Public Speaking
Dawson Boys and Riley Walden of the Stewardson-Strasburg FFA Chapter competed at the Section 20 Public Speaking Contest on February 13th at Oblong High School. Riley placed 3rd in the creed speaking contest and Dawson placed 2nd in junior varsity prepared speaking.
Dawson and Riley both competed at the district contest on April 11th at Monticello High School. Riley placed 2nd at the district contest and will represent Stewardson-Strasburg at the state contest in June. |
State Dairy Judging
Stewardson-Strasburg FFA members attend State Dairy Judging CDE on April 6th at Kaskaskia College. Stewardson-Strasburg Reasons team placed 4th overall and Riley Walden placed 9th individual. Members on the reasons team left to right: Kassie Vonderheide, Riley Walden, Derek Slifer, Daniel Rieman, and Christian Kessler. Members on the non-reasons team left to right: Maggie Kelly, Grace Rincker, Hattie Waldhoff, Dawson Boys, and Trey Sayers. Dairy Handler: Clay Tabbert.
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Section 20 Dairy Judging
Stewardson-Strasburg FFA members attend Section 20 Dairy Judging CDE on March 27th at Tabbert Dairy near Strasburg. Stewardson-Strasburg won the contest and Derek Slifer placed 1st and Riley Walden placed 3rd individuals in the contest. Members judging five cow and heifer classes with a sixth class judged based on cow pedigrees. A special thanks to Tabbert Dairy for hosting the contest. Members on the team back left to right: Trey Sayers, Derek Slifer, Hattie Waldhoff, Dawson Boys, Daniel Rieman, and Christian Kessler; front left to right: Maggie Kelly, Riley Walden, Kassie Vonderheide, and Grace Rincker.
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Proficiency Interviews
On Saturday, March 24th, Dylan Slifer and Christian Kessler from the Stewardson-Strasburg FFA competed at the State FFA Proficiency Awards Judging at University of Illinois. Dylan and Christian completed a record book on their SAE and completed an interview with a panel of judges. Dylan competed in forage production and Christian Kessler competed in grain production placement. Dylan and Christian both placed in the top 5 in the state of Illinois.
212 Conference
Hattie Waldhoff and Kassie Vonderheide of the Stewardson-Strasburg FFA Chapter attended the National FFA Organization’s 212 Conference at the Double Tree Inn in Collinsville, IL on February 9-10, 2018. The two-day 212 Conference personal development program helped students learn techniques for dealing with peer pressure and how to set and achieve goals. The conference also featured a self-discovery workshop designed to help members find their own success in life. The conference is open to freshman and sophomore FFA members.
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Greenhand Quizbowl
Stewardson-Strasburg FFA members attended Section 20 Greenhand Quizbowl on December 7th at Newton High School. Stewardson-Strasburg won with eleven teams competing around the section. Members answered questions regarding FFA knowledge. Team members were Grace Rincker, Riley Walden, Maggie Kelly, Derek Slifer, Daniel Rieman, and Dawson Boys
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American FFA Degree Recipients
National Convention
Six members of the Stewardson-Strasburg FFA Chapter attended the 90th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana during October 26th- October 28th. While at convention, members had the opportunity to talk with business representatives at the career show. Members toured Apache Sprayer Assembly Plant and NCAA Hall of Fame.
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Pumpkin Pie with Kindergarten
Mr. Haegen's kindergarten classes making pumpkin pie with the help of Mrs. Barker's 2nd hour classes on October 24th.
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Trunk or Treat
FFA members assisted with the Trunk or Treat event held on October 23th at Stew-Stras school. Over 190 kids from the Stewardson and Strasburg communities came out to the school dress in their best halloween costumes. Clubs and organizations of the school and community provided booths with games and candy for the trick-or-treaters.
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Legislator Visit- Senator Mulroe
On Monday October 23rd, Senator Mulroe, of Cook County, visited Stewardson-Strasburg through Farm Bureau's Adopt-A-Legislator Program. Farm Bureau developed this program to help state senators and representatives from urban areas to understand and visit smaller downstate communities and farms. Senator Mulroe's agenda for the day included lunch at the Lake Shelbyville Visitor Center, Stewardson-Strasburg School, S & B Dairy, TGM- Windsor, Brian Rincker Farm, and Doug Uphoff Farm. While at Stewardson-Strasburg he met with FFA members and stopped in a few classrooms and spoke with students while taking a tour of the school.
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Section 20 Soils Judging
Section 20 Horse Judging
Stewardson-Strasburg FFA members attend Section 20 Horse Judging CDE on September 14th at the Martinsville Fairgrounds. Stewardson-Strasburg placed 3rd as a team, with Christian Kessler placing 3rd as an individual. Members judged two halter classes and three performance classes. Members on the team front left to right: Grace Rincker, Hattie Waldhoff, Rebecca Shepherd, and Riley Walden; back left to right: Derek Slifer, Dustin Bridges, Christian Kessler, and Kassie Vonderheide.
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FFA Camp
Hattie Waldhoff and Kassie Vonderheide attended Illinois FFA Leadership Camp, July 25-28, at the 4-H Memorial Camp in Monticello. Hattie and Kassie spent the week meeting new friends and learning leadership qualities to bring back to the chapter.
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Section 20 Livestock Fair
State FFA Convention
Members of the Stewardson-Strasburg FFA Chapter attended the 89 th annual Illinois State FFA Convention on June 13-15 along with 3,500 other FFA members, advisors, and guests. “Maximize” was the theme of the three-day event which recognizes annual successes of Illinois FFA members,
elects the major state officer team, and celebrates agriculture. Students at the convention were greeted with activities including an exhibit hall featuring colleges and businesses, an evening dance and talent show, and an opportunity to engage in the history of Illinois’ capital city. The convention program featured keynote presentations by National FFA Central Region Vice President Valerie Earley, of Minn., and Hoan Do, a former contestant on “American Ninja Warrior,” student success coach, and motivational speaker. During the convention, the following awards were presented: Top 10 Section President Award: Alex Walden was recognized as one of 10 outstanding section presidents in the state who achieved the highest degree of excellence during their year of service to the chapters in their section and the Illinois Association FFA. The Top 10 section presidents are rewarded with an expense-paid, two-day leadership conference sponsored by the Illinois Farm Bureau. National Chapter Award, Growing Leaders Section Winner: As part of the National Chapter Award program and the chapter's program of activities, Growing Leaders is designed to encourage the chapter to develop individual and cooperative activities to enhance students' life skills. National Chapter Award, Strengthening Agriculture Section Winner: As part of the National Chapter Award program and the chapter's program of activities, Strengthening Agriculture is designed to encourage opportunities and service for members, such as promoting increased member participation and financial responsibility, creating a positive image, and interacting with support groups and cooperatives through organized activities. Banker's Plaque Award Section Winner: The Banker's Plaque is given to the chapter in each section with the highest overall score on the National Chapter Award application. This award is sponsored by the Illinois Bankers Association. The State FFA Degree is the highest level of membership a state can bestow upon its members. State Degree Recipients were Hannah Schumacher and Olivia Telgmann. The American FFA Degree is the highest level of membership available in the FFA organization. American Degree Recipients were Jacob Gaugh and Ted Kessler. Kelsey Beitz was selected and participated in the State FFA Chorus for the third year in a row. |
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Section 20 Public Speaking
Kassie Vonderheide, Hattie Waldhoff, and Alex Walden of the Stewardson-Strasburg FFA Chapter competed at the Section 20 Public Speaking Contest on February 9th at Oblong High School. Kassie won the creed speaking contest, Alex placed 2nd in extemporaneous speaking, and Hattie placed 5th in junior varsity extemporaneous speaking. Kassie and Alex will compete at the district contest on April 5th at Monticello High School.
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212 Conference
Members of the Stewardson-Strasburg FFA Chapter attended the National FFA Organization’s 212 Conference at the Holiday Inn in Mt. Vernon on February 3-4, 2017. The two-day 212 Conference personal development program helped students learn techniques for dealing with peer pressure and how to set and achieve goals. The conference also featured a self-discovery workshop designed to help members find their own success in life. The conference is open to freshman and sophomore FFA members.
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Greenhand Quizbowl
Stewardson-Strasburg FFA members attended Section 20 Greenhand Quizbowl on December 8th at Stewardson-Strasburg High School. Stewardson-Strasburg placed 4th overall with nine teams competing around the section. Members answered questions regarding FFA knowledge. Team members were Rebecca Shepherd, Hattie Waldhoff, and Kassie Vonderheide
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Pumpkin Pie with Kindergarten
Mr. Haegen and Ms. Telgmann's kindergarten classes making pumpkin pie with the help of Mrs. Barker's 1st and 2nd hour classes on October 28th.
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Trunk or Treat
FFA members assisted with the Trunk or Treat event held on October 24th at Stew-Stras school. Over 160 kids from the Stewardson and Strasburg communities came out to the school dress in their best halloween costumes. Clubs and organizations of the school and community provided booths with games and candy for the trick-or-treaters.
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Joel Schultz Receives American Degree
National Dairy Judging
During National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana from October 19th-October 22nd. Four members of the Stewardson-Strasburg FFA competed in the National Dairy Judging CDE. Members were required to complete a dairy management exam, dairy management team scenario, evaluate six classes of dairy animals, and give oral reasons on three of the six classes. To receive the honor of competing at the national contest these four members won the state contest in April. The team received silver rating at the contest. Alex Walden received gold rating, Olivia Telgmann, Hannah Schumacher, and Clay Tabbert received silver rating.
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National Convention
Eight members of the Stewardson-Strasburg FFA Chapter attended the 89th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana during October 19th- October 22nd. While at convention, members had the opportunity to talk with business representatives at the career show. Members toured Indianapolis Speedway and Fair Oaks Dairy. Members had the opportunity to listen to remarks from the national advisor and keynote speaker Diana Nyad.
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Section Soils Judging
Section Horse Judging
Stewardson-Strasburg FFA members attend Section 20 Horse Judging CDE on September 15th at the Martinsville Fairgrounds. Stewardson-Strasburg placed 4th as a team, with Dustin Bridges placing 4th as an individual. Members judged three halter classes and three performance classes. Members on the team front left to right: Hattie Waldhoff, Kassie Vonderheide, Dustin Bridges, Christian Kessler, Rebecca Shepherd, Kelsie Beitz, and Alex Walden
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State Convention
Members of the Stewardson-Strasburg FFA Chapter attended the 88th annual Illinois State FFA Convention on June 14-16 along with 3,500 other FFA members, advisors, and guests.
“BUILD” was the theme of the three-day event which recognizes annual successes of Illinois FFA members, elects the major state officer team, and celebrates agriculture. Students at the convention were greeted with activities including an exhibit hall featuring colleges and businesses, an evening dance and talent show, and an opportunity to engage in the history of Illinois’ capital city. The convention program featured keynote presentations by National FFA Secretary Nick Baker and National Football League chaplain and former player Ray McElroy. Attendees were also entertained by Mark Hood, a former contestant on “The Voice” as well as an Illinois FFA alumnus from Chicago. During the convention, the following awards were presented to the Stewardson-Strasburg FFA chapter: State FFA Degree: Ted Kessler and Alex Walden State Winner Dairy Cattle CDE Individual: Alex Walden State Winner Dairy Cattle CDE Team: Alex Walden, Olivia Telgmann, Hannah Schumacher, Clay Tabbert, and Christian Kessler 2016-2017 Section 20 President: Alex Walden State Chorus Member: Kelsey Beitz |
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Section 20 Elections and Banquet
The Section 20 officer elections and banquet was held on April 28th at Toledo Christian Church. Alex Walden was elected as the 2016-2017 Section 20 President and Dylan Slifer was elected as the 2016-2017 Section 20 Treasurer. Christian Kessler was also named the Section 20 Star Greenhand in Ag Placement.
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Section 20 Livestock Judging
Stewardson-Strasburg FFA members attended Section 20 Livestock Judging CDE on April 19th at the Richland County Fairgrounds. Stewardson-Strasburg placed 5th overall team. Members judged beef cattle, sheep, and swine. Team members were Ted Kessler, Christian Kessler, Dylan Slifer, Kelsey Beitz, Clay Tabbert and Dustin Bridges.
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Dairy Team Wins State Contest
Stewardson-Strasburg FFA members attended state dairy judging contest on April 8th. Stewardson-Strasburg won the contest with team members being Alex Walden, Olivia Telgmann, Hannah Schumacher, Clay Tabbert, and Christian Kessler. Alex Walden won the contest with Olivia Telgmann placing 9th overall individual. The team will compete at the national contest in Indianapolis, Indiana during the National FFA Convention in October. Team members were Hannah Schumacher, Christian Kessler, Olivia Telgmann, Clay Tabbert, and Alex Walden.
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Stewardson-Strasburg FFA receives Crop Production Services Farm Progress Achievement Award
The Stewardson-Strasburg FFA chapter was recognized for receiving the Crop Production Services Farm Progress Achievement Award. It was one of the many focus stations displayed by Crop Production Services during the Farm Progress Show in Decatur on August 30 through September 1.
Representatives of Crop Production Services presented a check for $2,000 to the Stewardson-Strasburg FFA chapter on Sunday, April 3rd at their FFA banquet. Presenting the check on behalf of Crop Production Services was Pat Nothaus. The money will be used to fund conferences, camp, chapter scholarships, and contest activities. FFA is important to Crop Production Services as company officials realize youth involvement is needed to achieve the goal of providing the safest, most abundant food supply in the world. If predictions hold true, the earth’s population will increase to more than nine billion individuals by 2050, necessitating organizations like the FFA that encourage young people to enter the agricultural business. The Stewardson-Strasburg School District and the Stewardson-Strasburg FFA chapter thanked Crop Production Services for its support and financial commitment to the chapter and to other young adults and organizations across the state. If you would like more information about Crop Production Services contact Pat Nothaus at (217)690-0790. |
State Proficiency Judging
On Saturday, April 2nd, Ted Kessler and Christian Kessler from the Stewardson-Strasburg FFA competed at the State FFA Proficiency Awards Judging at University of Illinois. Ted and Christian completed a record book on their SAE and completed an interview with a panel of judges. Ted Kessler competed in grain production placement and Christian Kessler competed in fiber and oil crop production. Ted and Christian both placed in the top 5 in the state of Illinois.
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Section 20 Dairy Judging
Stewardson-Strasburg FFA members attend Section 20 Dairy Judging CDE on March 31st at Kevin Wendling’s farm near Altamont. Stewardson-Strasburg won the contest and Olivia Telgmann placed 1st, Alex Walden placed 2nd, Clay Tabbert placed 4th, Christian Kessler placed 6th, Hannah Schumacher placed 9th, and Ted Kessler placed 10th individuals in the contest. Members judging five cow and heifer classes with a sixth class judged based on cow pedigrees. A special thanks to Kevin Wendling for hosting the contest. Members on the team back left to right: Hannah Schumacher, Clay Tabbert, Christian Kessler, Michael Dasenbrock, and Ted Kessler, front left to right: Dustin Bridges, Dylan Slifer, Brandon Slifer, Olivia Telgmann, and Alex Walden.
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District Proficiency Awards
On Wednesday March 9th, Ted Kessler, Christian Kessler, and Dylan Slifer from the Stewardson-Strasburg FFA competed at the District FFA Proficiency Awards at Sullivan High School. Ted, Christian, and Dylan completed a record book on their SAE and completed an interview with a panel of judges. Ted Kessler competed in grain production placement and received first place, Christian Kessler competed in fiber and oil crop production and received first place, and Dylan Slifer competed in forage production and received 2nd place. Ted and Christian will both advance to the state competition on April 2nd at University of Illinois.
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Section 20 Public Speaking
212 Conference
Members of the Stewardson-Strasburg FFA Chapter attended the National FFA Organization’s 212 Conference at the Northfield Inn in Springfield on February 19-20, 2016. The two-day 212 Conference personal development program helped students learn techniques for dealing with peer pressure and how to set and achieve goals. The conference also featured a self-discovery workshop designed to help members find their own success in life. Illinois held three 212 Conferences in January and February. The conference is open to freshman and sophomore FFA members.
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