MANHATTAN, Kansas — Three members of the Iola High School FFA were recognized for having some of the best Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs in the state at the 94th Kansas FFA Convention, June 1-3.
Jenna Curry, Chloe Sell and Cody Wille all received a State FFA Proficiency Award during the convention for outstanding accomplishments they have made in developing programs that will prepare them for a career in agriculture. Their FFA chapter adviser is Amanda Strickler-Holman.
The proficiency award program recognizes students for exceptional accomplishments and excellence in an SAE program. This program allows students to set goals and gain real world experience in a chosen area of the agriculture industry.
Curry received her proficiency award in turf grass management, sponsored by Sod Shop Inc. Her SAE focuses on keeping the yards in her community looking nice. She does this by picking up limbs, leaves and other debris. She also mows the yards. Many of her clients are businesses or residential yards.
After graduation, Curry plans to attend college and pursue her interest in entrepreneurship. Jenna is the daughter of Brett and Briana Curry.
Sell received her proficiency award in landscape management, sponsored by Lawrence Landscape. Her SAE involves operating a landscape management business, with a focus on keeping landscapes looking well-maintained and beautified. She mows and trims lawns, trims bushes and hedges, and manages mulch and weed control. She has also helped with underground watering systems for landscapes. After graduation, Sell plans to attend Pittsburg State University to major in biology with an emphasis on pre-medicine with an end goal to become an ophthalmologist.
Chloe is the daughter of Ryan and Angie Sell.
Wille received his proficiency award in diversified agricultural production, sponsored by Triangle H Farms in memory of Greg Hands. His SAE involves working on his family’s 6,000-acre farm. He focuses on plant systems along with animal systems. He helps work ground, haul seed to his John Deere 24-row planter, move fertilizer tanks and haul hay. During harvest his responsibilities also include moving equipment from field to field, operating the combine and running the grain cart. After graduation, Wille plans to attend college, then return to the family farm. Cody is the son of John and Beth Wille.
ELSEWHERE, Crest High School’s Blaine King competed in an Agriscience Plant System (Division 1) on the state level and won an award, which he received at the convention.
Students earn FFA scholarships
The National FFA Foundation awarded scholarships to 43 members across the state at its annual convention June 1-3.
Among the recipients were Alyson Ard and Carissa Mattox of Marmaton Valley High school and Aidan Yoho of Yates Center High School.
