State FFA group front from left: Avary Hopper, Amelia Mckenna, Dacoda Malakowsky, Kaitlyn Dobberstien, Abbie Viktora, Alec Wyrum. Back row: Olivia Johnson, Kiyah Mikesell, Paige Johnson, Carter Schlaak, Andy Nelson, Gus Bethke.
For NRHEG, the FFA convention was a musical affair
Members of the NRHEG FFA attended the MN State FFA Convention April 21st-23rd. They participated in the Best Informed Greenhand competition, which was led by the individual who took home a Gold rating. Avary Hopper earned a silver while Andy Nelson and Alec Wyrum earned bronze ratings. The team was rated in the silver category as well. Kiyah Mikesell highlighted her trip by receiving the State FFA Degree. This is the highest degree a state can give and the 2nd highest degree in the organization. But it was the musical connection that dominated the members this year, with three State FFA Band participants and six State FFA Choir participants. Band and choir members were once a regular part of participation for local FFA members, but it fell off for a few years after Covid. "It is great to see so many FFA members getting back into the musical aspect of the convention," said Advisor Dan Sorum.
He credits NRHEG Choral Director Krista Reeder, who made a huge push to get her students to apply. It is hoped that this will spark future members to apply for the state level and eventually return members to the National FFA Band and Choir. Participants performed at both the Monday night awards ceremony as well as the Tuesday afternoon final ceremony.