| Lewis Stearns measuring valve clearance during the regional Ag. Mechanics contest. Stearns ended up as the top individual in the event. |
Ag mechanics wins, parly pro second at Eastern States
Last week Elmwood FFA’s Ag Mechanics team took top honors at the Eastern Regional contest held in
Springfield, Mass. The chapter’s parliamentary procedure team finished second in its event.
Not only was the mechanics team the overall winner, its four team members were the top four individuals
among the top teams which competed from 13 states across the eastern part of the country last Saturday.
Individually, Lewis Stearns ranked first overall; Andrew Lewellan was second; Tome Elgin, third; while
Kyle Benschoter finished fourth.
During the competition, contestants were confronted with problem solving and skill completion in the
areas of building construction, GPS, small engine failure analysis, and general questions on plant
processing in agriculture.
The Elmwood team represented Ohio in the contest.
In the parliamentary procedure event held Sept 18, the Elmwood sextet advanced out of their preliminary
room to the finals and later in the day finished second overall.
The team was composed of Kim Schnipke, Jessica McKenzie, Sarah Laborie, Kyle Benschoter, Emily Curtis and
Josh Schnipke.
Each member was given a Parliamentary Procedure ability to perform during the mock meeting, as well as
debating four times.
| from left to right the chapter’s parliamentary procedure team: Sarah Laborie, Josh Schnipke, Jessica Mckenzie, Kyle Benschoter, Kim Schnipke, and Emily Curtis. |
In addition to those events, the chapter has been busy with a variety of other activities. On Labor Day
the chapter conducted
a pedal pull at the Hancock County Fair. Thanks to the nine members who helped out, it was a huge success
for the nearly 5o contestants.
Participants were divided into weight classes ranging from 24 to 100 pounds and attempted to pull a
weighted sled 28 feet. in length.
The top six in each class were rewarded for their efforts with a rosette while every contestant received
a participant ribbon and FFA pencil.
One week later, another pedal pull was conducted for the Hancock Railroad Club. Nearly 25 contestants
showed their strength by competing in an event that was similar to the week before.
Prizes were presented to the top four youngsters.
Also members of the chapter participated in an agronomy training event on Sept. 8 at Riker Farm Seeds in
rural Bowling Green.
The main focus of this event was on plant genetics, root development, and career possibilities in the
areas of soybean and corn production.
During the event, Monsanto introduced their new line of products known as SmartStax. FFA State President
Jeremy Grove attended this event as well as District 1 President Jenny Warrick.
