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Sectional Information - Section Seven
Alissa Milonczyk - Vice President
Stratford FFA Chapter - Section 7
amilonczyk@wisconsinffa.org
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State FFA Band and Choir
Jan. 27, 2012
Are you a member of your high school band or choir? If so, you need to apply for the Wisconsin State FFA Honors Band and Chorus! This is an amazing opportunity where you collaborate with 60-80 other musicians/singers from around the state to perform at the Wisconsin State FFA Convention and the Wisconsin State Fair! All you need to do is submit an application and audition tape, which will be review by the State FFA Honors Band and Chorus Directors (Monte Dunnum and Peter Engh, respectively). Hurry because you only have a week to become a part of this amazing family!
How to Apply? Applications are located online at http://www.wisconsinffa.org/pg-applications.php NOTE: There is a NEW Chorus application for 2012!!!
Applications, audition tapes/CD and fees must be sent to:
Cheryl Zimmerman
State FFA Executive Director
Wisconsin FFA Center
P.O. Box 110
Spencer, WI 54479
Applications, tapes/CDs and fees must be postmarked February 6. Audition tapes must be a standard size cassette tapes or CD. The application gives more instructions on creating the audition tape/CD. If you need help with your audition tape, ask your band/choir director. They should have all the tools to help you get a great tape!
Each applicant must send a $10 fee with the application and audition tape to cover processing, mailings and music expenses. Make checks payable to the Wisconsin FFA Center. Applications should be submitted only by those who will be available at two mandatory official FFA Honors Band and Chorus functions.
1. State FFA Convention: In June, (June 12-14, 2012) the State FFA Convention is held in the Exhibition Hall of the Alliant Energy Center of Dane County in Madison.
2. Wisconsin State Fair: August 9-12, 2012, the band and chorus performs at the Wisconsin State Fair in West Allis, Wisconsin. Participants will be housed and provided meals in the State Fair dormitory located on State Fair grounds.
Participants in the Wisconsin Association of FFA Honors Band and Chorus receive a pin for their FFA jacket at the conclusion of the Wisconsin State Fair.
SAE Grant Recipients Announced!
Jan. 21, 2012
Saturday, January 21, 2012
I am so proud to announce that Wisconsin has 23 SAE grant recipients, which is more than any other state! Wisconsin was followed by Missouri, with only 15 recipients. I am honored to share that four of these individuals are from section seven! These are the great recipients from our section:
Neillsville FFA Haley Holger Animal Systems Grant
Stratford FFA Jack Busche Plant Systems Grant
Thorp FFA Brooke Noah Animal Systems Grant
Stevens Point FFA Daniel Ruben O’Keefe Dean Food Company-Veterinary Medicine Grant
Congratulations to all of the recipients on their hard work and dedication!
Team Trip
Jan. 20, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
I began the New Year with a bang by checking off five items on my bucket list:
1. Get a message at a spa
2. Go snorkeling
3. Swim in the ocean
4. Go on a cruise
5. Go to the Bahamas
We flew to Orlando Florida on Sunday, January 8 to meet eighty degree weather and sun! The cruise was four days long.
Day 1: After checking in, we ate lunch on the ship and found our bags outside our stateroom. We then participated in precautionary safety procedures. The horn blew and we were finally leaving port. Watching hundreds of people wave at the ship leaving the port was quite exciting. As we headed to the open sea, the sun set, peeling me away from the railing to explore the ship and relax.
Day 2: We landed in Freeport early in the morning. Isaac, Sara, and I had signed up for a shore excursion. After traveling 45 minutes to a quiet, remote beach with 12 other individuals, we prepared for an exciting adventure. We kayaked 30 minutes to a small island, where we had a snack and began snorkeling. The beautiful fish and coral were breathtaking! When the water got a little deep, I dived down to get a closer look. After a few hours, we ate a wonderful lunch on the beach and relaxed. In the early afternoon, we loaded up our kayaks and headed back to shore. Our two local guides were hilarious and taught us all a lot about the Bahamas. Our group of 15 individuals was just like a “family.” This was an experience I will never forget.
Before the ship left, we were able to shop at the straw market to bring home a few souvenirs. When I returned to the ship, I decided to get a one hour and twenty minute message at the spa, which relieved stress and was very relaxing.
Day 3: We landed in Nassau early in the morning. After Ashley and I walked the streets of the city, we took a ferry to Paradise Island. This island is the home of the extravagant Atlantis Resort. We strolled the island, walking through the harbor village and a section of the hotel, before we came upon the gorgeous public beach. I have never seen a sight so beautiful! I felt I was in a dream! Ashley and I stayed at the beach for the rest of the afternoon, swimming and relaxing in the white sand.
Late in the afternoon, we explored the resort and, then, headed back to the ship, where we ate a late lunch. Afterwards, we went back to the city to look through the straw market. At dark, boarded the ship for the evening.
Day 4: Kayla, Ashleigh, and I woke up to watch the sunrise. We left port at five o’clock in the morning. Today was our day at sea! I ate breakfast, ran on the outdoor track, worked out in the fitness center, and saw several shows. Overall, this day was full of fun “extras” aboard the ship throughout the entire day.
Day 5: We arrive at the port early in the morning.
I will never forget this experience and the people that I spent it with. FFA has taken me places that I never dreamed of. As a message to everyone, be involved! Involve yourself in anything that you love. You will find out that when you do, you, too, will go places you never dreamed of. It happened to me.
(If you would like to see pictures of the vacation, I have posted them on my facebook page.)
Halftime Conference
Jan. 07, 2012
Saturday, January 07, 2012
Today was the end of an absolutely amazing Halftime Conference in Stevens Point! The great memories proved our theme, “Destination: Unknown,” meaning it is not about the destination, but the journey we take.
The first day of workshops focused on individual growth. The second day, the two members from each chapter attended workshops together because they were focused on chapter growth. Members took home innovative ideas to improve their chapter and prepare for the second half of the year. My favorite part: seeing all of the people I have met throughout the year!
Thank you to all who attended this conference! I had a truly enjoyable time.
Stratford FFA Fruit Delivery
Jan. 07, 2012
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
I arose quite early this morning to participate in one of my favorite FFA activities: unload the fruit truck! The fruit arrived at 6:45 am, to meet over 30 members eager to unload. It took only 45 minutes to unload all of the fruit. Afterwards, cereal, milk, juice, and hot chocolate were served in the agricultural room. I stayed after unloading to help sort all of the fruit.
I would also like to announce that the Stratford FFA has finally reached its goal of selling over $20,000 dollars worth of fruit. Thus, Mrs. Wirkus, our advisor, must keep her end of the deal by dying her hair a bright blue color! What a wonderful fruit sale!
Athens FFA Christmas Party
Dec. 13, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
Tonight Mr. Kolpack and the Athens FFA invited me to their Christmas Party! When I arrived, we played games (specifically Apples to Apples for an hour)! After an hour of playing games, we received gifts, all of which Mr. Kolpack purchased from the dollar tree and wrapped. Each person took a present and passed them around, so that everyone could feel each gift. Then, the gifts were opened one at a time. If you did not like your gift you could exchange it with the person on either side. We had some very interesting gifts such as a toilet plunger, baby powder, and cereal, which made for many laughs and great memories. I got a Wisconsin Badgers folder and notebook! I was so happy! After the gift exchange, we ate pizza, while watching the movie “Zookeeper.”
I had so much fun! Spending time with many people I met during my chapter visit was enjoyable. Thank you, so much to Mr. Kolpack and the Athens FFA for inviting me! I will definitely remember this evening for many, many years!
State Officer Meeting
Dec. 13, 2011
December 5 – December 8
Immediately after the Farm Bureau Annual Meeting, the team traveled to Marshfield with a dinner stop at Moose Jaw. In Marshfield, we stayed at the Woodfield Inn (across from Target) to review fall activities, train, and prepare for the rest of the year. Each officer reported on their chapter visits and the activities attended in the fall.
On Tuesday and Wednesday we had the wonderful opportunity to work with our amazing BLAST Off presenter, Ryan Foor! Ryan focused on speech development, team bonding, and speech delivery. Again, as I mentioned aboutbBLAST Off, this was the best training I have received in my life! I will definitely utilize everything we were taught, even beyond my year as a state officer.
After Ryan departed we worked on Halftime Conference and State Convention details. Halftime Conference planning is going great! Actually the team has been meeting several times on google documents (a feat Isaac has been trying to accomplish), which has been working wonderfully! Talking about State Convention already hits a spot deep in the bottom of my heart. It is hard to grasp that we are already half-way through the year. Despite the sadness I feel for the upcoming event, I am so excited! We have many great ideas for convention. I can’t wait until you all get to see them!
The team will be meeting again in a week to construct Halftime Conference props, decorations, and workshop materials in Mauston for a few days. I will let you know how they go!
WI Farm Bureau Annual Meeting
Dec. 13, 2011
Saturday, December 3 – Sunday, December 4
After flying solo throughout chapter visits, I was so excited to see my teammates at the Farm Bureau Annual Meeting, held at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells. Our time was divided amongst a few duties and even some free time.
Some of our time was spent in the trade show, where the Wisconsin Association of FFA booth stood, which featured our National Convention winners, Alicia Hodnick, state staff, and the business and industry tours conducted during Sectional Leadership Workshops.
Apart from the trade show, we also had the opportunity to be timers for the Farm Bureau Discussion Meet! I had never witnessed a discussion meet before and I was so impressed! I wish I would have participated in this contest when I was an FFA member in high school! The winner of the contest was BJ Chrisler, who will be traveling to Hawaii to compete on the national level.
Throughout the amazing meals, trade show, free time, and comedian show, I was able to meet many new people with diverse backgrounds and amazing stories. Some of the individuals were even Wisconsin State FFA Officer many, many years ago. I enjoyed hearing about all of their experiences!
Apart from working, the team had a little time to splash around in the waterpark! The highlight: learning how to surf on the flow rider! I love getting time just to relax and have fun with my teammates. We have such great times. Times that I will hold in my memory forever!
Stratford's 2nd Chapter Visit
Dec. 12, 2011
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Even though yesterday was my last chapter visit, I went back to Stratford High School in the afternoon to present to two new classes. I met with students from eighth and sixth grade, which was very exciting because they were very enthusiastic, fun, and loved to laugh. I was only at school for a few hours, but I enjoyed every minute, especially since I was able to talk with many friends and of course, Mrs. Wirkus!
Thank you to Stratford High School, Mrs. Wirkus, and the Stratford FFA for always welcoming me back to school! Also, thank you for everything you do to help me! I am very excited to help unload fruit in a few weeks!
Medford Chapter Visit
Dec. 12, 2011
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Today is my last day of chapter visits. I can’t believe all of this time has already passed by. For my final visit, I headed to Medford High School, which was only a half day visit. When I arrived, Mr. Poulter, Medford FFA Adivsor, informed me that the fruit would be arriving shortly. During homeroom, I was able to see all the fruit that was sold. The chapter also sold popcorn, which was very delicious!
The students were good. After I was done, I had the opportunity to talk with Mr. Poulter for a while. I was very happy to learn that he lives on an orchard with hundreds of trees. He told me many stories and even showed me some of the work his wife does for her sewing business.
Thank you to Medford High School, Mr. Poulter, and the Medford FFA, for inviting me to your school.
Loyal Chapter Visit
Dec. 12, 2011
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
My visit to Loyal High School was very fun and diverse! Mr. Reinders pulled in the parking lot right after me and helped carry my supplies to his classroom. Before school, the Loyal FFA officer team had their weekly meeting about many upcoming events. Each week one officer is responsible for bringing breakfast, which was delicious. During our first week of Sectional Leadership Workshops, the Wisconsin State FFA Officer Team had the opportunity to stop by Loyal High School, therefore I knew all of the officers. I loved being able to talk with them again.
Apart from the great classes I presented to, I went along to deliver nonperishable items to the local food pantry. The owners of the pantry were very grateful. During Mr. Reinders prep period, I helped two officers create signs for a tree that they were decorating as a community event. Finally, I was interviewed for the Loyal FFA Today! This is a television show that a few members have created to update the community on the projects and events the chapter is running.
I am also very excited to say that the chapter will be building a new greenhouse this summer! Thank you, so much, to the Loyal School District, Mr. Reinders, and the Loyal FFA Chapter for inviting me to your school! I am very excited to see everyone again!
Granton Chapter Visit
Dec. 12, 2011
Monday, November 28, 2011
I began this morning with a slight rush of panic. As I opened my eyes and settled them on my alarm clock, I realized that I had overslept by an hour! Good thing I had prepared plenty of time to get ready and I arrived at Granton High School right on time. Moral of the story: Make sure you always prepare extra time for anything you do. You never know what might happen!
When I arrived at the high school, I was cheerfully greeted by Mrs. Steinbach, Granton FFA Advisor. I was very excited for this chapter visit because I had just attended their fall banquet a few weekends earlier. The opportunity to see all the people I met at the banquet was amazing!
My day was very full and exciting. In addition to six classes, I also presented to all of the seventh and eighth grade students and all of the FFA members! Each and every person was wonderful to work with. Everyone was polite, yet really got involved and had fun. I even had the opportunity to hang out with the officer team during lunch.
Thank you to Granton High School, Mrs. Steinbach, and the Granton FFA Chapter for inviting me to your school! I always enjoy my time spent with you!
Athens Chapter Visit
Dec. 12, 2011
Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Today I visited Athens High School. Since this chapter visit is during the week of gun deer season, many students were not present during class. Actually one of the classes only had two students there! This was perfectly fine, though, because I was able to really connect with these students by interacting one-on-one with them.
I ate lunch with three of the chapter officers, which was very fun! I enjoyed hearing all of their stories, what they enjoy, and what their future plans entail. I even received an invite to attend their Christmas party on December 12 and donkey basketball in March! I am so, so excited to see everyone again!
Throughout the day, I learned that the Athens FFA chapter has recently established an alumni! This is absolutely amazing news! Their first endeavor a fundraiser: donkey basketball. Good luck!
Thank you to Athens high school, Mr. Kolpack, and the Athens FFA for inviting me to your school for the day! As I mentioned before, I am greatly looking forward to hanging out with you all again!
Mosinee Chapter Visit
Dec. 12, 2011
Thursday, November 17, 2011
I had such a wonderful day at Mosinee High School. This is Mr. Wirkus’s first year at Mosinee. He gave me a tour of the school and I even had the opportunity to watch a short play that is going to state level competition. I met the principal, who holds career and technical education programs to a high priority level. I was amazed at how advanced the other CTE programs were!
All of the classes I presented to were amazing! All of the students the entire day were so polite! I was very, very impressed. The students were also the most creative I have had the opportunity to work with!
Thank you to Mosinee High School, Mr. Wirkus, and the Mosinee FFA for inviting me to your school! I had an amazing day and I am so excited to work with all of you again!
Rosholt Chapter Visit
Dec. 12, 2011
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Today, I traveled to the Rosholt school district. I was very excited because Ms. Cichon was the Stratford FFA President when I was in junior high. This is also her first year teaching! I presented to six classes. All of the classes were fabulous. I had so much fun! For lunch I had some of the best homemade pizza from a local restaurant. Over lunch I had the opportunity to speak with the previous agricultural teacher. I, also, went with Ms. Cichon to watch the gym for her lunch duty. Talking to students was great.
Thank you to Rosholt High School, Ms. Cichon, and the Rosholt FFA for inviting me to your school. The day went so well and I was so impressed by your students. I can’t wait to visit again.
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