Linsey Howell and WH FFA Advisor Jaime Chenevey Howell Named National Finalist Indianapolis, In- Linsey Marie Howell of the West Holmes FFA Chapter, in Ohio was named a national finalist in the Sheep Production Entrepreneurship/Placement Proficiency Award in July 2010. The four finalists competed to be named the national winner during the 83 rd National FFA Convention October 20-23, in Indianapolis, IN. During the convention, Howell participated in an interview with a panel of judges and was recognized in an awards luncheon, as well as being on the national stage in front of nearly 20,000 people. Proficiency awards recognize FFA members who have excelled as agricultural entrepreneurs, employees or volunteers while they gained hands-on career experience. The Sheep Production Entrepreneurship/Placement is one of 47 FFA proficiency award program categories offered at local, state and national levels. The Sheep proficiency award program is sponsored by Bimeda, Inc. and New Holland, as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. In the recognition of being a finalist, Linsey received $500 and a plaque. Linsey owns a commercial flock of 37 ewes and one ram. In her production, she is responsible for recognizing when the ewes are in heat and marking them for artificial
insemination. She keeps them healthy by often checking for disease and ensuring proper nutrition. Howell has a contract with a local lamb market to sell hothouse lambs, in addition to showing at the county fair, and showing sheep across the country. Her SAE has help in raising money for college. Howell is the daughter of Lora and Dave Howell of Danville and her FFA advisor is Jaime Chenevey. (From left to right) Linsey Howell, Martin Overholt and Nikole Hanna received their American Degree Four Receive American FFA Degrees On October 23 rd, four members of the West Holmes FFA chapter received their American FFA Degrees. The American Degree is the highest degree you can receive in FFA and is a culmination of a minimum of 4 years of work. To earn the American Degree you must have your Greenhand Degree, Chapter Degree, and State Degree, you must have earned or invested $7,500 dollars in an SAE project, and participated in a wide variety of leadership and community service activities. The members that received their American Degrees were, Martin Overholt, son of Marty and Sue Overholt, Linsey Howell, daughter of Dave and Lora Howell, Paul Skolmutch, son of Dan and Kathy Skolmutch, and Nikole Hanna, daughter of Chris and Kathy Hanna. All four of the members were graduates of West Holmes
High School and their FFA Advisor was Miss Jamie Chenevey. Hanna s SAE involved raising market hogs, a vegetable garden, and working at Hanna Farms and Moore s Lawn and Garden. Howell s SAE revolved around her crossbred sheep flock, working at Howell Farms, and raising dairy market steers. Skolmutch s SAE involved working at Spring Walk Dairy Farms and raising market hogs. Overholt s SAE revolved around his purebred Boer goat herd and working at Royal Boer Farms and RNR Swiss. All four members also served as officers in the chapter and were integral parts of judging teams during their high school careers. Members that attended National Convention National Convention Attended October 20 th to October 23 rd members of the West Holmes FFA chapter attended the 83 rd National FFA Convention hosted in Indianapolis, Indiana. The members that attended National FFA Conventional were Garrett O Donnell, Elizabeth Overholt, Madelyn Brewer, Travis Campbell, Mandy Taylor, Brittany Barnes, Alexis Bird, Gretchen Straits, Haylee Mackey, Corbin Wright, Brandon Bowles, and Maggie Raber.
On their way to Indianapolis, the members got to tour the brand new Student Union at The Ohio State University. From there, they travelled to Union City Indiana and attended a tour at Ghyslain Chocolates. Ghyslain Chocolates are known for gourmet chocolates and carvings of chocolates. Here, members were able to make their own chocolate and Bavarian cream dessert. Next, they went to the North American Nutrition & Akey Feeds Plant. The tour consisted of learning about what the mill adds to feeds and how much they add to them. The tour guides also discussed the importance of quality control and management in the feed industry. After that tour, the members traveled to Indianapolis for the opening session. The opening session speaker was Josh Shipp, who focused his presentation on encouraging members to strive for more than just average in their lives. Following the session, the members went to the Lady Antebellum and Easton Corbin Concert. On the second day, bright and early, the members attended a Not Just Popcorn tour. At the tour the members got the chance to taste various flavors of popcorn, from Mt. Dew to Peanut Butter. The factory made over 300 different varieties of popcorn. From there they went to Zaharako s Historic Ice Cream Parlor for lunch and a tour. After lunch, they went to the second general session. Following the session they got to witness a Hypnotist Show. For the rest of the night they attended the Buckeye Bash, which was a dance of all the Ohio members that attended convention. On the third day, they went to Ft. Harrison Park to go horseback riding and some fresh air in the beautiful state park. After horseback riding and lunch, the members attended the 6 th general session with Linsey Howell and Miss Chenevey going on the stage for Linsey s proficiency award recognition. Finally, they attended the evening session with speaker Judson Laipply. Laipply, the creator of the Evolution of Dance, spoke and entertained the members with his rendition of 50 years of dance and constantly reminded members that life is change; you must change with it. On the 4 th and final day, the members attended the American Degree Session, watching Martin Overholt, Nikole Hanna, Linsey Howell and Paul Skolmutch receive their American Degrees. Soon after the members receiving their degrees, they departed for Holmes County, Ohio.
Members playing cornhole at the meeting October Meeting Held On October 25, 2010 the West Holmes FFA chapter had their annual October meeting at the Overholt Farm at 6 p.m. Tori Carpenter brought the meeting to order and open ceremonies were held. The minutes from the previous meeting were read and approved by Secretary Casey Schlauch. In officer reports, Treasurer Becca Chamberlin stated the current budget, receipts, and disbursements. Reporter Marshall Overholt stated that he sent out numerous articles to area newspapers, and Aaron Clark stated there would be chili, broccoli cheese soup, deserts, and a haunted hayride after the meeting. In committee reports, Danuel Miller moved and Wyatt Gardner seconded to recess for 10 minutes. The motion was passed and was sent into recess. After the 10 minutes, the SAE, Cooperation, and the Community Service committees gave a report. There was no old business, which continued us into new business. In new business there were six motions as follows: 1) Have four tins of nuts equal one case and one mixed bag equal one case. 2) To host district Parli and pay for supplies. 3) Host a fun night for the January meeting and invite other chapters. 4) To participate in and pay for two teams to go to the district 8 trap shoot. 5) Hold awareness fair before Greenhand Initiation. 6) Adjourn- all were passed by majority vote and closing ceremonies were held. The refreshments were served followed by fun activities and the haunted hayride. The juniors and seniors had a great time scaring all of the younger members and Miss Chenevey. The next meeting will be November 8, 2010 in the Excalibur Theater at 7 p.m. for Greenhand Initiation.