| FFA Chapter Salute - Wilmington FFA Chapter |
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School Name: Wilmington High School
City and State: Wilmington, Ohio
Number of FFA members: 96
Chapter charter date: 1968
History of Chapter The little town of Wilmington, Ohio has had its fair share of economic hardships and struggles over the past few years. DHL left the town taking jobs and money with it and deserting its community. It affected the entire community, especially the Wilmington City School District.
Many funds were cut and programs were on the chopping block, including the beloved FFA Chapter. Thankfully our community pulled through and passed the school levy which allowed the chapter to continue with its traditions.
The Wilmington FFA Chapter was chartered in 1968 and has been going strong ever since. The chapter has had many successes over the years and currently has a total enrollment of 96 members.
The current advisor is Eric Heeg, who began his teaching career at Wilmington in 2005. The chapter has a 9 member officer team offices including: President, Vice President of Community Development, Vice President of Chapter Development, Vice President of Student Development, Secretary, Treasurer, News Reporter, Web Reporter, and Sentinel.
What classes are taught to FFA members? The classes offered are Ag I, Ag II, Ag III, and Ag IV all taught by Eric Heeg; however next year the state curriculum is changing.
What contests does the Chapter participate in? The chapter members participate in many contests throughout the year. In the fall, members participate in rural and urban soils judging and parliamentary procedure. During the winter days the chapter participates in Ag Sales, Ag and Industrial Diagnostics, Landscaping, Outdoor Power, Ag Mechanics, Job Interview, and Public Speaking contests.
When spring rolls around the chapter is actively involved in General Livestock Judging, Meats Judging, Equine Judging, Dairy Judging, Poultry Judging, and Wildlife Management. The Ag and Industrial Diagnostics team of Holt Mallard and Brent Murtland placed second their first year (2009) and third last year at state contest.
The Ag Sales of Holt Mallard, Kelli Hartman, Sarah Johnson, and Bexlie Beam team advanced to state contest last year and placed 9th.
What is your biggest fundraiser? In August the chapter hosts their Annual Harvest Classic Golf Outing. This is an event in which funds are raised to help the chapter function throughout that year while mingling with the area farmers and agriculturalists. The chapter also holds a yearly fruit, wreath, poinsettia, and jerky sale. This is the chapter’s largest fundraiser held in late fall. The funds help pay for contests, banquet, and other expenses the chapter encounters throughout the year.
What is your chapter’s strength? Each year the chapter holds a variety of activities and events. The beginning of December the chapter holds a Farmers Breakfast for area farmers and agriculturalists to show our appreciation of their hard work and dedication throughout the year.
In November, the chapter assists in directing and organizing the Holidazzle Parade held in downtown Wilmington. Approximately 15,000 people come to watch this parade every year and the FFA does the behind the scenes work along with directing the parade.
During the last week of April, the chapter holds their annual FFA Week. Everyday has its own theme that is followed school wide such as Dress Like a Farmer Day, Drive Your Tractor to School Day, Ag Logo Day, Ag Olympics, and Blue and Gold Day.
On the Friday of FFA Week, members prepare a cookout lunch for all staff members to show our appreciation for their cooperation throughout the year. In addition to this, officer elections are held throughout the week.
To wrap up the year, the chapter hosts a banquet for all members and their guests to attend.
Members are awarded their chapter level degrees along with chapter proficiency awards and FFA scholarships; members are also recognized for their achievements over the year and each senior presents a slideshow of pictures and speak about their families. New officers are installed and the retiring officers are commemorated for their time and service to the chapter. |
| 3/30/2011 |
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