Currently viewing the tag: "catoctin FFA"

The National FFA convention is held every year and attracts FFA members from every state, including Alaska and Hawaii. The 96th National FFA Convention was held in Indianapolis, Indiana, from November 1-4, 2023. The convention theme was “Evolve.” 

While at the convention, 16 Catoctin FFA members joined over 72,900 other FFA members, advisors, and guests from across our nation. The National FFA Convention and Expo is one of the largest student conventions in the world, with a mission to develop, educate, and inspire. Throughout the week, members were able to participate in sessions, contests, workshops, and a career expo.

The chapter made several industry stops on the way to Indianapolis. They visited the Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis Missouri. They were able to move through the self-pace museum to learn about how the arch was built and why it was built. Students were able to ride the tram 630 feet to the top (the tallest monument in the United States) to see the stunning views, stretching up to 30 miles to the east and west. Students were also able to see the Mississippi River.

They also visited Caterpillar in Peoria, Illinois. The museum tour started with a short video in the bed of a massive two-and-half story Cat 797F Mining Truck.  They learned how Caterpillar is built on the foundation of innovation and customer focus. FFA members were able to test their skills on simulators to see firsthand what it is like to operate equipment the way operators do. 

At Building SS, they were able to visit the factory floor and watch Cat employees assemble, test, and paint Caterpillar’s medium and large track-type tractors, including the D7E electric-drive tractor and pipelayers. 

At the National Convention, some FFA members competed in Career Development Events/Leadership Development Events, more often referred to as CDEs and LDEs. To complete a CDE/LDE, each team or individual contestant extensively learned their subject and rehearsed their task in preparation for state convention. Every state gets to send one winning team per CDE/LDE to advance to nationals. This year, Catoctin FFA’s Agricultural Issues was eligible to compete at the National Convention. 

Agriculture Issues: The Agriculture Issues team presented a 15-minute skit.  The question they presented was: Should Agriculture Education be a Graduation Requirement in the State of Maryland? Each member of the team played a part of the skit. The team had to present the facts in an unbiased and creative way. The team had to present the skit a minimum of five times before the MD state convention. The team earned a bronze placing. Members include: Annalise Abruzzese, Kaitlynn Bentz, Alyssa Costa, Drew Potter, Carly Ridenour, and Savannah Ridenour.

American FFA Degree recipients: Less than 1 percent of FFA members receive this prestigious degree. To be eligible to receive the American FFA Degree, members must meet qualifications such as receiving a State FFA Degree, holding active membership for the past three years, completing secondary instruction in an agricultural education program, and operating an outstanding supervised agricultural experience program. This year, Catoctin FFA had one member earn and receive this highest honor: Cadin Valentine. Congratulations!

Thank you to everyone for all of the support in helping Catoctin FFA to participate in the 96th National FFA Convention. These students have gained skills and memories that will last a lifetime.

Nineteen Catoctin FFA members attended the 95th Maryland State FFA Convention on June 27-29. The state convention was held at the University of Maryland in College Park. This year’s theme was “Making Waves.” All students attended workshops and sessions, industry tours, and participated in CDE/LDEs (contest) and got to network with over 390 members from across the state!

Agriculture Sales — The Ag Sales team placed 2nd in the state. This team had to research different types of utility trailers. They then had to sell the different products to potential consumers. Team members included Sophia Chism, Taylor Knott (8th place ind.), Ryleigh Ruch (2nd place ind.), and Trinity Spidle (4th place ind.).

Ag Marketing — Ella Burrier, Caroline Clark, and Peyton Davis are members of the Ag Marketing Team. This team met with the owner of Sunny Acres Rabbitry. They made a marketing plan to help the owners make a larger profit and reach his goals in the future. The team placed 2nd in competition.

Ag Issues — Our Ag Issues Team placed 1st in the state. The team consisted of Annalise Abruzzese, Kaitlynn Bentz, Alyssa Costa, Carly Ridenour, Savannah Ridenour, and Katie Topper. This team created a presentation about including an agriculture class to the MD high school graduation requirements. They will travel to the National Convention in October/November for national competition. 

Agriculture Communications — Owen Cook, Cadence Lovejoy, Abby Moreland (9th place ind.), and Drew Potter participated in the Agriculture Communications Contest. The team placed 4th. They had to  work as a team of communication consultants to develop a written media plan, present the plan to a panel of judges, and, as individuals, apply what they have learned during practicums, a quiz, and editing exercise.

FFA Knowledge — This team placed 4th. Students had to take a written exam on FFA history and work together to complete a team activity. Team members include Annalise Abruzzzese, Ellie Baker, Kaitlynn Bentz, and Carly Ridenour (8th place ind.).

Sr. Prepared Speaking — Ellie Baker participated in this event. She wrote a six-eight-minute speech. She had to present it and answer questions about it. Her topic was about the floral industry.

Jr. Extemporaneous Speaking — Annalise Aburzzese and Kayla Delcid participated in this event. They picked a topic out of a hat and had 30 minutes to write a four-six-minute speech about the topic. They were allowed to use five resources. Kayla was 6th in the state and Annalise was first!

Employment Skills — Savannah Ridenour participated in the Employment Skills Contest. She had to create a resume and cover letter before attending the convention.  At convention, she participated in a job interview and had to write a follow-up letter afterward. She placed 8th in the state.

State FFA Degree —Ellie Baker, Abby Moreland, Savannah Ridenour, Colt Sanders, and Payton Troxell earned their state degree. This is the highest degree our state can bestove to its members. 

Honorary State FFA Degree — Alumni members Matthew Wayne Dellinger and Carrie Wivell Wolf were honored with their Honorary State FFA Degree this year. Both individuals are huge supporters of Catoctin FFA and help Maryland FFA throughout the year in various ways.

American FFA Degree — Cadin Valentine was recognized for being an American FFA Degree candidate.

National Chapter — Catoctin FFA was recognized for being a top chapter in Maryland. Their application will be forwarded to the National level for competition.

Retiring Maryland State FFA President, “Our chapter was proud to have Kendall Abruzzese represent us throughout the year as the 2022-2023 Maryland State FFA President.  She spent the year traveling nationally and internationally to promote Maryland and American Agriculture. She worked closely with FFA members in the state and with National leaders in our country to tell our story.”

The National FFA convention is held every year and attracts FFA members from every state, including Alaska and Hawaii. The 95th National FFA Convention was held in Indianapolis, Indiana, from October 26-October 29. While at the convention, 18 Catoctin FFA members joined over 60,700 other FFA members and guests from across our nation. The National FFA Convention and Expo is one of the largest student conventions in the world, with a mission to develop, educate, and inspire. Throughout the week, members were able to participate in sessions, contests, workshops, and a career expo.

The chapter made several industry stops on the way to Indianapolis. They visited the Corning Glass Museum in Corning, NY; Niagara Falls in NY; the Columbus Zoo in Columbus, OH; United States Air Force Museum in Dayton, OH; and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.

Members competed in Career Development Events/Leadership Development Events, more often referred to as CDEs and LDEs. To complete a CDE/LDE, each team or individual contestant extensively learned their subject and rehearsed their task in preparation for state convention. Every state gets to send one winning team per CDE/LDE to advance to nationals. This year, Catoctin FFA’s Agricultural Issues, Agricultural Sales, Livestock Evaluation, Marketing Plan teams advanced to nationals. We also had a member participate in the Extemporaneous Speaking LDE. Two teams had to complete a portion of their contest virtually before going to Indianapolis.

A special thanks to the chaperones: Mary Ellen Clark, Ann Costa, Matt Dellinger, Robert and Stephanie (Moreland) Hahn, Michael Poffenberger, and Carrie Wolf.

Five chapters in Maryland were recognized at this year’s convention. This is based on an application the chapter completes to showcase some of their activities throughout the year. To qualify for the award, your chapter must complete at least 15 activities—one for each of the five quality standards in each of the three divisions. Catoctin was one of five eligible chapters from Maryland and was recognized nationally as a 2-star chapter.

Less than one percent of FFA members receive the prestigious American FFA Degree. To be eligible to receive the American FFA Degree, members must meet qualifications such as receiving a State FFA Degree, holding active membership for the past three years, completing secondary instruction in an agricultural education program, and operating an outstanding supervised agricultural experience program. This year, Catoctin FFA had two members receive this highest honor: Abby Kinnaird and Sierra Weatherly.

Catoctin FFA would like to thank everyone for all of the support in helping them to participate in the 95th National FFA Convention. The students have gained skills and memories that will last a lifetime.

The 66th annual Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show will be held on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, September 9-11, 2022, at Catoctin High School, located at 14745 Sabillasville Road in Thurmont.  

 Entry of exhibits is on the evening of Thursday, September 8, from 5:30-8:30 p.m., and on the morning of Friday, September 9, from 8:30-11:30 a.m.   

On Friday evening, September 9, starting at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium, the Catoctin FFA Chapter Ambassador Program, Community Organizations Flag Ceremony, and Baked Goods Auction will be held.   

The Catoctin FFA Alumni & Supporters’ Market Goat, Beef, Sheep & Swine Show will be held in the school’s Agriculture Area on Saturday, September 10, starting at 9:00 a.m. On Saturday evening in the Agriculture Area, the Market Goat, Beef, Sheep & Swine Sale will begin at 6:30 p.m. for the awards ceremony; the sale will begin at 6:45 p.m. Buyers are welcome!

Further information regarding activities and times will be forthcoming, once finalized. Some activities planned include pony rides, log sawing, pedal tractor pull, petting zoo, pet show, decorated animal contest, and horseshoe pitching contests.

Letters regarding advertisements to area businesses will be mailed out shortly for inclusion in the 2022 Community Show book. If you are a new business or would like to advertise this year and have not received a letter, please contact Rodman Myers at 301-271-2104 for further information. 

The Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show is sponsored by the Thurmont Grange, Catoctin FFA Chapter, Catoctin FFA Alumni & Supporters, Maryland State Grange, and the Maryland Agricultural Fair Board.

National FFA convention is held every year and attracts FFA members from every state, including Alaska and Hawaii. The 94th National FFA Convention was held in Indianapolis, Indiana, October 26-31, 2021.  Eighteen Catoctin FFA members joined over 60,000 other FFA members and guests from across our nation. Members were able to participate in sessions, workshops, and a career expo.

Members competed in Career Development Events/Leadership Development Events, more often referred to as CDEs and LDEs. To complete a CDE/LDE, each team or individual contestant extensively learned their subject and rehearsed their task in preparation for state convention. Every state gets to send one winning team per CDE/LDE to advance to nationals. This year, Catoctin FFA’s Agricultural Sales, Dairy Cattle Evaluation and Management, Horse Evaluation, and Milk Qualities and Products teams advanced to nationals. Each team had to complete a portion of their contest virtually before going to Indianapolis. 

Agriculture Sales had to research several different types of Merck Animal Health Products and sell one to a customer. The members on this team researched the features and benefits of each product, interacted with a customer, determined that customer’s wants and needs, and tried to sell the product to that particular customer. Catoctin’s team members were Ella Burrier, Caroline Clark, Abby Moreland, and Kolton Whetzel. Each member placed silver, individually, and the team was a silver team. The team was coached by Michael and Amy Jo Poffenberger.

Dairy Cattle Evaluation and Management team develop skills in dairy cattle selection and herd management. Participants evaluate the cattle’s physical characteristics, explain their various classes, and analyze a herd record as a team.  Owen Cook earned a bronze placing, individually. Rianna Chaney, Sheridan Chaney, and Cadin Valentine earned a silver placing, individually. The team placed bronze. The team was coached by Becky Chaney and Patti Hubbard. 

The Horse Evaluation team judged different classes of horses and presented reasons as to why they placed the classes that they did. Working together, the team identified and problem-solved horse issues. The team earned a silver placing. Carly Ridenour earned a bronze placing, individually. Kendall Abruzzese and Corinn Gregory earned silver, individually, and Cheyenne Van Echo earned a gold placing. This team was coached by Dani Jackson.

Milk Qualities and Products:  Members in this CDE demonstrate their knowledge about the quality production, processing, distribution, promotion, and marketing of milk and dairy foods. Dallas Hassel placed bronze, individually. Syenna Biser, Abigail Christian, and Sierra Flanary placed silver, individually.  The team placed bronze. The team was coached by Shelby Green and Carrie Wivell Wolf.

American FFA Degree recipients: Less than 1 percent of FFA members receive this prestigious degree. To be eligible to receive the American FFA Degree, members must meet qualifications such as receiving a State FFA Degree, holding active membership for the past three years, completing secondary instruction in an agricultural education program, and operating an outstanding supervised agricultural experience program. This year, Catoctin FFA had two members receive this highest honor: Robert Hahn and Hannah Hartness.

Catoctin FFA would like to thank everyone for all of the support in helping them to participate in the 94th National FFA Convention.  These students have gained skills and memories that will last a lifetime.

The Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show committee met recently to begin planning the 64th Annual Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show.  The show will be held at Catoctin High School, located at 14745 Sabillasville Road in Thurmont, on September 11-13, 2020. Officers elected at the meeting were: President—Rodman Myers; Vice President—Robert Valentine; Secretary—Jennifer Martin. Other committee members are: Sue Keilholtz, Robert Wiles, David Harman, Niki Eyler, Cheryl Lenhart, Ray Martin, Carol Long, Chip Long, Sharon Graf, Bobby Myers, Denise Valentine, Amanda Dennis, Clifford Stewart, Helen Troxell, Cathy Little, Denny McGlaughlin, Karen Myers, Nancy Wine, Patty Johnston, Jim Barth, Kay Barth, Kenny Keeney, Jeff McAfee, Karen McAfee, Andrea Mannix, Amy Jo Poffenberger, Barry Burch, Daniel Myers, Sierra Weatherly, Justin Dewees, Kendall Abruzzese, Abby Kinnaird, and Danny Janc.  

On Friday night, the 2020-2021 Catoctin FFA Chapter Ambassador will be announced. This year’s program will begin at 6:45 p.m. (note new start time for program) and will honor the 50th anniversary of Lewistown Fire Company.  The baked goods auction will begin immediately following the program, and the grand champion cake, pie, and bread will be sold at 9:00 p.m. 

Entry of exhibits will take place on Thursday evening, September 10, from 5:30-8:30 p.m. (note new start and ending time for entering exhibits), and on Friday, September 11, from 8:30-11:30 a.m., in the new gymnasium and in the agriculture department area. Judging will begin at 12:30 p.m. Commercial exhibits may be entered on Friday, September 11, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. The show will open to the public at 6:00 p.m. 

On Saturday, September 12, the show opens at 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.  Activities include a Market Goat, Beef, Sheep and Swine Fitting & Showing Contest, from 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., at the Ag Center at the school. The Pet Show will be held at 10:30 a.m. outside the front of the school. The petting zoo, farm animals, and pony rides will also be held on Saturday and Sunday.

The Thurmont Grange will serve their turkey and country ham dinner in the school cafeteria, from 3:00-6:30 p.m. on Saturday night (note new time).  Entertainment for Saturday and Sunday will be announced at a later date.  There will be no admission charged for the entertainment.

The 46th Annual Catoctin FFA Alumni Beef, Sheep & Swine sale will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Ag Center area on Saturday night. Activities begin on Sunday, September 13, at 9:00 a.m., with the Goat Show, followed by the Dairy Show. 

At 12:00 p.m., the Catoctin FFA Alumni Chicken Bar-B-Que will be held in the cafeteria. The Decorated Animal Contest will begin at 12:00 p.m. 

The Log Sawing Contest will begin at 12:30 p.m. under the show tent in the Ag Center area, with categories consisting of women’s team, men’s team, men and women’s team, and a children’s division.

A Pedal Tractor Contest for kids will be held on Sunday afternoon at 12:30 p.m. in the Ag Center area, and the 41st Annual Robert Kaas Horseshoe Pitching Contest will begin at 1:00 p.m.

Exhibits must be removed on Sunday, September 13, from 3:00-5:30 p.m.  Please note the new deadline to pick up items.

If you would like to be a new advertiser in our show booklet, please contact Rodman Myers at 301-271-2104 to obtain advertising information or via email at thurmontemmitsburgcommunityshow@gmail.com. Past advertisers should have recently received letters for advertisements for this year. The community show booklets can be found in local Thurmont, Emmitsburg, and surrounding area businesses in late July or early August. New residents of the community are urged to enter and be a part of the Community Show, the largest in the State of Maryland.

There will be changes to some departments. Departments include: Fresh Fruits, Fresh Vegetables, Home Products Display, Canned Fruits, Canned Vegetables, Jellies & Preserves, Pickles, Meats, Baked Products, Sewing & Needlework, Flowers & Plants, Arts, Paintings & Drawings, Crafts, Photography, Corn, Small Grains and Seeds, Eggs, Nuts, Poultry & Livestock, Dairy, Goats, Hay, Junior Department and Youth Department. There is no entry fee. Please visit its website for updated information at  www.thurmontemmitsburgcommunityshow.webs.com. 

The Community Show is sponsored by the Thurmont Grange, Catoctin FFA Chapter, Catoctin FFA Alumni, the Maryland State Grange and the Maryland State Agricultural Fair Board.

Note: With the rapidly changing events related to COVID-19, please look for updates regarding the Community Show being held in September.

National FFA convention is held every year and attracts FFA members from every state, including Alaska and Hawaii. The 92nd National FFA Convention was held in Indianapolis, Indiana, from October 28-November 2, 2019. At the convention, 22 Catoctin FFA members joined over 69,000 other FFA members and guests from across our nation. Throughout the week, members were able to participate in sessions, workshops, and a career expo.

Members competed in career development events and leadership development events, more often referred to as CDEs and LDEs. To complete a CDE/LDE, each team (or individual contestant) had to extensively learn their subject and rehearse their task in preparation for the state convention. Every state gets to send one winning team per CDE/LDE to advance to nationals. This year, Catoctin FFA’s Agricultural Mechanics, Agricultural Issues, Farm and Agribusiness Management, and Milk Qualities and Products teams advanced to nationals.

Agriculture Mechanics: The Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems Career Development Event (CDE) helps students develop technical knowledge and an ability to work with others to solve complex agricultural problems. The event is built around students learning and executing a “systems approach.”Catoctin’s team placed silver. Danny Janc and Alex Sumner earned a bronze individual placing; Robert Hahn placed silver, individually; and Devin Wine placed gold, individually. The team won a welder for the Catoctin FFA Chapter. The team was coached by Phil Kolb and Tyler Wolf.

Agriculture Issues: The Agriculture Issues team presented a 15-minute skit on alternative milk options. Each member of the team played a part that was an expert on milk and alternative milk options. The team had to present the facts in an unbiased and creative way. The team earned a bronze placing. Members include: Kendall Abruzzese, Daniel Dutrow, Carley McGhee, Josie Kaas, and Kolton Whetzel. The team was coached by Cathy Little and Michael Poffenberger.

Farm and Agribusiness Management: Farm and Agribusiness Management helps the students to learn business skills and economic principles to agricultural businesses. Students were given a real-life business that they analyzed and answered questions. Catoctin’s team placed bronze at the national convention. Individual standing included: Abigail Christian and Taylor Wivell earned bronze placings. Riley Flick and Ty Lenhart earned silver placings. The team was coached by Micahel Poffenberger.

Milk Qualities and Products: Members in this CDE demonstrate their knowledge about the quality production, processing, distribution, promotion, and marketing of milk and dairy foods. Alexis Morgan and Kiah Morgan placed silver, individually. Sierra Weatherly and Cheyenne Van Echo placed gold, individually. The team was a silver placing team. The team was coached by Shelby Green and Carrie Wivell.

Members Paige Baker, Sierra Flanary, Abby Kinnaird, Konnor Sowell, and Cadin Valentine attended convention as Chapter Delegates.

Catoctin FFA sends out a special thanks to its chaperones, Cathy Little, Patti Hubbard, Matt Dellinger, Chris and Dani Jackson, Carrie Wivell, Shebly Green, Phil Kolb, Tyler Wolf, and Michael Poffenberger.

Four chapters in Maryland were recognized at this year’s convention. This is based on an application the chapter completes to showcase some of its activities throughout the year. Catoctin FFA was one of four eligible chapters from Maryland and was recognized nationally as a 1-star chapter.

Thank You

The sponsoring organizations, consisting of the Thurmont Grange, Catoctin FFA, and Catoctin FFA Alumni, would like to thank those individuals who helped with the 61st Annual Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show. We sincerely thank the community businesses and individuals for advertising and sponsoring our show booklet, as we had excellent attendance and great community support during the entire event.

During the opening ceremonies, approximately thirty-five community organizations participated in the opening flag ceremony on Friday evening, led in a bagpipe processional by Bill and Andrew Douwes. Addison Eyler, Rocky Ridge 4H Club and Thurmont Grange member, sang the “Star Spangled Banner” and “God Bless America” during the program. Along with many county and local officials, we were honored to have Superintendent of Frederick County Public Schools Dr. Theresa Alban give remarks. Stacey Brown Hobbs, president of St. John’s Christian Preschool of Thurmont, announced the 2017-2018 Catoctin FFA Ambassador, Stephanie Moreland. We honored the 50th anniversaries of WTHU Radio Station of Thurmont and the St. John’s Christian Preschool of Thurmont.  Special thanks extended to the many exhibitors who entered items at the show, and to the over 150 new exhibitors this year, which is a reflection of how our show has grown over the years.

We had approximately 280 baked products entered and sold at our baked products sale. The grand champion cake (a chiffon cake), made by Dawn Hobbs of Rocky Ridge, was purchased by Mountaingate Restaurant for $1,050. Monies received from the silver offering, and the Junior and Youth Department Champion Cakes, totaling $1,100, was donated equally to the Thurmont Food Bank and the Emmitsburg Food Bank.

Bob Valentine, livestock chairman of the Community Show, was pleased with the results of John Nichols of Pennsylvania, who judged the Beef, Sheep, Swine & Goat Show. The livestock sale on Saturday evening was well attended and the sale averages were: beef ($2.32 lb.); sheep ($3.50 lb.); swine ($2.54 lb.); and goats ($262.00/head).

The dairy and goat show was also held on Sunday and was judged by Katie Albaugh of Walkersville. Our show is viewed as a learning experience for many 4-H and FFA youth, who later exhibit at the Frederick Fair, Maryland State Fair, and other shows and sales.

Many individuals helped with the pony rides, petting zoo, alpaca display (by Lynn Cherish of Baggy Britches Farm), litter of pigs (by Chip and Logan Long), horseshoe pitching, log sawing, and martial arts programs; the Thurmont Grange Turkey & Ham Dinner; the Catoctin FFA Alumni Bar-B-Que; and the Beef, Sheep and Swine Show and sale.

We would also like to thank all of the department superintendents and the many volunteers who helped to take entries, hauled tables, and helped in any way to make our show excellent, and also to the many commercial exhibitors, including the Thurmont History display by John Kinnaird and the Thurmont Library for sponsoring its annual book sale, as well as to the many other commercial and animal displays that make our event community oriented.

We would also like to thank the Taylor Brown – Elvis Tribute Artist and “Catoctin the Band” for their performances to a large crowds on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon.

Many families who attended the show were able to enjoy participation in the pony rides, the kiddie pedal pull, the cross cut sawing, the pet show, the decorated animal contest, and the horseshoe pitching contest.

Special thanks to Bollinger’s Restaurant for sponsoring a free meal ticket to all department champions and our food stand vendors; the Catoctin High School Junior Class and Thurmont Lions Club were busy all weekend with sales. We would also like to thank all of the individuals, businesses, and families for sponsoring show awards, for purchasing baked goods at our cake sale, and for supporting our livestock show and sale.

In addition, we would also like to thank CHS Principal Bernie Quesada and the entire faculty, cafeteria, and custodial staff for their professionalism, cooperation, and understanding during the show.

The Community Show is an agricultural educational event and is a total community effort.  Many community citizens volunteer many hours to make the show one that our area can be very proud of, and visitors comment on the large amount and quality of entries. These efforts are appreciated by the show sponsors: Thurmont Grange; Catoctin FFA Chapter, Catoctin FFA Alumni, The Maryland State Grange, and the Maryland Agricultural Fair Board.

The 2018 Community Show dates are September 7-9, 2018, at Catoctin High School in Thurmont.

President C. Rodman Myers, Vice President Robert N. Valentine, Secretary Jennifer Martin, Catoctin FFA

    Chapter Advisor Amy Poffenberger

National FFA convention is held every year and attracts FFA members from every state, including Alaska and Hawaii. The 89th National FFA Convention was held in Indianapolis, Indiana, from October 17-22, 2016. While at the convention, 21 Catoctin FFA members joined over 59,000 other FFA members. Throughout the week, members were able to participate in sessions, workshops, and a career expo. Also, members competed in Career Development Events, more often referred to as CDEs. To complete a CDE, each team (or individual) learns about their subject and rehearses their task in preparation for state convention. Every state gets to send one winning team per CDE to advance to nationals. Several CDEs are offered; this year, Catoctin FFAs Agricultural Issues and Agricultural Marketing teams advanced to nationals.

Catoctin’s agricultural issue team chose an issue they felt was relevant to their agricultural community. They then came up with an interesting way to explain their issue. The team decided to explain the controversy over raw milk in the form of a skit. Agricultural marketing choose a company and presented ways they could improve their business. Our chapter chose Vista View Farms, a new sheep farm. See below for Catoctin FFA results in these categories.

Three chapters in Maryland were recognized at this year’s convention. This is based off of an application the chapter completes to showcase some of their activities throughout the year. To qualify for the award, your chapter must complete at least fifteen activities: one for each of the five quality standards in each of the three divisions. Catoctin was one of the three eligible chapters from Maryland and was recognized nationally as a two-star chapter.

catoctin-ffa-delegates

Catoctin FFA Delegates: Madison Feltner, Carley Flora, Maddie Godlove, Robert Hahn, Shelby Hahn, Hannah Hartness, Mackenzie Henderson, Jimmy Kempisty, Stephanie Kennedy, Phil Kolb, Maddie Krantz, Tiffany Lenhart, Brandon Marshall, Ashley McAfee, Megan McIntosh, Nicki Milbourne, Zack Milbourne, Megan Millison, Stephanie Moreland, Jacob Shriver, and Savannah Stull.

Deb Spalding

The Catoctin FFA (formerly known as Future Farmers of America) Alumni sponsored an educational butchering fundraiser to raise money that will fund their annual banquet in May. The event took place on Friday, February 12, 2016, in the Catoctin High School agricultural area. It brought together an eagerness to learn the butchering process by as many as thirty-five students, paired with the talents and traditions taught by fifty-six volunteers from local farming families.

The day started at 6:30 a.m., when the hogs arrived already cut into halves from Horst Meats in Hagerstown. Pre-orders determined the number of hogs butchered. The number of hog’s butchered was up to twenty, from eighteen last year. From the point of pulling the halves off the truck, stations were set up where the various parts of the process were completed.

A long table was the center of the operation, where men and women were intent on cutting the large parts of the hog halves into smaller parts. The various parts were then taken to other stations for continued processing, weighing, and bagging.

Catoctin students, Madison Feltner and Lizzie Devilbiss, sorted rib and loin cuts into four-pound bags. Volunteers Steve Smith, Shea Smith, and Daryl Poffenberger bagged loose sausage. Catoctin students, Mackenzie Henderson, Carley Flora, and Josh Hubbard ground lard that would later be boiled in fired kettles to make cracklin’. Volunteer, Bernie Hobbs, and students, Cody Harmon and Megan Millison, separated cuts of lean meat and fats, passing them on to ground into sausage that would be sold loose or stuffed in casings.

Dave Shriver (Catoctin FFA Alumni member) volunteered his skills by cutting pork loins with bone into chops and cutting ribs into manageable pieces.

Outside, Bob Norwood and Rob McAfee, among many others, worked to tend fires under several cast-iron kettles, stirring the contents.

“We work with head meats and bony meats. Once meat leaves the bone, we strip it and grind it into puddin’ and scrapple,” explained Norwood.

Brian Hendrickson, Catoctin’s Ag Education Instructor, said, “Butchering is, for sure, an educational activity that teaches the science of butchering and the various parts of the process.”

This butchering event has been held annually at Catoctin for twenty-six years. The idea was suggested by then-FFA Alumni president, Gene Bollinger, and coordinated for many years by Catoctin’s former Ag teacher, Robert Beavan.

Denise Shriver, Catoctin FFA Alumni volunteer, has coordinated the butchering since 2010. Denise’s husband, Dave Shriver, who was manning the saw, gestured to the organized crowd of volunteers and said, “Many farmers just show up and volunteer. With a piece of mail they know to come on this day.” The butchering is always held on the second Friday in February.

The event was indeed an educational process, during which, generations of farmers passed along the process and traditions. Several families had as many as three generations represented at the event. Ashley McAfee (2012 Catoctin graduate, former FFA Ambassador, and former Maryland State FFA Officer), was there with her brother, Justin McAfee (current Catoctin senior), her father, Jeff McAfee (Catoctin FFA Alumni member), and her grandfather, Rob McAfee. Daniel Myers (2010 Catoctin graduate, former FFA Ambassador, and former Maryland State FFA Officer) was there with his father, Bobby Myers (Catoctin FFA Alumni member), and grandfather, Rodman Myers (Catoctin FFA Alumni member).

Shelby Hahn, a 2011 graduate of Catoctin, is now a junior at Penn State University, majoring in Animal Sciences. She said, “I’m happy to see that the program has grown. It’s something we use to educate the public, but it’s something that brings the community together and makes us special at Catoctin.”

Catoctin is the only school in the state of Maryland to host a full butchering. Maryland Public Television was on hand filming the butchering all day. The footage will be aired December 2016 in their Farm to Harvest series that highlights various unique agricultural events.

Matt Dellinger, FFA Alumni Association Vice President, was outside learning the kettles from “the older generation.”

“It brings community together with tenured farmers, community members, students, and businesses,” expressed Dellinger.

Much appreciation is extended to all of the volunteers who contributed to the success of the event.

Special thanks to the following: Hillside Turkey Farm and Jubilee Foods for donating the use of refrigerated trucks, Norman and Sandy Shriver for donating the bags used for packaging the meat, Mrs. Ruth Lenhart for the use of her family’s equipment, Robert Wiles for use of his equipment, and Paul Dennis for the use of his equipment.

DSC_2213

 

 

 

 

 

Mackenzie Henderson, Carley Flora, and Josh Hubbard are shown volunteering during the Catoctin FFA Alumni Educational Butchering Fundraiser.

The Purpose of the Community Show is to Educate, to Inspire, and to Entertain

The Thurmont & Emmitsburg Community Show will be held at Catoctin High School on September 11-13, 2015. Visit the Community Show’s website at www.thurmontemmitsburgcommunityshow.webs.com to view the premium list for 2015 and the community show booklet.

On Friday evening, September 11, the 2015-2016 Catoctin FFA Chapter Ambassador will be announced. The baked goods auction will begin following the program, and the grand champion cake, pie, bread, gluten-free baked product, sugar free baked product, and the Junior and Youth Department baked product champions will be sold at 9:00 p.m.

Entry of exhibits will take place on Thursday evening, September 10, from 6:00-9:00 p.m., and on Friday, September 11, from 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m., in the new gymnasium and in the agriculture department area. There will be changes made in many of the classes, including photography, fresh vegetables, corn, and other departments. Judging will begin at 12:30 p.m. Commercial exhibits may be entered on Friday, September 11, from 3:30-5:30 p.m. The show will open to the public at 6:00 p.m., and the Friday night program will feature the 50th anniversary of Sabillasville Elementary School, with several individuals being honored.

On Saturday, September 12, the show opens at 9:00 a.m. Activities include a Market Goat, Beef, Sheep and Swine Fitting & Showing contest, from 8:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., at the Ag Center at the school. A Scales and Tales demonstration will take place immediately prior to the Pet Show in the front of the school. The Pet Show will be held at 10:30 a.m. outside the front of the school. The petting zoo, farm animals, and pony rides by the Mason Dixon Quarter Horse Club will also be held on Saturday and Sunday, located near the upper parking lot at the high school, featuring “Abel,” owned by Joe and Ruth Biser, who is a Brown Swiss animal that is twelve years old and weighs 2,600 pounds. Alpacas, owned by Lynn Cherish of Baggy Britches Farm, will be on display. Emus, owned by James Royer, will be on display, and a sow and litter of pigs owned by Phil Wivell will also be on display.

The Thurmont Grange will serve their turkey and country ham dinner in the school cafeteria from 3:00-7:00 p.m. on Saturday night. CATOCTIN The Band will perform in the auditorium, beginning at 6:00 p.m. At 7:00 p.m., the Taylor Brown “Elvis Show” will be performed. There will be no admission charge for this entertainment.

The 41st annual Catoctin FFA Alumni Beef, Sheep, Swine and Market Goat sale will begin at 7:00 p.m. in the Ag Center area on Saturday night, with approximately fifty-five head of livestock being sold. Buyers are welcome to attend and purchase animals.

Activities begin on Sunday, September 13th at 9:00 a.m. with the Goat Show, followed by the Dairy Show and Decorated Animal Contest. The decorated animal contest will begin at noon.

At 12:00 noon, the Catoctin FFA Alumni Chicken Bar-B-Que will be held in the cafeteria. The 35th annual Robert Kaas horseshoe pitching contest will begin at 1:00 p.m.

The Log Sawing Contest will begin at 1:00 p.m. under the show tent in the Ag Center area. A peddle tractor contest for kids will be held on Sunday afternoon at 1:30 p.m., also in the Ag Center area. The Thurmont Academy of Self Defense will have a program in the old gymnasium at 1:00 and 2:00 p.m. CATOCTIN The Band will perform in the auditorium from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. and the Taylor Brown “Elvis Show” will be held from 2:00-3:00 p.m.

The Catoctin FFA Alumni will be holding a raffle during the community show. Profit from the raffle will go toward the scholarship fund as each year the Alumni awards scholarships to graduating Catoctin FFA Chapter seniors and past FFA graduates seeking secondary education.

Exhibits must be removed on Sunday, September 13, 2015 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. If items are left at the school after this time, they may be picked up in the Ag Center area on Tuesday, September 15, 2015, as there is no school on Monday, September 14th.

The community show booklets can be found in local Thurmont, Emmitsburg and surrounding area businesses in late July or early August. New residents of the community are urged to enter and be a part of the Community Show, the largest in the State of Maryland. Some minor additions and deletions will be made in some of the departments. Departments include: Fresh Fruits, Fresh Vegetables, Home Products Display, Canned Fruits, Canned Vegetables, Jellies & Preserves, Pickles, Meats, Baked Products, Sewing & Needlework, Flowers and Plants, Arts, Paintings & Drawings, Crafts, Photography, Corn, Small Grains and Seeds, Eggs, Nuts, Poultry & Livestock, Dairy, Goats, Hay, Junior Department and Youth Department. There is no entry fee. Please visit our website for updated information at www.thurmontemmitsburgcommunityshow.webs.com.

The Community Show is sponsored by the Thurmont Grange, Catoctin FFA Chapter, Catoctin FFA Alumni, the Maryland State Grange and the Maryland State Agricultural Fair Board.

 

John Kempisty, Catoctin FFA Reporter

During the week of February 22-28, 2015, FFA chapters across the nation celebrated National FFA Week. The Catoctin FFA Chapter celebrated every day of the week, hosting events for members and alumni.

On Sunday, the Catoctin FFA chapter ate brunch, along with chapter Alumni, at the Mountain Gate Family Restaurant. After brunch, the chapter sold emblems and popcorn at the Tractor Supply Co. store in Walkersville. On Monday, the chapter gave back to the community, making blankets to donate to the Emmitsburg Women’s Center. On Tuesday, the chapter made and served homemade ice cream in appreciation to the hard-working staff of Catoctin High School. On Wednesday, the members wore their camo to school. On Friday, the members, along with alumni, had fun dancing and playing games at a game night. On Saturday, members went skating at Cosmic skate and had dinner out in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania.

On Tuesday, March 3, students from all over Frederick County traveled to Walkersville High School for the regional Creed Speaking, Extemporaneous Speaking, and Agriculture Mechanics competitions. Members from Catoctin competing in the Creed Competition were Mackenzie Hendrickson, Tiffany Lenhart, Stephanie Moreland, and Kaitlynn Neff. The creed involves new members in ninth grade, giving a speech called the Creed, and answering questions from the judges. Catoctin members competing in the Extemporaneous Speaking competition were Hannah Barth, May Cruz, and Ashley Grimes. In the Extemporaneous Speech competition, members were given an agricultural-related topic, and had thirty minutes to prepare a speech about the topic. The members were then judged on the quality and duration of their speech. Members on the Catoctin Agriculture Mechanics team were Dusty Hahn, Johnny Kempisty, Rob Reaver, Daniel Wolf; individually competing were Zach Milbourne and Jimmy Kempisty. The Agriculture Mechanics competition involved members demonstrating their proficiency in small engine knowledge and repair, welding, electrical systems, electric motors, and other agricultural technical systems.

Of the teams and individuals who competed at the Region 2 judging, those who placed were: Creed Speaking—Mackenzie Hendrickson;  Extemporaneous Speaking—May Cruz; and Agriculture Mechanics—the Catoctin Agriculture Mechanics team, which placed first.

These members will move to compete on the state level at the 85th Maryland State FFA Convention this coming June. Also, the state Agriculture Mechanics competition will be held in April at College Park.

Creed Speaking

Creed Speakers

Pictured from left are    Stephanie Moreland, Kaitlynn Neff, Tiffany Lenhart, Mackenzie Hendrickson, and Mrs. Poffenberger.

Ag. Mechanics

Ag mechanics

Pictured from left are    Coach Jason Green, Zach Milbourne, John Kempisty, Dusty Hahn, Jimmy Kempisty, Daniel Wolf, and Rob Reaver.

Extemporeneous Speaking

Exemporeneous Speaking

Pictured from left are Ashley Grimes, May Cruz, Hannah Barth, and Mrs. Poffenberger.