National FFA Week

John Kempisty, Catoctin FFA Reporter During the week of February 22-28, 2015, FFA chapters across the nation celebrated National FFA Week. The Catoctin FFA Chapter celebrated every day of the week, hosting events for members and alumni. On Sunday, the Catoctin FFA chapter ate brunch, along with chapter Alumni, at the Mountain Gate Family Restaurant. After brunch, the chapter sold emblems and popcorn at the Tractor Supply Co. store in Walkersville. On Monday, the chapter gave back to the community, making blankets to donate to the Emmitsburg Women’s Center. On Tuesday, the chapter made and served homemade ice cream in appreciation to the hard-working staff of Catoctin High School. On Wednesday, the members wore their camo to school. On Friday, the members, along with alumni, had fun dancing and playing games at a game night. On Saturday, members went skating at Cosmic skate and had dinner out in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania. On Tuesday, March 3, students from all over Frederick County traveled to Walkersville High School for the regional Creed Speaking, Extemporaneous Speaking, and Agriculture Mechanics competitions. Members from Catoctin competing in the Creed Competition were Mackenzie Hendrickson, Tiffany Lenhart, Stephanie Moreland, and Kaitlynn Neff. The creed involves new members in ninth grade, giving a speech called the Creed, and answering questions from the judges. Catoctin members competing in the Extemporaneous Speaking competition were Hannah Barth, May Cruz, and Ashley Grimes. In the Extemporaneous Speech competition, members were given an agricultural-related topic, and had thirty minutes to prepare a speech about the topic. The members were then judged on the quality and duration of their speech. Members on the Catoctin Agriculture Mechanics team were Dusty Hahn, Johnny Kempisty, Rob Reaver, Daniel Wolf; individually competing were Zach Milbourne and Jimmy Kempisty. The Agriculture Mechanics competition involved members demonstrating their proficiency in small engine knowledge and repair, welding, electrical systems, electric motors, and other agricultural technical systems. Of the teams and individuals who competed at the Region 2 judging, those who placed were: Creed Speaking—Mackenzie Hendrickson;  Extemporaneous Speaking—May Cruz; and Agriculture Mechanics—the Catoctin Agriculture Mechanics team, which placed first. These members will move to compete on the state level at the 85th Maryland State FFA Convention this coming June. Also, the state Agriculture Mechanics competition will be held in April at College Park. Creed Speaking

Pictured from left are    Stephanie Moreland, Kaitlynn Neff, Tiffany Lenhart, Mackenzie Hendrickson, and Mrs. Poffenberger.

Ag. Mechanics

Pictured from left are    Coach Jason Green, Zach Milbourne, John Kempisty, Dusty Hahn, Jimmy Kempisty, Daniel Wolf, and Rob Reaver.

Extemporeneous Speaking

Pictured from left are Ashley Grimes, May Cruz, Hannah Barth, and Mrs. Poffenberger.