFA and community activities.  Less than one percent of FFA members achieve the American FFA Degree.

Each recipient of the American FFA Degree receives a gold American FFA Degree key and certificate after being recognized at the national convention.

The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more than 735,000 student members as part of 8,817 local FFA chapters in all 50 states  & Puerto Rico.

• Must have received the State FFA Degree prior to receiving the American FFA Degree

• Must be an active FFA member at the time of application and have been an active member for the previous three years (36 months consecutively)at the time of application

• Must have satisfactorily completed the equivalent of at least three years (540 hours) of systematic secondary school instruction in an agricultural education program or have completed at least the equivalent of 360 hours of systematic secondary school instruction in agricultural education and one full year of enrollment in a postsecondary agricultural program or have completed the program of agricultural education offered in the secondary school last attended.Note: the hours of instruction are not required to be from three different calendar years

• Must have graduated from high school at least 12 months prior to the national FFA convention at which the degree is to be granted.

• Must have in operation (and have maintained records to substantiate) an outstanding SAE, which demonstrates comprehensive planning, managerial and financial expertise.

•  After entering agricultural education and becoming an FFA member must have earned $10,000 and productively invested at least $7,500, through an eligible SAE project(s) or o earned and productively invested at least $2,000 and worked 2,250 hours in excess of scheduled class time in an eligible SAE project(s). Any combination of hours times a factor of 3.56 plus any dollar amount of student earnings and investments must be equal to or greater than $10,000. 

• Must have a record of outstanding leadership and have achieved a high school scholastic record of “C” or better. 

•  Must have completed at least three different community service activities totaling at least 50 hours. All activities must meet National FFA Organization “Community Service Guidelines for FFA Degrees” to be counted. These hours are cumulative from all years of FFA membership.

By: Olivia Coutinho, Van Buren FFA Reporter

Members of the Van Buren FFA attended this year's National FFA Convention on November 1st through November 4th. The members visited the Kentucky Derby museum and had lunch at the Derby cafe. They also got to participate in the Lucky Horseshoes activity. The members took a tour of Schimpff’s Confectionery and enjoyed pizza for dinner in their hotel. To conclude their first day at the National convention, the members went to an escape room. The second day of the National Convention trip, the members of Van Buren FFA wore their official dress. They arrived at the Indianapolis Colts Stadium for the Opening session. The members then had time to shop and eat lunch at the FFA shopping mall and career expo. They then toured the Indy zoo and concluded the night with watching a rodeo. The third day of this trip started off at Goat Milk Stuff. After lunch the members toured the Louisville Slugger Museum. Then to conclude their third night, the Van Buren FFA enjoyed dinner on a ferry boat which included a tour as well. On Saturday of the National FFA Convention, we had three members awarded their American Degree.  They ended the trip with lunch on the way back home. 

This year’s annual Apple Butter Fest was held October 14, 2023.  The Van Buren FFA members collaborated with the Van Buren’s Lions Club to make and sell apple butter. The fest included a large craft show with many vendors and concessions.  Children were able to enjoy a petting zoo set up by the FFA members with plenty of small animals to experience.  There were also a few games available for children's activities.  Of course, an interesting activity on the school front lawn is watching the two cows who determine the winner of the Cow Pie Bingo. Students also helped make Apple Butter during their classes and enjoyed working with community members. 

The Van Buren FFA Chapter was once again very involved with activities at the Hancock County Fair held August 30th through September 4, 2023.  Students presented still projects for viewing at the Youth Pavilion.  These students included Brooklyn Wilkin, Carter Jackson, Elle Moserii, Gavin Fruth, James Homan, Tyler Price, Griffin Ware, Lucas Harrington, Kaiden Sherick, Camden Voland, Grady Mason, and Isaac Dyer.  Some FFA members volunteered at the Pork tent and Lamb stand to earn money for the chapter activities.  There were also many students involved with showing the animals they raised and groomed for the fair.  FFA students involved in showing animals include the following:  Swine - Ava Cramer, Rabbits - Olivia Coutinho, Kadynce Voland, Abria Mosser, Elle Mosser, Abby Leatherman, Camden Voland, Karaline Fay, Morgan Walters, and Sophia Cole, Horses - Kaya Strausbaugh, and Anna Durliat, Poultry - Jayden Dennis, Myka Adams, Izzy Adams, Rachel Betts and Olivia Coutinho, Dairy Feeders - Alexia Camarano, Myka Adams, Paige Stahl, Jillian Walters, and Haidyn Sattler, Boer and Pygmy goats - Amre Branson, Korbin Preble, Rachel Betts and Olivia Coutinho, Dairy goats - Ava Cramer, Olivia Coutinho, Rebecca Betts, Rachel Betts and Faith Smith, Sheep - Anna Durliat, Kady Voland, Kaya Strausbaugh, Emmett Morey and Mckenna Morey, Dairy Cows - Catheryn Roy and Dogs -Elle Mosser and Izzy Adams. They all did excellent at the fair! Some highlights included Catheryn had the Supreme Champion of the Dairy Breeds, Abria had Best of Breed of the Holland Lops, Haidyn had Reserve Champion Crossbred Dairy Feeder, Kady won Rabbit Showmanship and was the Small Animal Showman of Showmen Rep. We are also proud of Rebecca for being Goat Queen and Haidyn for being Beef Princess!

Olivia Coutinho, Van Buren Reporter

 The Van Buren FFA chapter officer retreat was held on August 6th, 2023 for this year's FFA officers. During this event, the officers got to participate in rafting at Mohican. Rafting was such a fun filled experience which allowed the officers to have some fun together before the beginning of the new school year. Along with rafting, the officers also participated in many team building activities such as making goals for the chapter, planning for the year and setting dates for future FFA events.

By: Olivia Coutinho, Van Buren FFA Reporter

We had 25 members attend the Ohio FFA State Convention in early May. We celebrated the tremendous success of our members! Three members achieved gold rated officer book awards. They were: Rebecca Betts-Secretary, Olivia Coutinho-Treasurer, and Abby Leatherman -Reporter.  We had two members who  performed in the FFA State choir, Karaline Fay and Tyler Price.   Four members were awarded their Ohio FFA State Degrees. They were: Alexia Camarano, Ava Cramer, Mussie Hanson, and James Homan. The State Degree is the highest degree an FFA member can receive at the state level and is the second-highest degree a member can earn besides the American Degree. To earn this award, they have to earn $3,000 dollars in an ag related field and be an active FFA Member who competes in events and activities. The group enjoyed spending time in the Escape Room USA, at Big Air Trampoline Park, and exploring the Indian Caverns.  The 95th Ohio FFA State Convention will be remembered as we celebrated achievements and recreational time together as a group. 

 By: Olivia Coutinho, Van Buren FFA Reporter

The Van Buren FFA Chapter Petting Zoo was held on May 12, 2023 for the Van Buren School elementary students.  Officers and members worked throughout the day to share their knowledge and care of the animals with the young students.  A large variety of farm animals included calves, goats, a horse, baby chicks, a duck, rabbits and a lamb.  There were also household pets including ferrets, a cat, a gecko, cockatiels, and a hamster.  The students loved holding and petting the animals.  Each student created a decorative pot and planted a seed as their take home project. 

On April 30th, we held our Annual FFA Banquet. We awarded 42 students with their FFA Chapter Degree, recognized our students for various involvement in FFA Competitions, said goodbye to our 22 seniors, as well as installed our new officer team. We recognized our star students per grade level for their FFA involvement as well. Our star 8th graders are: Elle Mosser and Carter Jackson, our star freshmen are Sadie Thorla-Lopez and Camden Voland, our star sophomores are Olivia Coutinho and Kaya Strausbaugh, our star juniors are Abby Leatherman and Kady Voland and our star seniors were Jillian Walters and Alexia Camarano. 

We also have awards in honor of Paul and Darlene Rehus. The Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live and Living to Serve awards.Learning to Do: The first award is the Learning to Do award. This award is presented to a student with an incredible Supervised Agricultural Experience. This student raises poultry! Congratulations, Myka Adams. Doing to Learn: This award is presented to a student with an in class project that enhances their learning…this year this is presented to two of our ag business students who run their own dog grooming business…Camila Barrios and Curtis Ware! Earning to Live: This award goes to our business that has earned the most money. She raises goats and sells products she hand makes from the goat milk…Rebecca Betts Living to Serve: This award is presented to our student with the most community service hours…their efforts have already raised more than $30,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma society…McKenna Morey!  

Our FFA Booster President, Kate Simmons, also awarded two seniors scholarships for FFA members. One for a senior who is choosing to go into an agricultural field and one who is not. They both will be receiving $250 to use towards their college education. 

The first senior who will be majoring in Biochemistry, is Miss McKenna Morey who will be attending the University of Toledo. The second senior who will be majoring in Animal Science, is Miss Alexia Camarano, who will be attending THE Ohio State University. 

We also honored our High School Principal, Mr. Kevin Shoup, as this year’s honorary member. The new officers installed are: President-James Homan, Vice-President-Abby Leatherman, Student Advisor-Kaya Strausbaugh, Secretary-Rebecca Betts, Treasurer-Curtis Ware, Reporter-Olivia Coutinho, Sentinel-Brahlen Tankovich, Mentor Coordinator-Kady Voland, Community Coordinators-Griffin Ware and Camden Voland and the Animal Care Manager-Sadie Thorla-Lopez.