Members of the Otsego FFA Chapter had a successful trip to the Ohio FFA State Convention held at the Ohio
State Fairgrounds on May 5-6. During this two-day convention, 22 FFA members attended various sessions,
competed in Career Development Events, and received an abundance of awards.
Chapter member Caroline Weihl was chosen as the District One president, succeeding another Otsego member,
Mike Hannewald, in that post. So the chapter will have a state officer for the second consecutive year.

Outside of the convention hall, students also had the opportunity to tour the Ohio FFA Career Show and
explore many college and career opportunities related to the agricultural industry. Also, Otsego had its
first agriscience fair participant this year.
During the first day of convention, Dylan Jacobs displayed his zoology project on broiler chickens, in
the FFA Agriscience Fair, while Bill Potter, Hannewald and Josh Main displayed their proficiency
projects. All four of these students were then interviewed on their Supervised Agricultural Experience
or research projects in the hopes of earning the top placing in the state.
Overall, Potter won fourth place in the state with his soil sampling business proficiency, and Josh Main,
who sells Beef Products, earned second in Ohio in the Agricultural Sales division. Dylan Jacobs received
a gold rating for his superior project. Additionally, Hannewald took top honors place in the state’s
accounting proficiency. Aside from these state finalists, Weihl was also named as the District One Star
in Agricultural Placement for her alpaca-based proficiency project.

This year, two Otsego students earned their state degrees, as well. Anna Grolle and Allie Works worked to
earn more than $2,000 through agricultural means, in addition to completing many other tasks, like
maintaining academic excellence. The state degree is a major accomplishment, as it is the highest degree
that the Ohio FFA can bestow on its members.
The chapter’s past secretary, treasurer, and reporter also received awards at the convention. Allie
Works, secretary, and John Hannewald, treasurer, received perfect scores on the record books that they
filled out over their year of service to the chapter, while Rachel Johns, reporter, received a perfect
rating on her chapter scrapbook. Each member received a plaque for his or her efforts.
Sara Boyle also received recognition for her success in Career Development Events. After excelling in the
county, district, state preliminary, and final rounds of the extemporaneous speaking and job interview
contests, Boyle earned fourth place in the state for extemporaneous speaking and third place in Ohio for
the Job Interview CDE.
During the many sessions of the 83rd Ohio FFA Convention, April Michaelis and Jolynn Irwin got the
privilege to play in the Ohio FFA Band. These members both excelled at playing songs during the band and
choir concert and the sessions, themselves.
All Otsego FFA members who attended convention were able to listen to the keynote speakers who each gave
a unique message at every session of convention. By witnessing the award presentations, listening to the
talented band and choir and being motivated by the many keynote speakers, every attendee was inspired to
reach his or her infinite potential.
The officer selection was one of the final acts at the convention. In addition to Weihl, Boyle also ran
for the district president’s office. Boyle also ran for state secretary. Mike Hannewald, was nominated
for Ohio FFA president, but was not elected.
According to adviser Debbie Ayers, he proved to be an outstanding leader during FFA Camp, FFA Leadership
Nights, and the FFA State Convention. As he retired as an officer, he was privileged to install another
Otsego graduate into his previous office.
Otsego FFA members are now looking forward to everything that can be accomplished before the next Ohio
FFA Convention.