By Steven Aebig
Volunteer Contributor
Montague's FFA chapter has become a fixture in the top three at the state competition, and it was no different at the March 4-6 event in East Lansing, as the Wildcats finished third, their fourth straight year doing at least that well.
Students participated in a range of events to help gain leadership skills, such as public speaking, problem solving, and self-confidence.
In the FFA, teams go through districts and regionals with a requirement to place in the top two to move on to the next level. Teams go through extensive amounts of practice in order to prepare for competitions. Advisors Sherri Lemmen, Maddie Kaminski, Makenna Ingle, and Kate Feuerstein spend countless hours preparing, coaching, and guiding these teams and individuals toward leadership development and personal growth that will guide towards future success.
Competition, though, isn’t the only thing Montague’s FFA strives for. The Chapter also has many members who apply for personal achievements. Dylan Bailey was one of those, earning the state FFA 'Star in Placement' award. Michigan Farm News said this award recognizes workplace learning and skill development.
These awards show the full potential of students and encourage them to strive for success, not only in the classroom but in the workplace as well.
With all the success of current FFA members, alumni also play a huge part in the development of Montague’s program. For the last four years, seniors at Montague present the National Chapter Presentation. This year, it was Jenna Woller and Elle Moran presenting for National Chapter to help the Wildcats take their third-place finish. Alumni Grace Torsch and Annie Jensen are among those who have used their undeniable friendship to show young FFA members what it really means to wear the blue jacket and how it can lead to state championships like the one the 2025 Wildcats achieved.
Montague FFA strives for success in all it does, and this year's state convention shows the hard work and dedication that these young leaders put in so that they could compete for their chapter. Every competitor will walk away from this year with skills and confidence that will put them a step ahead for the rest of their lives.
Montague state placers this year were: Sam Scheffler, fourth place in Greenhand public speaking; Abbi Tallquist, fourth place in extemporaneous public speaking; the team of Blake Warren, Lillian Hubbard, Harper Seimore, Scarlet Kurtzhal, Isabella McDonald, Abigail Lawson and Alyssa Hysell, fourth place in junior high conduct of meetings; the team of Shoshana Fouser, Erica Hansen, Arianna Mueller, Breanna Berry and Nolan Kessler, fifth place in parlimentary procedure; the team of Sophia Sanchez, Elissa Felt, Rachel Fouser, Yulissa Garcia, Kaelyn Lohman, Reagan Moran and Ryleigh Johnston, sixth place in Greenhand conduct of meetings; Max Stembol, ninth place in junior high public speaking; Bailey, ninth place in job inrerview; and the team of Addie Bradley, Lily Bennett, Vera Mott, Lauren Peterson, Avery Pierce, Aubrey Smith and Autumn Thommen, 10th place in junior high conduct of meetings.
