Members of the La Porte-Dysart FFA pictured on Feb. 19 at Hawkeye Community College in Waterloo during Sub-Districts. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

WATERLOO – Iowa FFA’s Northeast District held its Southwest Sub-District contest on February 19, 2025, at Hawkeye Community College. The La Porte-Dysart FFA Chapter was part of a strong roster of area FFA chapters with members participating in Leadership Development Events. Both Union High School and Union Middle School were well-represented by FFA members at the event.

FFA Advisors Carly Ahrendsen and Emily Damro partnered with a variety of community members to help prepare members for their contests. The FFA program’s Leadership Development Event program empowers students to develop critical thinking skills, communicate clearly, and be competitive in their future job market. The La Porte-Dysart FFA chapter was proud to be represented in six different contests at the sub-district level. Additionally, members had the opportunity to participate in the Greenhand (first year) and Chapter FFA quizzes to test their knowledge of the FFA organization.

La Porte-Dysart FFA Sub-District contest results:

Jillian Hanson, Public Speaking: Gold, Advancing to District Contest

Lily Schmitz, Ag Broadcasting: Gold, Advancing to District Contest

Benjamin Rosauer, Extemporaneous Speaking: Gold, Advancing to District Contest

RaeLynn Wildeboer, Ag Sales: Bronze

Carson Nechanicky, Jeremias Yuska, Maddie Schmitz, Olivia Schildroth, Peyton Brown, Paige Pipho, and Skylar Perason, Conduct of Meetings: Bronze

Melanie Yuska, Job Interview: Silver

Keelan Even & Wesley Buckingham, Greenhand Quiz Participants

Brandon Frush, FFA Chapter Test Participant

“It has been special to see FFA members work together to develop their public speaking skills and confidence as they prepare for their Leadership Development Event. The La Porte-Dysart FFA Chapter should be proud of the efforts of all contest participants so far this season!” Emily Damro, FFA Advisor, shared.

The La Porte-Dysart FFA Chapter will be represented by Jillian Hanson, Lily Schmitz, and Ben Rosauer at the Northeast District FFA Convention at the Waterloo Career Center on March 8.

Congratulations to all participating FFA members!