From left to right, Andrew Reynolds, Krosby Horath, Brialey Shuler, and Meagan Lotz
Effingham, IL-(Effingham Radio)- Section 19 FFA Public Speaking was held on Wednesday, March 18th, 2026.
This event took place at Cowden Herrick High School. We want to recognize these young leaders for stepping outside their comfort zone and representing our chapter. Brialey Shuler and Krosby Horath competed in the FFA Creed Speaking Contest. In this event, members memorize and recite the FFA Creed and then answer questions from judges about the meaning and values behind it. Meagan Lotz and Andrew Reynolds competed in the Extemporaneous Speaking category. Each was given a topic and a short period of time to prepare their speeches before presenting to the judges. Krosby Horath placed 5th overall for Creed Speaking, Meagan Lotz earned 4th place in Varsity, and Andrew Reynolds placed 3rd in JV for Extemporaneous Speaking.
The Marion County Farm Bureau Quizbowl at our local Salem High School was held on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. This was sponsored by the Farm Bureau Young Leaders. Students had the opportunity to showcase their agricultural knowledge throughout the evening while competing in a fun and engaging event. We want to send a special thank you to the Salem FFA Chapter for hosting and providing the location.
Left to right, front row – Andrew Reynolds, Krosby Horath, Brialey Shuler, Gianna Carrow, Morgan Dippold. Left to right, back row – Kennah Hiestand, Brock Sigrist, Josalyn Grandt, and Reese Bushue.
We appreciate everyone who helped organize and support this great opportunity for our students. South Central represented two teams. Varsity consisting of Brock Sigrist, Kennah Hiestand, Josalyn Grandt, and Brialey Shuler. JV consisting of Reese Bushue, Andrew Reynolds, Gianna Carrow, Morgan Dippold, and Krosby Horath.
South Central FFA Attends Section 19 Dairy CDE
Section Dairy Evaluation took place on Wednesday, March 11th, 2026. At this Career Development Event students are to evaluate various classes of Dairy Cattle and also are tested on their Dairy Industry knowledge. The South Central FFA Dairy Team brought back 1st place overall, and two members placed individually.
Front row, left to Right – Tyson Alwardt, Meagan Lotz, Cambria Allen, Eli Hiestand; Back row, left to right – Jaydin Bernahl, Kiera Cowger, River Yingst, Kennah Hiestand, and Baylee Brown.
River Yingst with a 3rd place individual, and Eli Hiestand with a 6th place Individual. A huge congratulations to these students!
South Central FFA Attends Envirothon CDE
Envirothon was held on Tuesday, March 10th, 2026, at Mt. Vernon. Our students tested their knowledge of wildlife, soils, aquatics, forestry, and other natural resource topics. This event not only challenges their knowledge, but also their teamwork. Each school has two teams for the competition, and we are proud to say that South Central FFA Team 2 placed 2nd in Marion County and finished in the top 10 overall.
Team 1: Lorelai Rose, River Yingst, Westin Neilson, Derek Engel, and Adam Yates
Team 2: Lucas Curry, Eli Hiestand, Tyson Alwardt, and Cambria Allen
From left to right, Lorelai Rose, River Yingst, Cambria Allen, Tyson Alwardt, Lucas Curry, Eli Hiestand, Derek Engel, Westin Neilson, and Adam Yates
Thank you to the area Soil & Water Conservation Districts for organizing and hosting this outstanding educational event for our students across the region.
District Proficiency Awards South Central FFA
District Proficiency took place on Wednesday, March 4th, 2026, at Mt. Zion. We had 4 students representing South Central FFA as they interviewed with a panel of 3-5 adults about their Supervised Agricultural Experience projects. Through this, students had the opportunity to practice professional interviewing skills, communication, record-keeping, and reflection on the skills they are gaining outside the classroom. These interviews help the students to connect their hands-on SAE projects with real-world career skills. The areas they competed in were, Derek Engel, Swine Production Entreprenuership, Westin Neilson, Forest Products and Management, River Yingst, Ag Sales Placement, and Meagan Lotz, Veterinary Science.
From left to right- Derek Engel, Westin Neilson, River Yingst, and Meagan Lotz
Special congratulations to Meagan Lotz and River Yingst for 2nd place in their respective categories. We are proud of all four of our members for stepping outside of their comfort zones, learning, and representing South Central FFA.
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