SPRINGFIELD – Members of the Geneseo FFA chapter attended the 96th annual Illinois State FFA Convention June 11-13 along with more than 5,000 other FFA members, advisors, and guests. With a 2024 theme of “United As One,” the three-day event annually recognizes achievements of Illinois FFA members, elects the major state officer team, and celebrates agriculture.
During the convention, the following awards were presented to the Geneseo FFA chapter.
Illinois State FFA Degree: Kylie Maertens and Joseph Venneberg were conferred with State FFA Degrees by the Illinois Association for meeting all requirements including productive financial investments and earnings in a supervised agricultural experience and FFA participation, leadership, and academic excellence. The State FFA Degree is the highest achievement an FFA member can achieve in Illinois; less than 2% of members statewide earn this prestigious recognition.
Foundation $3,000 Club Award: The chapter was recognized for coordinating a local campaign for the Illinois Foundation FFA which raised at least $3,000. The chapter's fundraising total was $3,264.33.
Pictured above (left to right): Kendall Ellerbrock and Joseph Venneberg
National Chapter Award Finalist: The chapter was named a National Chapter Award Finalist and will compete at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis this fall.
Pictured above (left to right): Ayden Kane and Kendall Ellerbrock
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 Emily Gossett of New Mexico and from each of the retiring major state officers.
“Fourteen Geneseo FFA members journeyed to Springfield, IL for the 96th Annual Illinois FFA Convention!” stated Jacqueline Walters-Wetzell, GHS Agriculture Teacher & FFA Advisor. “Alongside earning chapter awards and state degrees, Peyton Kies showcased her talent by singing in the Illinois FFA Band during convention sessions. Additionally, Dawsyn McDonald stood out as a Gold Chapter reporter and proudly served as a flag bearer during the first general session.”
Mrs. Jacqueline Walters-Wetzell continued, “We not only celebrated our chapter's achievements but also enjoyed bonding over ice cream outings, roller skating, a shopping trip to Scheels, and a delicious dinner at D'Arcy's Pint, generously sponsored by the FFA Alumni.”
FFA Members that attended are pictured at the top of the page (left to right): Mrs. Jacqueline Walters-Wetzell, Emerson Swan, Ashtyn Veryzer, Griffin DeWolfe, Dawsyn McDonald, Will Baum, Kylie Maertens, Austin Pearce, Joseph Venneberg, Ayden Kane, Kendall Ellerbrock, Kenzie Krug, Colton Herberg, Peyton Kies, Bella Bailey, Delaney Lagaisse
Pictured above: State Degree recipient Kylie Maertens with her parents, Angie and Brice Maertens
Pictured above: State Degree recipient Joseph Venneberg with his parents, Monica and Michael Venneberg
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About Illinois Association FFA
The Illinois Association FFA is part of the National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America. 42,788 students are enrolled in 387 FFA chapters in the State of Illinois. FFA is a national youth organization of 945,988 student members with a mission of making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. Visit www.ilaged.org for more information.
About the Illinois Foundation FFA
Illinois Foundation FFA engages individuals, industry, education, government, and foundations in securing funds to support quality agricultural education and FFA programs in Illinois, including providing awards at the State FFA Convention. To learn more and become involved, visit www.illinoisffafoundation.org.