Warsaw FFA members participated in a variety of events in 2023. Here, members are gathered at the District 2 FFA Kickoff to further their leadership skills and network with members from surrounding schools. From left to right are Kade Lackey, Kaci Pelfrey, Natalie Hohman, Gretchen Robinson, Amy Joy, Madelyn Riley, Gentry Hall, Khloe Hinojosa, Victor Hoover, Makayla Riley, Payten Irvine, Jadrien Burge, Kendra Ousley, AJ Truex, Jaren Arnett and Sirius Sisk. Photo provided by Madelyn Kelsheimer.

By Lilli Dwyer
InkFree News

WARSAW — Warsaw Community High School’s FFA chapter recently wrapped up a busy and prosperous year of 2023.

“The Warsaw FFA Chapter likes to stay active, but we also recognize the need to diversify events to meet the needs and interests of all of our members,” remarked FFA advisor Madelyn Kelsheimer.

In 2023, for example, Warsaw FFA members attended the Barn and Business Breakfast, where they were able to network with local business professionals and discuss agricultural industry issues. During Ag Awareness Days, members spent two days at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds and educated fourth graders about Indiana’s crop industry. They also organized the Young McDonald’s Barn at the fair, working with animals and educating fair-goers about where their food comes from.

In terms of community service, the chapter kept busy, helping Echoes of The Past with wheat binding over the summer and serving attendees at the Tom Farms Community Appreciation Supper. They also held a Community Appreciation Supper and Worker Experience Auction of its own, where attendees could make a donation in exchange for community service from an FFA member.

The Warsaw FFA chapter also participated in a number of contests last year and advanced to the state convention. At state, one member placed fourth overall in Wildlife Production and Management proficiency, one received their Hoosier Degree and was elected onto the district officer team, and another was recognized as a Top Four Finalist Star in Agriculture Placement with their forage proficiency. Warsaw FFA also won fifth in traditional scrapbook and 27th in veternary science. The chapter was rated as a superior chapter and recognized as a Gold Emblem Donor.

Kelsheimer has described the purpose of FFA as providing students with opportunities to get hands-on learning experience in the agricultural industry.

“As an advisor, my goal is to help students find their passions and help them become the best versions of themselves … FFA provides a wide variety of opportunities for students of all ages, so students can be as involved as they want. Our core values are premier leadership, personal growth, and career success, and as an advisor Warsaw strives to implement those values into each of our students in our classroom,” she said.

In light of that, the officer team has set two major goals for 2024: increasing their community service and helping boost their members’ growth through contest participation.

“Getting real, hands-on experiences is how you learn, and contests provide a confidence boost for students to explore their interests and succeed both in and out of the classroom,” Kelsheimer explained.

Right now, the chapter is busy preparing for several upcoming events, including a horse judging contest, the District Leadership Competition in March, Ag Day in April, and the FFA Awards Banquet in May.

Warsaw’s FFA officers have also made big plans for celebrating National FFA Week, including bowling, skating, a movie night, a staff appreciation breakfast and themed days like Twin Day and Pajama Day.