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Chief Washakie FFA Shines at State Convention
By Tylee Clark
Staff Writer
Cheyenne — The Chief Washakie FFA Chapter attended the Wyoming State FFA Convention April 8–11, competing in a wide range of state-level events, including ENR, Ag Mechanics, Creed Speaking, Livestock, Horse, Marketing Plan, and Ag Sales. The convention brings chapters from across the state together to compete at a high level. Chief Washakie FFA earned the sweepstakes awards in both Agriscience and Proficiencies.
This was Briley Trauntvien’s second time at state convention, and she said, “I actually had a really fun time. It was my 2nd time going. I had fun doing livestock judging, even though I didn't do the best on it, but I had a really fun time.”
In addition to competing, members participated in leadership workshops and explored career opportunities. They visited with representatives from colleges and industry partners to learn more about educational pathways and the businesses represented at the convention.
Lylah Geis stated, “At state convention, I participated in a marketing plan, and it was pretty fun. I enjoyed the sessions, and we got to hear from this guy who was paralyzed, and he told us his story.”
Chief Washakie FFA was named the Models of Innovation State winner in Building Communities and finished as a Top 3 Chapter in the state, qualifying for national recognition.
Chief Washakie FFA had more students recognized on stage than any other school at the convention. The chapter extends a special thank you to Jeralyn Moore for serving as chaperone and is grateful that WHS Principal Bruce Miller was able to join the group for part of Thursday and Friday.
Chief Washakie FFA Advisor Grace Godfrey stated, “I feel like we did pretty well, and we all enjoyed going. I would like us to have more teams at state next year, though.”
The team's accomplishments reflect the hard work, dedication, and leadership of Chief Washakie FFA members and advisors, and they proudly represent Worland at the state and national levels.
Proficiency Awards
Proficiency Awards
(State Champions advance to nationals.)
Allie Stamatakos – 2nd, Agriscience Research: Animal Systems
Laramie Trauntvein – STATE CHAMPION, Agriscience Research: Integrated
Tylee Clark – 3rd, Agriscience Research: Plant Systems
Ava Tapia – State Runner-Up, Agriscience Research: Plant Systems
Maclee Roady – STATE CHAMPION, Agriscience Research: Plant Systems
Kyston Rollema – STATE CHAMPION, Ag Mechanics Repair
Kyston Rollema – 3rd, Beef Placement
Kyston Rollema – State Runner-Up, Diversified Agricultural Production
Zane Lentsch – STATE CHAMPION, Diversified Agricultural Production
Asael Vega – STATE CHAMPION, Diversified Crop Production
Ava Tapia – State Runner-Up, Diversified Livestock Production
Aspyn Hamilton – STATE CHAMPION, Diversified Livestock Production
Zane Lentsch – 3rd, Forage Production
Kyston Rollema – State Runner-Up, Forage Production
Tylee Clark – 3rd, Goat Production
Ava Tapia – STATE CHAMPION, Goat Production
Laramie Trauntvein – 3rd, Swine Production
Emma Glanz – State Runner-Up, Swine Production
Abbie Scallions – 3rd, Small Animal Care
Ava Tapia – 3rd, Sheep Production
Aspyn Hamilton – STATE CHAMPION, Sheep Production
Proficiency Sweepstakes Award Winners were also recognized for their outstanding combined achievements.
Agriscience Awards
Agriscience Awards
(State Champions advance to nationals.)
Vince Salinas & Nolan Lynema – State Runner-Up, ENR 4
Cade Heinemeyer & Logan Moore – STATE CHAMPIONS, ENR 4
Laramie Trauntvein – STATE CHAMPION, ENR 5
Jill Christensen – State Runner-Up, Food Science 3
Emma Glanz & Ava Tapia – STATE CHAMPIONS, Food Science 6
Taylor Campbell – State Runner-Up, Plant Science 3
Aspyn Hamilton – STATE CHAMPION, Plant Science 3
Brynlee Roady – 3rd, Plant Science 5
Maclee Roady & Allie Stamatakos – STATE CHAMPIONS, Plant Science 6
Myles Baugh – State Runner-Up, PST 3
Merrick Spargo & Brekyn Crippen – 3rd, PST 4
Braylon Kidgell & Charlie Turner – STATE CHAMPIONS, PST 4
Breckyn Crippen & Kale Kienlen – State Runner-Up, Social
Beckett Tharp & Asael Vega – STATE CHAMPION, Social 6
Agriscience Sweepstakes Award Winners were named based on overall chapter performance in agriscience events.
Additional Awards
Additional Awards
Shelby Lyman – 5th place, FFA Creed Speaking
Nine students earned their State FFA Degree:
Abbie Scallions
Molly Glanz
Amillia Crawford
Brynlee Roady
Shayden McDonald
Laramie Trauntvein
Dash Hart
Zane Lentsch
Kyston Rollema
Regional Stars and Special Awards
Regional Stars and Special Awards
Molly Glanz – Regional Star in Ag Business
Zane Lentsch – Regional Star in Placement
Kyston Rollema – High Individual in Structural Systems in the Ag Mechanics contest, earning a scholarship to Casper College
Horse Judging Team
Horse Judging Team
The Horse Judging Team of Aspyn Hamilton, Breckyn Crippen, Zane Lentsch, and Kyston Rollema also had a strong showing:
High team in reasons
2nd high team in halter
3rd high team overall
Here are the results from the State FFA Convention:
*Models of Innovation STATE winner in Building Communities
*Top 3 Chapters in the STATE- Qualifying for NATIONAL recognition
Proficiency Awards- State Champions advance to nationals
Allie Stamatakos- 2nd in Agriscience Research Animal Systems
Laramie Trauntvein- STATE CHAMPION- Agriscience Research Integrated
Tylee Clark- 3rd Agriscience Research Plant Systems
Ava Tapia- State Runner-Up - Agriscience Research Plant Systems
Maclee Roady- STATE CHAMPION- Agriscience Research Plant Systems
Kyston Rollema- STATE CHAMPION- Ag Mech Repair
Kyston Rollema- 3rd place Beef Placement
Kyston Rollema- State Runner-Up - Diversified Ag Production
Zane Lentsch- STATE CHAMPION- Diversified Ag Production
Asael Vega- STATE CHAMPION- Diversified Crop Production
Ava Tapia- State Runner-Up - Diversified Livestock Production
Aspyn Hamilton- STATE CHAMPION- Diversified Livestock Production
Zane Lentsch- 3rd Forage Production
Kyston Rollema- State Runner-Up- Forage Production
Tylee Clark- 3rd Goat Production
Ava Tapia- STATE CHAMPION Goat Production
Laramie Trauntvein- 3rd Swine Production
Emma Glanz- State Runner-Up- Swine Production
Abbie Scallions- 3rd Small Animal Care
Ava Tapia- 3rd Sheep Production
Aspyn Hamilton- STATE CHAMPION Sheep Production
PROFICIENCY SWEEPSTAKES AWARD WINNERS
Agriscience Awards= State Champions advance to nationals
Vince Salinas and Nolan Lynema- State Runner- Up- ENR 4
Cade Heinemeyer and Logan Moore- STATE CHAMPIONS ENR 4
Laramie Trauntvein- STATE CHAMPION ENR 5
Jill Christensen- State Runner -Up- Food 3
Emma Glanz and Ava Tapia- STATE CHAMPIONS- Food 6
Taylor Campbell- State Runner-Up- Plant 3
Aspyn Hamilton- STATE CHAMPION- Plant 3
Brynlee Roady- 3rd - Plant 5
Maclee Roady and Allie Stamatakos- STATE CHAMPIONS- Plant 6
Myles Baugh- State Runner-Up - PST 3
Merrick Spargo and Brekyn Crippen- 3rd - PST 4
Braylon Kidgell and Charlie Turner- STATE CHAMPIONS - PST 4
Breckyn Crippen and Kale Kienlen- State Runner-Up - Social
Beckett Tharp and Asael Vega- STATE CHAMPION- Social 6
AGRISCIENCE SWEEPSTAKES AWARD WINNERS
Shelby Lyman 5th place FFA Creed
9 State FFA Degrees
Abbie Scallions
Molly Glanz
Amillia Crawford
Brynlee Roady
Shayden McDonald
Laramie Trauntvein
Dash Hart
Zane Lentsch
Kyston Rollema
2 REGIONAL STARS
Molly Glanz- Regional Star in Ag Business
Zane Lentsch- Regional Star in Placement
Kyston Rollema- High Individual in Structural Systems of the Ag Mech contest
Winning a scholarship to Casper College
Horse Judging Team of Aspyn, Breckyn, Zane, and Kyston
HIGH team in reasons
2nd high team in halter
3rd high team overall
Chief Washakie FFA Sweeps the Floor
Chief Washakie FFA Sweeps the Floor
Photo G. Godfrey- (L-R) Chief Aashakie FFA Advisor Grace Godfrey and members Sydni Martinez, Zeke Bain, Taylor Campbell, Jill Christensen, Dash Hart, Emma Cochrane, Carter George, Tylee Clark, Kyston Rollema, Aspyn Hamilton, Zane Lentsch, Shelby Lyman, Beckett Tharp, Breckyn Dykstra, Lylah Geis, Asael Vega, Briley Trauntvein, and Laramie Trauntvein show off their sweepstakes awards in Cheyenne.
FFA
FFA
Living with Gratitude
Living with Gratitude
Photo J. Tharp- Chief Washakie FFA member Beckett Tharp, just out of the hospital after a near-death crash of his truck, talks with FFA Advisor Grace Godfrey and her husband Joe.
Lending a Helping Hand
Lending a Helping Hand
Photo J. Tharp- Members of Chief Washakie FFA gather with smiles to help at a fundraising dinner in Hyattville for fellow member Beckett Tharp. Tharp fell asleep on his way to work and rolled his pickup. From left are Lylah Geis, Brynlee Roady, Bella Beamer, and Maclee Roady.
Eye on the Judge
Eye on the Judge
Photo J. Tharp- Chief Washakie FFA member Zane Lentsch exhibits his market hog at the 2025 Washakie County Fair in July.
Photo H. Brooks - Beckett Tharp and his parents Kyle and Jessica prepare to leave the hospital after Tharp spent time recovering from his accident at Billings Clinic.
By Jacklynn Bozeman
Staff Writer
Worland- Beckett Tharp was in a car wreck on the morning of June 26th this year, Tharp, a junior at WHS, broke his neck in two places, back in five places, collar bone, shoulder blade, and some ribs when he fell asleep and rolled his pickup truck without wearing a seatbelt. He was life-flighted to Billings and spent a week in the hospital. Since then, he has had a nice and speedy recovery and is continuing with physical therapy. His goal is to get back to rodeo competitions soon.
A fundraising dinner was held in July to help pay for the hospital expenses, with the Chief Washakie FFA chapter helping with the dinner. FFA students are now starting the “Buckle Up With Beckett” movement to encourage seatbelt usage and save lives.
Beckett said he is so grateful for this amazing community and how much they did to help, he also said “I never get into a vehicle without putting on my seatbelt now.”
Tharp’s mom, teacher at WHS, said, “This has taught everyone a valuable lesson. I think it’s common in rural areas for people to not wear seatbelts. We’re so appreciative of our supportive community.”
According to FFA advisor Grace Godfrey, officers will be monitoring seatbelt usage before and after the campaign to see how well the message improves the habits of students and faculty around the campus. They also printed seatbelt stickers to hand out to students and staff to raise awareness. For stickers or more information, contact a Chief Washakie FFA member.
Goodbye Tinsel, Hello Truck Bed
Goodbye Tinsel, Hello Truck Bed
Photo K. Tharp- Beckett Tharp, Zeke Bain, and Zane Lentsch help unload a truck with Christmas trees on January 10th.
Goodbye Tinsel, Hello Truck Bed
Goodbye Tinsel, Hello Truck Bed
By Tylee Clark
Staff Writer
Worland- The annual FFA Christmas Tree Cleanup proved to be a resounding success. FFA members volunteered their time on Saturday January 10th to drive throughout the community collecting discarded Christmas trees from residents. The FFA members and other volunteers cleaned up 110 trees in all.
Working in teams, members covered multiple neighborhoods and made several trips to the designated drop-off location. Their efforts helped keep back alleys clear of debris while ensuring the trees were properly disposed of and turned into mulch.
The event not only provided an important service to the community but also allowed FFA members to demonstrate leadership and responsibility. Organizers expressed their appreciation to all the volunteers and residents who participated in this year’s cleanup.
Chief Washakie Advisor Grace Godfrey stated, “We've worked with the NRCS, and Rotary is part of the Christmas tree recycle program for at least 20 years. And so every year, we get assigned areas in town, and it's always a fun time to help the community, be outdoors, and be together. ”
Chief Washakie member Aspyn Hamilton said, “Yes, it was very successful. It was super fun, and it was a great activity to do for our community and help out.”
The Road to National FFA
The Road to National FFA
Photo T. Clark- Chief Washakie FFA members Dash Hart, Aspyn Hamilton, Lylah Geis, Tylee Clark, Kyston Rollema, and Laramie Trauntvein pose with FFA Advisor Grace Godfrey at the National FFA Convention in Indianappolis, Indianna.
Photos T. Clark- Kyston Rollema, Tylee Clark, Aspyn Hamilton, Laramie Trauntvein, Dash Hart, and Lylah Geis enjoyed fun tours at Fair Oaks Dairy (above) and a classy steak dinner (below) on their road trip to Indianappolis.
Photo T. Clark - Night Out - FFA Students pose in front of a steak house as they represent Worland HIgh School's Chief Washakie FFA Chapter at the National Convention.
Hard Hats - FFA students wear hard hats as they get on the job tours and training at a Dairy in Indianpolis, Ind.
Jack-O-Lantern - Students pose in front of giant jack-o-lanterns during a fall festival while out and about.
Tylee Clark
Staff Writer
Indianapolis- Six Chief Washakie FFA Members embarked on a week-long trek to Indianapolis, Indiana, to attend the FFA National Convention in October. The group included Advisor Grace Godfrey and students Lylah Geis, Tylee Clark, Laramie Trauntvein, Apsyn Hamilton, Kyston Rollema, and Dash Hart. The event took place in the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Along the way, they visited the Corn Palace in South Dakota, Plant Peddlers Greenhouse in Cresco, Iowa, Fair Oaks Dairy, Valero Ethanol Plant, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, all in Indiana.
Students found it fascinating to learn about the Speedway's history and to see the impressive list of winners who have raced there.
Rollema commented, “My favorite part of the trip was getting to go on the four tours: Plantpeddler, Fair Oaks Dairy, Valero Ethanol Plant, and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. I was very excited to be a National Finalist [at the convention]. When I walked on stage, I thought for sure I was going to be in the top 5, but I was still very happy to receive 9th place.”
Rollema explained that he and Hart worked together on this project. Their project investigates the depth of weld penetration achieved using the four categories of Shielded Metal Arc Welding electrodes: Fast Fill, Fill Freeze, Fast Freeze, and Low Hydrogen.
Hart commented that he's been to Nationals three times, and he's been the treasurer all three years.
Hart said, “This year was great. We won 9th place in nationals for Power Structural and Technical Systems Division 6.” His favorite tours were the Indianapolis Speedway and Fair Oaks Dairy.
Godfrey commented, “I have been going to the National FFA Convention as a teacher since 1998. I have missed some years, when I moved to Worland, because we didn't qualify to go, and we would go every other year.
“I had a blast this year,” Godfrey continued. “Each year, I try to come up with different things for us to do or to tour so that if a person has been before, they are not seeing the same thing.
My favorite part of the trip was listening to the keynote speaker at the 1st general session of the convention. His name was A'ric Jackson, and I thought he had a really good message.
If we are fortunate enough to go next year, we will do the majority of our tour in the Louisville area, which would then include a mom and pop candy making shop, Louisville Slugger, and Churchill Downs.”
Trauntvein stated, “My favorite tour had to be the Valero ethanol plant. I found it really interesting that they use penicillin in each fermenting batch to protect the yeast from any infection. I thought that was pretty neat, and then the trip was incredible. It was a lifetime experience that I will never forget. It was really neat for me to think about how there were over 60,000 FFA members there, and we are all there for one reason, which is incredible to me.”
Chief Washakie earned 2 Star National Chapter honors, along with the following accomplishments:
9th place nationally in AgriScience PST Div 6- Hart and Rolema
Seven Worland students received Bronze National FFA Proficiency Awards for their hands-on learning and career development through their SAE projects:
Cayden Robertson – Agricultural Mechanics Design and Fabrication
Kyston Rollema – Equine Science (Placement)
Laramie Trauntvein – Veterinary Science
Owen Lungren – Grain Production
Reaghan Foss – Swine Production (Entrepreneurship)
Shayden McDonald – Agricultural Education
Zane Lentsch – Vegetable Production
In addition, 8 students represented Worland FFA on the national stage in the National FFA Agriscience Fair, showcasing original research projects across multiple scientific divisions:
Allie Stamatakos and Marlee Earl – Animal Systems, Division 4
Asael Vega and Beckett Tharp – Power, Structural, and Technical Systems, Division 4
Ava Tapia and Tylee Clark – Plant Systems, Division 4
Emma Glanz – Food Products and Processing Systems, Division 3
Laramie Trauntvein – Environmental and Natural Resources, Division 5
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