Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community
Reliable, Trustworthy Reporting, Capturing The Heartbeat Of Our Community
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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 more than 4,800 American Degrees were awarded. Levi Cronk, a member of the Summerland FFA chapter, wa...
Shaylie Kester envisioned a future as a veterinary technician. After working as a student teller at Cornerstone Bank's Clearwater branch, the Summerland FFA member is consider a career change. "This experience opened my eyes to the world of finance and made me realize how much I enjoy working in the field of business. Now, I plan to pursue a career in something on the financial side, like ag business." Kester, who serves as the local chapter president, initially considered showing fair cattle...
Part 2 in a 3-part series As a member of a farm family, Braelyn Bergman understands the basics of agriculture, the hard work and long hours it takes for seeds to sprout into a sustainable product. This summer, through a Supervised Agricultural Experience for FFA, Bergman has developed a new appreciation for work farmers provide. Summerland FFA Advisor Jacob Goldfuss said Bergman's project involved renting four acres of land from her dad, Ryan, and planting and raising a corn crop. Originally, Be...
For several Summerland FFA students, school never is out of session, even during summer months. Through a Supervised Agriculture Experience, FFA members are able to explore career options and learn about workplace life. Summerland FFA Advisor Jacob Goldfuss said, "Essentially, it is some type of job or project that an FFA member should have to help them learn skills and knowledge that they can use in the classroom and in FFA contests." The sky's the limit when it comes to a job or project for an...
Madison Melcher turned her story into FFA history. The 2022 Summerland Public School graduate is the first FFA chapter member to receive the American FFA Degree, according to advisor Jacob Goldfuss. Melcher made the historic walk across the stage, Nov. 4, at the 2023 National Convention, in Indianapolis, during the awards ceremony. "I am honored to be the first FFA American Degree recipient from Summerland FFA. I am so grateful that Mr. Goldfuss pushed me to apply. He was always there if I had...
A Summerland FFA student who started an auto detailing business has been tabbed by the Nebraska FFA Foundation as a 2023 grant recipient. Approximately $97,000 was awarded in total grant funding statewide. Bennet Flenniken, owner of Shiny Solutions Detailing, is one of nine students, statewide, to receive an award for the supervised agricultural experience. Other area winners include Ben Haschke, Wayne; Alex Lechtenburg, Boyd County; and Jacob Lind, Elkhorn Valley. In its seventh year, the...
Bennet Flenniken's entrepreneurial spirit shined early in him, when at age 9, he started washing golf carts. Now, he details much larger vehicles at his Clearwater Main Street business named Shiny Solutions. His decision to open his detailing business has proven profitable, but his real gains will come if his FFA supervised agricultural experience application awards him the champion of his proficiency area, winning a plaque, a cash prize and berth at nationals. Jacob Goldfuss, Summlerand's...
Bennet Flenniken's entrepreneurial spirit shined early in him, when at age 9, he started washing golf carts. Now, he details much larger vehicles at his Clearwater Main Street business named Shiny Solutions. His decision to open his detailing business has proven profitable, but his real gains will come if his FFA supervised agricultural experience application awards him the champion of his proficiency area, winning a plaque, a cash prize and berth at nationals. Jacob Goldfuss, Summlerand's...
The expansion of an agriculture education program has boosted membership in Summerland's FFA chapter. Advisor Jacob Goldfuss said 46 students, grades seven through 12, participate in the organization which combines classroom learning, field experience and community service. It's the largest group since the Summerland chapter originated last year. Goldfuss' credits his enthusiasm for ag education and FFA to his high school career, at O'Neill Public Schools. "The organization and classes help...
A trip to the Verdigre Stockyards turned into an FFA district championship, years later, for Summerland student Levi Cronk, of Page. Cronk said, "I ended up walking out of the sale barn with two new boer goats." The rest, as the saying goes, is history. Now, Cronk owns a herd of 20-plus goats. "That is not including the new kids, or baby goats, I've had this year," he said. Earlier this year, Cronk's goat production entrepreneurship project received first gold and district champion. His...
