Members of the ACGC FFA Chapter are shown at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Indiana. Front row: Belle Fagan, Carley Fagan, Gracie Hodges, Irelyn Wirt, Lucy Knutter and Caydance Boals. Back row: Bo Arrasmith, Gavin Sloss, Jarrett McClain, Tucker Carroll, Weston Hambleton and Bryce Betts. Photo Courtesy of ACGC FFA
ACGC FFA MEMBERS ATTEND NATIONAL FFA CONVENTION AND EXPO
By BO ARRASMITH | ACGC FFA Reporter
On Wednesday, Nov. 1, 12 members departed for the National Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. Upon arrival in Indianapolis, members attended the CINCH World’s Toughest Rodeo. Along the way, members got the opportunity to visit the Indianapolis 500, Ozark Fisheries, Indiana Zoo, and Top Golf. Besides learning about different avenues of the agricultural industry, members attended one full day of the National Convention. Here, students got the opportunity to meet people from across the United States and U.S. territories through attending workshops and sessions. They also got the opportunity to tour the career and college fair. Members who had the opportunity to attend that did not accompany the rest of the group were Isabelle Rouse, who was in the National FFA Band, and James Hodges, who received his American FFA Degree.
The first convention was held in Kansas City, Missouri, with 33 delegates from 18 states in attendance. The organization grew quickly with the second National FFA Convention in November of 1929 playing host to 64 delegates representing 33 states. Some landmark decisions, many of which are still seen today, were made at those early get-togethers. National blue and corn gold were adopted as FFA’s official colors in 1929, and the third convention in 1930 saw the adoption of the FFA Creed written by E.M. Tiffany. Today, there are more than 65,000 members and guests who attend the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana.
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KIRKHAM PLANS TO ATTEND U OF I, BECOME EDUCATOR
By MAX SILLS | Black and Gold Staff Writer
Being a senior is a special time in any student’s life. For Guthrie Center native Megan Kirkham, there are many memories that come with this year.
After high school, Kirkham will be attending the University of Iowa where she will major in elementary education. Her goal is to become a kindergarten teacher.
“I feel I’ve always worked well with children, and I think it’ll be fulfilling,” she said.
Kirkham said she chose the University of Iowa because it has been her goal to attend there since she was little.
While attending ACGC High School, Kirkham has participated in The Battle of the Books, FCCLA among other activities. She has several memories of her time in high school.
“One of the most memorable things that we did while in high school would have to be when the whole school got to play board games before Christmas Break,” she said. “I think that was my freshman year.”
Kirkham said she can think of two faculty members who have impacted her time at the high school — those being Mrs. Barb South and Mr. Bob Bolton.
“They both have been very supportive and easy to talk to. I have always felt welcome in their classroom,” she said.
Kirkham has a few thoughts about life after graduation.
“I am super excited to graduate, but, with that being said, I am a little bit nervous about what’s to come,” she said.
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STATE OFFICER VISITS ACGC FFA CHAPTER
By BO ARRASMITH | Chapter Reporter
The ACGC FFA Chapter welcomed Iowa FFA State Officer Collin Bauer to a chapter visit on Dec. 11. While at the high school, the officer discussed opportunities in FFA, and the students participated in leadership-building and teamwork activities. During a year of service to the organization, Iowa FFA officers serve as ambassadors for agriculture and the FFA. They travel to FFA chapters throughout the state to connect with members and talk about the many opportunities available to students enrolled in agricultural education. Agricultural education incorporates three aspects of learning. The classroom provides basic knowledge. FFA develops leadership and personal skills. A Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) provides hands-on learning while working or in an agricultural business. The Iowa FFA Association comprises 285 local chapters preparing more than 19,200 students for future career opportunities. FFA activities and award programs complement instruction in agricultural education by giving students practical experience in applying agricultural skills and knowledge gained in classes. Through agricultural education, FFA makes a positive difference in students’ lives by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success.
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CELEBRATING GUTHRIE COUNTY QUALITY MEATS’ FIRST YEAR
By ALIYAH PLAGMAN | Black & Gold Staff Writer
A year ago, Guthrie County Quality Meats opened its doors to the public, providing a much needed meat locker in Guthrie County. Owner Grant Sheeder provided some insight into the business’s first year.
“Busy, very busy,” Sheeder said, “A lot of learning would be the best way to describe it.”
A few highlights Sheeder mentioned about Quality Meats first year was passing their sales goals and “having a good crew working with us.”
Most every new business faces struggles in the beginning. Sheeder said getting products in a timely manner has been a struggle for the locker, as well as transportation costs. Within the next year, the business plans to eliminate or improve any inefficiencies.
“More people power or better equipment would be the best way to do it,” Sheeder said.
Some new features Quality Meats plans to add to their business include expanding their home delivery service and putting their meats on the shelves of grocery stores and in restaurants, as well as adding more products to their selection.
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Photo by Eric Coop | Black & Gold Advisor
ACGC HOLDS SEND-OFF CEREMONY FOR WRESTLERS WHO QUALIFIED FOR STATE TOURNAMENT
ACGC wrestlers Tegan Slaybaugh, Gavin Sloss, Ryder Cline, Michael Fuller, Carter Richter and Payton Jacobe are shown during their sendoff ceremony at ACGC High School in Guthrie Center Tuesday afternoon. The six boy wrestlers, which ties a school record, will compete in Des Moines at the state tournament starting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 14.