Members from the Mount Pulaski chapter attending the Illinois State FFA Convention were (from left) Kamryn Aylesworth, Hannah Reidle, Lauren Anderson, Jessica Maxheimer, Elizabeth Allen, Samantha McCarty and Aaron Durchholz, a member of the FFA Band. Their FFA adviser is Mr. Ralph Allen.

Mount Pulaski FFA honored at state convention [June 18, 2013]  SPRINGFIELD -- More than 3,000 Illinois FFA high school students -- including members of the Mount Pulaski FFA -- participated in the Illinois State FFA Convention earlier this month at the Prairie Capital Convention Center.

The 85th annual convention featured a "Growing Legacies" theme inspired by the 2012-2013 state team officers. The convention celebrated the events of the year and included motivational speakers, recognition of individual and chapter achievement, and election of a new team of officers.

Awards presented to the Mount Pulaski chapter:

• State Proficiency Award winner in swine production, placement area: Janson Cooper.

From left: Ralph Allen, adviser; Janson Cooper, winner; Julie and Jeff Cooper, parents

Fifty-two different state FFA Proficiency Award recipients are named each year. Five finalists in each award area advanced through chapter, section and district competitions. As a state winner, the student competes in Louisville, Ky., at the National FFA Convention in October. Selection of the state award winners is based on a personal interview, size and growth of the FFA member's Supervised Agricultural Experience program, their knowledge of the subject area, and career pathway. These awards honor FFA members who have developed specialized skills that can be applied to their future careers.

• Varsity top five in Agriscience Fair: Elizabeth Allen was selected as one of the top five projects in Illinois. Her agriscience research project was entitled "The Effects of Seed Treatments on Soybean Germination." She will advance to the national competition in Louisville, Ky.

• Water Award: Hannah Riedle and Samantha McCarty were awarded for a project entitled "Comparison of Rye and Alfalfa as Cover Crops to Prevent Soil Erosion." They also qualified for the national competition in Louisville.

• Star in agricultural science finalist: Rachel Allen was the District III Star agriscience student. She was one of the top three in the state of Illinois.

• State FFA Degree recipients: Rachel Allen, Janson Cooper and Tanner Clementz met the qualifications to earn the highest FFA degree in the state of Illinois.

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The Illinois Association FFA is part of the National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America. The FFA is a national youth organization of 557,318 student members -- all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more information, visit www.illinoisffa.org.

"Growing Legacies" was the theme for the 2012-2013 state team of officers and the state convention. The 25 section presidents and five state officers selected this theme to encourage individuals, teams, chapters, business and organizations to leave a mark, or to grow their commitment of legacies of time, talent or resources to support current and future FFA members, their activities, and agricultural education.

The Illinois Foundation FFA engages individuals, industry, education, government and foundations in securing funds to support quality agricultural education and FFA programs in Illinois. To learn how to become involved, visit http://www.illinoisffafoundation.org.

[Text from Illinois FFA news release]