The Michigan FFA
CreedSept/Oct 2006
Caitlin Lorenc, Past State Officer, visits the poverty-stricken country of Ghana, sharing thoughts on agriculture, FFA and life with those she meets. - Complete story on page J -
Sept_Oct_A-C.indd 1 8/10/2006 1:17:07 PM The State FFA Office 108 Natural Resources The Michigan FFA East Lansing, MI 48824 www.michiganffa.com [email protected] (517) 353-9221 (517) 432-5632 (fax)
CreedIssue 1 Volume 5
C I believe in... J Out of Africa State Officers explain how the Caitlin Lorenc’s journal of her visit to membership can break the mold. the dark continent. D The End of Oil L In Recognition With turbulence in the Middle East and Former Webberville FFA advisor, Bill reserves running low, where can we look Wheeler, is honored in his community towards now for energy needs? by friends and former students.
F Our Motto in Motion M The Rest of the Story... Michigan’s national officer candidate Learn more about those who are serving seeks to serve those in desperate need. as your state officers.
I Here by the Owl N Alumni in Action State Project Consultant Dave Wyrick Meet members of the Michigan FFA reflects upon his first year as state staff. Alumni Council.
The Michigan FFA will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, gender, marital status, weight, sexual orientation or disability. Any student requiring an accommodation as a result of a disability should contact the chapter advisor to arrange such accommodation.
Creed Staff State Officers
Managing Editor Dustin Petty President Alyn Kiel Region I State VP Nicole Schaendorf Staff Editors Andrea Kerbuski Vice President Katie Eldred Region II State VP Danielle Martinez Emily Ries Secretary Gabe Holdwick Region III State VP Kirk Yackle Writers Floyd Beneker Treasurer Anna Timmerman Region IV State VP Brooke Rockentine Scott Cendrowski Reporter Emily Ries Region V State VP Ashley Orlowski Caitlin Lorenc Sentinel Henry Reinart Region VI State VP Hannah Carruthers Dustin Petty David Wyrick Advising Editor Michelle Sidel
Sept_Oct_A-C.indd 2 8/10/2006 1:17:07 PM Jan/Feb 2006 C 8/10/2006 1:17:17 PM 10 20 25-28 Start date for Cornish Hens - Convention National FFA Broiler and Cornish due Hen entries Indiana Indianapolis, focusing upon improving and developing the the developing and improving upon focusing dence, power and confi conviction that each particularwill their in talents invests member lead to stronger chapters, stronger regions and a stronger state. In the next year, it is our goal to rmexplore and the reaffi power of the member individual at every workshop visit. we chapter and give, we speech host, we The Michigan FFA is in need ofdent confi individuals who are willing association. to entire our put improve to talents forward their “Break the Mold” is a call to individualized service, enthusiastic, as well as a reminder that each person plays an original, distinctive role within the FFA. We look forward meeting you and celebrating the abilities to that unique! you make October I believe in... I believe Dates to Remember... 8 11 15 Deadline for ordering Broilers PDI registrations due MFE/Fall 26 Deadline for ordering Cornish 27-28 Hens PDI conferences MFE/Fall Start date for Broilers As a cer state team, offi we believe strength in of the the individual. power to improve You your chapter, community, have the region and ultimately, your association and state. In the spirit of this belief, the theme We Mold.” the “Break is year coming the for encourage your you teachers, to your step family, beyond your of the expectations regular boss; instead, use your exceptional personal gifts to tackle problems. If your animal chapter’s barn is in need of repairs, and your ofthose rival tools with skills Ty or Vila Bob x it! If region is in need your Pennington—fi your and dance camp regional the offor DJ a Frank from ranges collection music extensive Sinatra to Ozzie Osbourne—play it! 2006-2007 cer The State team Offi believes that September Sept_Oct_A-C.indd 3 Sept_Oct_D-E.indd 2
FFA NEW HORIZONS energy deficiency), production would have to be doubled or doubled be to have would production deficiency), energy the about (forgetting difference a make truly livestock. to ethanol ForU.S. to fed is grain corn the of 70% now, Right Scientists must work toovercome thisobstacle. produced. is than energy more 29% requires it equal. In fact, it was shown that to produce a liter of ethanol, not is ethanol) the produce to required is than energy more were pointed out. For starters, the energy balance (producing source fuel alternative an as ethanol to downfalls numerous In a study completed at the University of California in Berkley, statements have beenproved wrong. Unfortunately,these to place. first took the in it substance the what make than energy more produced ethanol that claimed that 2004 in released notably,study most a reports, released has USDA The ethanol. of production the for used be can corn that fact the to due community agricultural the themost hear we about – is that ethanol. This is one an option that has the excited much of – choice obvious most The possibilities: ethanol,biodieselandhydrogen fuelcells. distinct are that contenders three are There oil? of place the take to rise will medium which – arises then question The – andthattimelineisaconservative one. years 50 to 40 the within limitations and extreme in 2007 be in will supply peak to going is oil of use the that agree that the days remindedare arenumbered we for that and resource. danger in Leading sources is – oil – resource valuable And with these headlines comes the knowledge that our most “mission but anything be to accomplished.” appeared Iraq the and worried Iran world Lebanon, and Israel between out broke East, Middle The Fighting disarray. in always, surprise. as was, supplier,America’s a oil as come not did welcome, whilenot which, headlines garnered of 2006 summer The D By: By: Dustin Petty At theEndofRope... MSU ANRCommunicationsMajor r ol 1 sain i Mcia ta cry h alternative the carry that Michigan in stations 15 only are created for the express purpose of using E85. However, there been have that those are there and E85 with compatible are by both Ford and GM auto companies. Many of their vehicles embraced yearsbeen for has market and the on alreadybeen E85, a combination of 85% ethanol and 15% petroleum, has product The oil. foreign the from society modern of savior the as hailed being from ethanol stopped has this of None dies every five secondsfrom hunger-related diseases. child a and hungry go world the around people million 852 production,ethanol cornto Soas goes production. food for other any crop grown than in the U.S.). This insecticides farmland could instead be and used herbicides more uses and erosion soil total more causes that crop (the corn growing For givento be must farmlandmorecreated, be to beethanol more addressed. must that issue anethical also is There depended oncorn). livestock other whatever with (along follow to have would prices Beef up. go to prices corn cause would which tripled idee hs vn and eert edreet The business four endorsement. of one is Nelson, celebrity Willie stranger, headed red gained even has Biodiesel some just are examples. Biodiesel on run to way to any need in not modified does be vehicle engine diesel a that fact the and onBiodiesel. anautomobile Carbondioxide areemissions exhaust reduced by80% to up running to pluses are There also beusedinthecreation ofBiodiesel. poweredcan be fats to Animal engine first substance. the by the created Diesel Rudolf Dr. when 1895, in fuel a as used first was oil Vegetable viscosity. oil’s the been reduce has to altered that oil vegetable straight agriculturally-derived. from also comes Biodiesel is possibility energy Another fuel. steedo oilapproaches, which As theendof medium willrisetotake itsplace? 8/11/2006 1:33:37 PM Sept/Oct 2006 E 8/11/2006 1:33:40 PM still takes more energy to produce hydrogen than the amount the than hydrogen produce to energy more takes still of energy that hydrogen puts out. problem. changing this energy output Scientists towards are working Michigan is gearing up for the day hydrogen fuel cells are the main energy component of transportation. On Township) August River (R-Fawn Brown Cameron Senator 2005, 31, introduced Senate Bill No. 705, an toward steps take to initiative to Transportation of Department direct Michigan the highway” “hydrogen a create to necessary is what identifying by 2010. The“A bill highway hydrogen states, is a highway that provides fueling stations highway.” at the of length the along apart miles 20 than farther designated locations no The bill was passed in the senate (37 to 0) 1,March on 2006 day. same the on approval their for house the to presented and Committee. Transportation House to the was referred It In 2003, alternative energy sources provided six percent of the U.S.’s energy source. For we as a on potentially corrupt foreign no longer rely we people point where to reach the increase. to has obviously number this energy, our for powers The end of oilsee to generation that is withinof charge the is it and story the lifetimethis reading of the FFA members met. The only question is how. that their energy needs are Check this out... The End of Oil: On the Edge of a Oil: On the End of The Robert’s Paul in paperback. available , is now World New Perilous the substance gelling. And then there’s hydrogen. is far Environmentally, superior, hydrogen releasing zero pollutants compared approximately six to tons the of carbon dioxide released into the air from a car. In gas-powered fact, the only byproducts are Stanford by done study a Additionally, vapor. water and heat University discovered that if all vehicles within the United States converted to hydrogen fuel-cell 6,400 deaths attributed to pollution would be prevented. vehicles, 3,700 to yes, that little nugget – The – is only the downfall fact that it partners that formed Willie Nelson’s Biodiesel to market the partners that Willie Nelson’s formed substance that has been dubbed BioWillie. Nelson, a longtime champion of the American said, farmer, “There isreally no need going around starting wars oil. over the necessaryproduce, the have We home. at here it have We it.” can grow farmers But Biodiesel is not without its seems own to be, like ethanol, only downfalls. an extender of the oil supply First, it (Biodiesel is mixed with petroleum before going to the gas avoid to tanks heated in stored be also must fuel The pump). Sept_Oct_D-E.indd 3 Sept_Oct_F-G.indd 2
FFA NEW HORIZONS F “It looked like an entire town got bombed; then they took took they then bombed; got town entire an like looked “It theflood. thatsurvived supports of because standing left only floor, first a missing beachfront Preston remembers the burly man’s And home ondrywall. Mexico clean the of or Gulf in roof a lacked it classes though even house, her taught who teacher school high the recalls still He December 2005 he saw firsthand the need for volunteer efforts. After Preston visited Mississippi D’Iberville, for the first time in Mississippi fourtimessincelastfalltohelpwiththecleanup. to been has face friendly the with farmer young The too. did Preston victims, Katrina Hurricane aiding in involved deeply became lawmaker Michigan West the As R-Plainwell. Sheen, the last most academic of year, Preston interned for Rep. Fulton The 21-year-old has learned much about the serving public. For “I would leanmoretoward politicsIthink,” Prestonsaid. victorious,emerges how doesthataffecthiscareergoals? work. The FFAhard national elections Preston come in October. If of years reflect nomination national the and degree The member. FFAan upon bestowed be can that honor highest the Degree, national office. Last year, Preston received the coveted American Michigan’sas spot FFAfor a nominee earned Preston when 29 Career direction became a even guessing more game on of April n r boy likefor aconservative me.” farm a “I like environmental issues,” weird e he said. “I guess it’s kind of L fromMSU.in politicswhenhegraduates He’s notsureyet. o Natural Preston Resourcesmight workor at the of Department t during aconversation formorethanafewseconds. g rest never they strong, and Nimble writer. speech a of n hands the as double could They i points. his articulate rhythmically,to side, to side from down, and o up them moving hands, his with D talks junior University State Michigan the that notice you Then … o D ever soslightly. upbringing on a in farm Quincy, Michigan, you see them twinkle o whether it’s about his trips to hurricane-ravaged t conversation,Mississippi in eyes or brown Preston’shis big Aaron follow you If g n By: i n By: ScottCendrowski r a e L o t t o M r u O MSU Political ScienceMajor up?’” VanderHulst, a dietetics senior. “It’s not just another, ‘Hey,says,Matt it,”‘How’ssaidmeanshereally what’s “When heday?’ your MSU finance junior. “You really know he’s going to change lives,” said Laura Lund, an positive comments about Aaron. twomember buildings near MSU’s campus. Many students have Preston is part Hisof House, a Christian student organization with broken walls,of streetsrestorer with of dwellings.” ruins and raise up the age old foundations; Testamentyou verse thatwill reads: “Your bepeople will rebuild calledthe ancient repairer The faith-based relief group will be called Isaiah 58:12, like after the on, Old calls FEMA that AmeriCorps,” he said. “We organization want to help.” the be to want “We graduation. more important than the sizehis of salary or where he works after tohelp with disaster relief. Itwould behis lasting legacy, one far Preston, along with others, wants to start a nonprofit organization he plans to do. shifts he so himself, about efforts,conversationmorewhat and Hurricane Katrinarelief to talk to like doesn’t Preston But a collection area. can be seen helping others hauling overturned trees and brush to Inyetanother, Preston, complete with outdoorsman’s facial hair, standing down there.” “It’schurchesstillsaid,manyareandamazinghow turned then this,at lightlysmiledPrestontrucks. and housesabandoned of In another photo, a church is outlined by the scrap metal and wood were barreled over by a combination water and of wind. another, until they drifted outthe of picture, the slabsconcrete of 70-ton supports crashing into in each other like dominos. Onebridge’shighway wreckage after a the of image one to chronicle pointedMississippi.Aaron laptop Preston’s on photos The drive down theroadandaskpeople, ‘Canwe helpyou?’” bulldozers to the roads so people could drive,” Preston said. “We 8/10/2006 1:04:51 PM Sept/Oct 2006 G 8/10/2006 1:04:53 PM
And help they did, in additionon theirto youngeverything and elsebusy itineraries.it was a hectic Forspring. PrestonThere were classesan at internship MSU, at the preparationstate for the capitol,FFA nomination. and plenty of Preston’s efforts have garneredseveral the stateattention lawmakers ofCameron Brown. including state Senator “Aaron has made many sacrificesespecially to thosehelp others,in the hurricane-ravagedsaid Brown, South,”R-Fawn Riveroutstanding Township. leader with great compassion“He’s for those an in need. And whether it’s atMSU orthe an FFA Stateevent, he Capitolalways makesor extra timeto get involved. This willingnessvolumesaboutcommitment.his Aaronalways walks to serve speaks the extra mile.” specialWhilemighta he beproduct fromQuincythe farm, it’s Preston’s humility and concern for others that are so lasting. Those same characteristicseventually maylead him into a career. whereandbe, wherehousestousedstillsee can “You the debris needs to be cleared,” recallshis Prestonjourneys toof Mississippi. “It still needs so muchwork done.” And Aaron Preston will always keep his big browneyes focused on the important jobs. He is someone you can count on to stick around is finished.until everything
Patrick Spitzley is a member of His House and friend of Preston’s ofPreston’s friend and House of His member a is Spitzley Patrick who traveled with him to Pass Christian, Mississippi. Spitzley, like Preston, said for volunteering Hurricane Katrina cleanup is a perfect opportunity for doing something he’s always wanted to do. “I’ve got this thing for people, I love saidhearing Spitzley, who stilltheir remembers stories,” the looks on victims’ faces when they said: “Why are you here? helpTo me?”
VanderHulst praised Preston for organizing a trip oftrip to a organizing students for Preston praised VanderHulst like is “That said. he awesome,” is “That efforts: rebuilding help his strength.” his personal ministry; that’s After three journeys to the Southorganized a separate witheffort in lawmakers,early May when Prestonhe led 23 many so MSU attracted He’s cleanup. the with help to south students friends who are equally philanthropic that he might never get himself out of cycle.’ his ‘giving iEarning n Mto Live…Living o t i oto n Serve Sept_Oct_F-G.indd 3 The 2005 FFA tractors are now on sale.
The 2005 FFA Tractor
MICHIGAN STORES: ADRIAN • 517-263-2831 ALBION • 517-630-0013 ALPENA • 989-358-8933 BAD AXE • 989-269-8139 BATTLE CREEK • 269-979-8372 BAY CITY • 989-686-2195 BIG RAPIDS • 231-796-4642 CADILLAC • 231-775-9478 CARO • 989-673-2947 CEDAR SPRINGS • 616-696-3652 CHARLOTTE • 517-543-5858 CLIO • 810-686-9238 COOPERSVILLE • 616-837-8500 DUNDEE • 734-529-5535 FENTON • 810-629-9972 FREMONT • 231-924-6764 GAYLORD • 989-705-1256 GREENVILLE • 616-754-4639 HASTINGS • 269-945-1477 HILLSDALE • 517-439-4363 HOUGHTON LAKE • 989-366-9450 HOWELL • 517-548-7600 HUDSONVILLE • 616-662-6450 IMLAY CITY • 810-721-1613 JACKSON (W) • 517-796-1719 JACKSON • 517-788-6884 LANSING (N) • 517-323-7341 LANSING (W) • 517-627-2179 LAPEER • 810-664-1831 LOWELL • 616-987-9338 LUDINGTON • 231-843-1932 MIDLAND • 989-832-1860 MONROE • 734-241-6633 MT. PLEASANT • 989-772-6343 MUSKEGON • 231-719-9473 NEW BALTIMORE • 586-716-1990 NILES • 269-684-5734 OWOSSO • 989-725-5178 PLAINWELL • 269-685-1001 PORT HURON • 810-984-3835 PORTAGE • 269-323-3199 ROMEO • 586-752-5781 SAGINAW (N) • 989-799-3724 SAGINAW • 989-781-3568 The 2005 FFA tractors are on sale. This year’s FFA tractor is a 1/16 SALINE • 734-944-2676 scale John Deere model 6410. It is available at Tractor Supply Company (TSC) stores SANDUSKY • 810-648-3014 SAULT ST MARIE • 906-635-1132 statewide. All proceeds benefi t the Michigan FFA Foundation. Now only $46.48. SOUTH HAVEN • 269-639-9664 ST. JOHNS • 989-224-8978 STURGIS • 269-651-4725 THREE RIVERS • 269-279-5296 For more information about how you can support the FFA, contact the TRAVERSE CITY • 231-943-4062 Michigan FFA Foundation at (517) 323-6569 or online at www.michiganffa.org WEST BRANCH • 989-343-1511 Sept/Oct 2006 I 8/10/2006 1:05:23 PM David Wyrick with former State FFA Advisor Rich Karelse FFA with former State Wyrick David the future. the future. I feel that we need to continually review our present contests and add contests such as Turfgrass Management in the future to better serve our members. very also are they year, last the in me for changed have things While much the same. Just as the people were at Byron High School, I have discovered that the people here at MSU are committed to helping students and making sure that FFA members have a opportunity the had have I experience. profitable and memorable to meet many good people who are dedicated professionals and had the have pleasure of with working the 2005-2006 and 2006- 2007 Michigan State FFA Officer teams. It is indeed a pleasure to be re-associated with the Michigan FFA and all share experienced ofmy While I thosehave are involved. frustrationswho moments rewarding many had have I oftransition, year this during and look forward to even bigger and better things as we look to the future.
Michigan FFA State Project Consultant Project State FFA Michigan
By: Mr. David Wyrick David Mr. By: By: things good all but, time long a is location one in years Twenty-nine Project FFA of Michigan position the When end. an to come must time indeed was it that decision the made I posted, was Consultant to end my career as an educator in a high school and return to the organization that I first became associated with in 1968 as a a offor idea applying the with flirted had I freshman. school high been not had timing the but, this to staffprior state the on position right. the right time and Thisso I I it applied, decided was time, interviewed fortunatewas was and enough to be chosen. Starting a new job is a always challenge and there is what always I compared call work to a “discovery”drive minute period. five mile, In two my a case between I difference had to discover the many discover to had also I drive. minute 45 mile, 35 new my to work to people new office, new a to used get responsibilities, new with and a new protocol for getting things done. I discovered district, the for ready get ofto reams needed many are that paper regional and state leadership contests and that nearly 80 judges are needed to judge the contests at the state convention. I also discovered that if even one of these it peoplecan make cannotfor a be very long there, morning if back-up judges are not available. I discovered that there is a definite difference in how I used to view Skills Ag. contests and the way I view them now. in was this me tell officers state ago(the years many student a As only and year per contest one on focus to teams had I the times) only pre-historic on focus to had I teacher, a as years my During one. per contests ten than more no probably was which training, was I that discovered I Consultant, Project FFA Michigan the As year. took contest Sales Ag the story”that the and to “more was there itself! judges by nearly twenty While many activities and policies continue to discovered that be there is effective, a need I to review our policies, activities member’s we FFA our meeting are that we that ensure to important procedures and is it future, the for plan to continue we As needs. Foundation FFA Michigan our keep to way a for plan to continue and funding process stable while looking to increase funding in Here by the Owl by the Here David Consultant, Project FFA as the Michigan After his first year passed and what lies ahead. have that on the events reflects Wyrick Sept_Oct_H-I.indd 3 Out of Africa
With her days as a state officer coming to an end, Caitlin Lorenc traveled to Ghana to learn about that nation’s culture and agriculture. At the request of the Creed, she kept a journal. June 22nd My trip to Ghana began Tuesday night. Traveling with me is my so surprised that my sister and I came over. Greetings are a big sister Nicole, and Mrs. Gardner (who is a math teacher at Benzie ordeal in Ghana and they greet everyone via handshake, hug, or Central and taught in Accra last year via a teacher exchange something else. To have them yelling at you is not uncommon program). We had a 45 minute flight to Detroit, seven hour either. But if you really want to upset or offend someone, just flight to Amsterdam, and then six hour flight to Accra, Ghana. ignore them. I arrived last night and was picked up by three teachers who worked with Mrs. Gardner: Mr. Samuel Asomoah (whom we Ghana is a very peaceful country of many ethnic backgrounds. called Kasa), Mr. Samuel Osei Owusu (whom we called Osei), There are virtually no fights between the different cultures and Mrs. Betty Osei (who taught in Mrs. Gardner’s place at Benzie).
The ride back to Achimota Secondary School was a learning experience. It was humid when we got off the plane and there were a ton of people coming to greet the travelers. The temperature is about high 70s to low 80s but it’s the humidity which makes it feel hotter. The greeters have to wait outside the airport behind gates because of security measures. The city is busy all the time. Accra is the capital of Ghana and about the size of Chicago. Cars are everywhere and so are the people! Drivers are constantly honking but no one seems to get mad. The country is not dirt poor but it’s not entirely rich either. Cars are obviously foreign but most of them look pretty worse for the wear. The economic difference in the cars is astounding! It’s not uncommon to see a BMW driving right alongside a car that should be in the junkyard.
Driving by houses or corporations, I noticed that there are fences all around with barbed wire, nails, or broken glass at the top. The people are pretty much in charge of their own safety. Traffic is so horrible so it takes police and emergency vehicles a while to get to their destinations. The roads are surrounded by vendors so you can just pull off to the side and buy whatever you need. There are children selling things on the street and they yell at you and run after your vehicle as well, kind of like
FFA NEW HORIZONS FFA paparazzi. However, everyone here is very friendly. They are J
Sept_Oct_J-K.indd 2 8/11/2006 1:37:15 PM because everyone always stresses the similarities and rarely if ever, the differences. We hope to travel more tomorrow. We toured a small amount of the school and met a dozen teachers as well as the Headmistress and several heads of departments. I’m tired, but I’m safely in Ghana. Today Ghana is playing the U.S.A. in the World Cup which results in a lot of joking and teasing.
June 23rd Today was an experience. First, we took an entire tour of the school grounds, at least on this Achimota campus. To cut grass, the people use a machete. The speed bumps are vicious and will ruin the undercarriage of a car if you don’t go over them slowly. There are no sidewalks, you just walk on the side of the road or down the middle of it until a car comes and beeps at you. Chickens, dogs, and children are given free roam.
The sewers are lined with garbage and there are garbage piles smells too, but that’s to be expected. Most people would have everywhere adding to poor water conditions and diseases. I have turned their heads and left. It is such a cultural difference. The realized that as Americans, we waste so much and it’s despicable stalls, although poorly built, are arranged in a hasty order. Our to see how these people live while we’re lounging in the lap of government would have readily condemned it, but it was the luxury. There are no work relief programs. It’s sad and horrible nicest place I’ve been to. All the foods are fresh, there are no and is something one must experience for themselves in order preservatives added. They only use cows for dairy for ice cream to get the full effect. (which is delicious) and rarely eat beef. Goats, fish and chicken are the main entrées. The food in the market sits out all day, but While also touring the city, we had a tire blow, so we pulled I never once got sick from it. I think, sometimes as Americans, off to the side of the road up on a sidewalk (in richer part of we worry way too much about things, especially our food. Accra). We had no jack so a taxi pulled up alongside us to help. This resulted in having a confrontation with the policeman who July 1st was going to arrest the taxi driver for parking on the sidewalk. Today was the safari. It was a walking safari that started at The officer wanted us to pay him a $20 dash (bribe), which he 7:00 am and took 2 hours. The difference in the vegetation is would pocket, and then we could leave. Most officers cheat the astounding! Everything is so vividly green. There is nothing system. to compare it to, it’s so lush. First you have coastal plains, then mountain forest, rainforest and savanna grassland. There is no June 26th desert in Ghana. The hike was so exhilarating! We saw baboons, We started out today with doing laundry. You wash clothes by warthogs, green monkeys, black African elephants that weighed hand, in a bucket, but with no scrubbing board, rinsing in another 1,300 pounds and some fast creature known as the flying red bucket and then hanging it out to dry. Underwear though, you tiger giker. have to hang inside because there’s a bug that will lay eggs in your wet clothes, and when the eggs hatch, it can get into your Seeing all the animals was so cool!! Being close to them in their bloodstream. Tomorrow we will have to iron the clothes that natural habitat was the best. After that it was off to Tomale. were outside so we kill the bugs. The northern part of Ghana is mostly under Muslim influence. This was the only place I didn’t feel entirely comfortable. I Osei took us to the market today for textiles. We walked through think that I didn’t feel comfortable because I know how some the market which is indescribable. There are people everywhere! Muslim’s feel about women and how those women are treated in There are so many stalls and things are jam packed and sometimes some countries. However, nothing was said or done when I was there is no room to move! It’s kind of dirty and smelly but what there to foster this feeling, it was just there. a cultural experience. We are almost famous here it seems. Kids follow you around and wave, saying “O’Brooney,” which means Sept/Oct 2006 white person. Read more about Caitlin’s Africa trip in the coming issue of the Michigan FFA Creed We went to the food market as well. It is surprising how one cannot describe things. The food market is packed as well. It K
Sept_Oct_J-K.indd 3 8/11/2006 1:37:19 PM Sept_Oct_N-O.indd 2
FFA NEW HORIZONS L Janice andBill Wheeler orpreacher.”an undertaker principal The felt I should do something else such as [becoming] in school Manchester, he high said, “I Attending was not in FFA principal. as our school farm was too high small. his of advice the taken had Wheeler if happened ever have not might it But career success. young minds to achieve premier leadership, and personal growth of generations two inspiring for community a by thanked was and – Webberville in spent years those of three but all – years 34 for education agriscience of teacher a been had leadership, were Greenhouse and dedicated in Barn honor Bill of Wheeler. Program, Wheeler, Schoola Agriscience man determined High of CommunityRegional Webberville the 2006, 26, May On By: By: Dustin Petty In Recognition MSU ANRCommunicationsMajor learn fromhimwill never cease.learn Mr. Wheeler may the be classroom, out but of the lessons we can “eat together, together.” play together, andgo pray together difficulties: family any to solution a as givesthis He partner…” understanding very a takes It day. every family for aside set be years, Janice, and the couple’s two sons. He said, “Time needs to over 40 givesfamily,muchhis to accolades of wife his including who man humble a is Wheeler Bill done, and said it’sall When him. asked of is it whenever time his volunteers Webbervilleand FFAAlumni the and Teachers group Ag Retired the of member a also is He a by held of revered education elder community.statesman in the agricultural always Association position a Michigan (MAAE), the Educators Agriscience of Secretary-Treasurer the as served long has He end. not FFA,however,did and education with involvement His 1997. in teaching from retired Wheeler that continue tobenefit metoday.” experiences - FFA in experiences learning great have me helped that knowledge, and guidance confidence, his is It state. about students, community members and others from across the cares genuinely who individual working hard and is caring very Wheeler a “Mr. said, Alumni, FFA Michigan the of Lori Director Executive the denied. and Wheelers be of cannot student former years a Chamberlain, young 34 for of him hundreds to the entrusted on lives had Wheeler that influence The the studentswould forward.” go students, the 1989, parents and community in took over classes and neckFFA, ensuring that my broke I “When said, Wheeler community. It’s evidenttoallthatheaccomplishedhismission. the in program his for support also but classroom, his in found he people youngthe only immediately,not building about set he Webberville.moveto the Almost making before years three for School High Ubly at taught he college, finishing Upon MSU. an as him know to come at education agricultural into went haveWheeler friend, and educator who us of those for Luckily Bill Wheeler 8/11/2006 1:40:38 PM The Rest of the Story...
Emily Ries Nicole Schaendorf State Reporter Region I State Vice President Emily Ries pays great attention to detail. “In the movie Nicole Schaendorf likes to quote her dad. He once told her, Hoosiers,” she says, “If you look really closely, you can see that “We’re not here for a long time, we’re here for a good time.” some of the boys sitting in the bleachers at the games have And Miss Schaendorf is trying her best to live up to that FFA jackets on!” motto.
Ok, maybe that wasn’t the best example, but this girl Joining FFA as a sophomore, Nicole says, “I was basically just must be doing something right. Just look at her list of signing up for clubs, FFA being one of them. In the back of accomplishments: State Winner in Creed Speaking, State my mind, my family, contest ideas and the opportunities were Runner-Up in Prepared Public Speaking (two years in a row), clinking around. I went to all of the conferences, met lots of State Profi ciency Winner in Diversifi ed Crop Production - people and took second in state for my contest. I was hooked just to name a few. and couldn’t get enough.”
The MSU freshman (majoring in Agriculture and Natural She was indeed hooked. But that didn’t stop Nicole from Resource Communications) grew up on a farm and joined the taking part in other high school activities. She was active in FFA in the seventh grade, adding “I knew that I had a passion Student Council, National Honor Society, Students Against for agriculture, so joining the Sand Creek FFA Chapter seemed Destructive Decisions, Spanish Club and more. to be a perfect fi t.” When asked if any particular FFA member has ever impacted Emily describes herself as “enthusiastic” and likes to say her, Nicole answers with a resounding “yes!” She said, “Wade that she lives her life with passion. This passion is obtained Shields is someone I met at STEP and every time I think of his through the strength and guidance of God. “I pray a lot and name, a smile comes to my face. His spirit is something I would it is through this that I let God be in control and can feel love to capture, even an ounce, because it would probably keep confi dent about my life.” me happy for the rest of my life.” Sept/Oct 2006 When not busy with chapter visits or homework, Emily can Nicole likes to watch any romance or comedy movie and What be found reading the Berenstain Bears, watching the Price is Not to Wear on TV and will eat anything by that grand chocolate Right or mowing the lawn (what?!) Her favorite meal is pork man himself, Willie Wonka. She is also a scrapbooker and tenderloin, mashed potatoes and green beans. painter. M
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FFA NEW HORIZONS N Eaton County4-Hs Treasurer, Calhoun and FFASpringport Alumni Activities Felpausch ofLeslie Produce Manager of Career Springport Home Chapter Region IIState VP Office Helen Gill Name nomto, o o tp/wwmciafacmaun/ or contact LoriChamberlainat517-323-7000 ext.3234. http://www.michiganffa.com/alumni/ to more For go administrators. information, school other with ideas share and network Michigan, in programs FFA and education agriscience trip is a great opportunity for school officials to learn more about one night lodging, convention registration and some meals. This Also included in administrators.the trip is school transportation from Lansing Michigan to Indianapolis, other with networking FFAFFAConventionlocal sessions,with meeting and members National attending Michigan, in programs agriscience Michigan about learning includes agenda trip The 2006. 26-27, October OffiSchool the for dates The Indiana. Indianapolis,cial’s FFANational are Experience in year this National held be the to be to Convention FFA administrators again school once for trip will a Association coordinating Alumni FFA Michigan The Meet Members ofthe2006-2007Michigan FFA Alumni Council National FFA Experience School Officials Alumni in Farm Bureau Activities and othercrops raises heifers,apples dairy Farms about900acres; Career Sparta Home Chapter Region V State VP Office Jim May Name and State FFA Project Retired Ag teacher Career Alcona Home Chapter Region VI State VP Office Charles Snyder Name Council the National FFA Alumni Region Representative on Serves astheEastern Activities Consultant programs. benefiand will FFAprojects that Marshall activities all add t and grow to continue to hopes Alumni FFA Marshall The 2007. in beginning award to Scholarship WLC own its have will chapter the that is members 100 over going the benefi the of ts of One after 32yearsthathascontinued.” and program agriscience the and FFA the support we to much do was could there knew We large. this get would group this thought ever never “I commented, He members. those of one is Washburn, Steve president, Charter group. the of members active currently still are members those of Six members. charter 20 with 1974 in established was good Chapter Marshall The for measure. membership yearly additional an and dues their paid had members lifetime 103 date, that of As history. their in era FFAMarshall the 2006, new 1, a entered Alumni February of As Action Marshall FFA Alumni Milestone President Caledonia FFA Alumni Activities University at Grand Valley State offi ce work; student Nursing homecaregiver/ Career Caledonia Home Chapter Delegate-at-Large Office Cass Fortin Name Name PSO Alumni President Activities Fertilizer Seed/Ago-Culture Liquid Area Manager ofStine Career Corunna Home Chapter PSO Representative Office Brian Martindale 8/11/2006 1:42:41 PM Sept/Oct 2006 O 8/11/2006 1:42:41 PM Gamma Chapter MSU She Thinks His Tractor’s SexyShe ThinksTractor’s His Jake Brindley and Kayla Lehman ofJake the Ogemaw senior prom Chapter attended Jake’s Heights FFA decided to take said, “We 10th, 2006. Jake on May an unforgettablea tractor to make entrance and offshow our farm backgrounds.” faces to see the look on people’s wait “I couldn’t Deere rolled up in style in a big John when we Kayla, added a junior in high school that night,” “Farming is VI Treasurer. and also the Region a big part of so we and our town our lives thought it just made sense.” in the areas of agriculture and natural resources. Dedicated to the motto Women Excelling in Agriculture, Sigma Alpha promotes scholarship, leadership, service among and its fellowship members. Membership development career your promoting while friendship and sisterhood helps create the bond of To learn more about this premier sorority for young women leaders, contact Jen Walsh at [email protected] Sigma Alpha Sorority - ...the Builder of Men ...the Builder MSU FarmHouse Fraternity MSU FarmHouse Want to be a leader in the vast fields of agriculture agriculture of fields vast the in leader a be to Want or 517-332-8635 Contact resources? natural and information. more for [email protected] The MSU Chapter of FarmHouse is celebrating its 70th year of of year 70th its celebrating is As FarmHouse of tomorrow. of Chapter MSU leaders The into agriculture of men National young like members transforming with campus, on FarmHouse’s fraternities top the of Peterson, one Ryan President ensure to Vice strive Region service Eastern and FFA cooperation brotherhood, of membership. their of characteristics result a as grows members our of each that Sept_Oct_R-T.indd 3 in our fit the Co d y lle in ge F of A g r i c u
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