SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Somonauk-Leland-Sandwich FFA chapter attended the 94 th annual Illinois State FFA Convention June 14-16 along with more than 5,00Fo0 other FFA members, advisors, and guests. With a 2022 theme of “Initiate,” the three-day event annually recognizes the achievements of Illinois FFA members, elects the major state officer team, and celebrates agriculture. During the convention, the following awards were presented to the Somonauk-Leland-Sandwich FFA chapter.
State Winner Food Science & Technology Career Development Event: The chapter was recognized for winning the state Food Science and Technology CDE, which requires team members to have an in-depth understanding of food product development and presentation and food safety issues. Student participants use their sensory skills to solve problems and make sound decisions.
Foundation $4,000 Club Award Recipient: The chapter was recognized for coordinating a local campaign for the Illinois Foundation FFA which raised at least $4,000. The chapter's fundraising total was $4,040.80.
State and American FFA Degree Recipients: The chapter was recognized for having one State FFA Degree recipient, Cody Peterson, as well as one American FFA Degree Recipient, Jessica Carlson. Both of these individuals have worked hard on their Supervised Agriculture Experience Projects, spent time completing community service, as well as their FFA membership.
Honored Officers: Isabella Ray received the Silver Chapter President ranking for her year spent as the chapter president in 2021-2022. Brianna Gibson received the Bronze Chapter Reporter ranking for her year spent as the chapter reporter in 2021-2022. Both girls, as well as the other officers, have been a great asset to our FFA Chapter.
National Chapter Award Finalist: The chapter was recognized on stage for being a 2021-2022 National Chapter Award Finalist and ranked 27th out of 255 FFA Chapters in Illinois. The National Chapter Award is a 23-page award that is submitted to the Illinois Association FFA each year. Its focus is directed towards our growth as a chapter in the areas of Growing Leaders (student development), Building Communities (community development), and Strengthening Agriculture (chapter ag development).
Students at the convention were greeted with activities including a career fair featuring colleges and agribusinesses and an opportunity to engage in the history of Illinois’ capital city. The sessions featured addresses by National FFA Western Region Vice President Josiah Cruikshank of Oregon and from each of the retiring major state officers.
The convention spotlighted the Association’s annual service project, which provided $250 scholarships to 20 FFA chapters planting trees throughout the state.