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Gathered with their fellow Wessington Springs FFA Chapter members, state-bound students display recent awards they’ve earned at area Career Development Events (CDEs). They are shown in the celebrated mural-lined FFA hallway leading to the vo-ag shop at Wessington Springs High School (WSHS). The mural, painted by WSHS alumna and former FFA member Kenzee Schafer, depicts the rich history of the local chapter’s FFA program.
On the heels of great success at recent Career Development Events (CDEs),WessingtonSprings FFA members, alongside Wessington Springs High School Ag Food and Natural Resources (AFNR) Teacher Brady Duxbury, took a moment before FFA State Convention to celebrate recent student achievements.
CDEs challenge members to develop real-world career skills, critical thinking skills and effective decision-making skills during competition.
Over the past month, the local FFA Chapter has traveled across the region to compete with FFA members from other schools — and they have proven they are well prepared to carry on the storied, hardware-winning legacy of the Wessington Springs FFA Chapter.
It’s no secret that Wessington Springs High School has earned the recognition of being one of the top FFA Chapters in the state over the last several decades — and based on this year’s success to date, that standing is firmly positioned to carry on.
Through Career Development Events (CDEs), FFA members are challenged to develop realworld career skills, critical thinking skills and effective decision-making skills while recognizing the value of ethical competition and individual achievement. CDE events occur at the local, state and national levels.
Miller CDE
The Wessington Springs Chapter brought home the Sweepstakes Award in the Miller CDE, placing better overall than any other chapter at the contest.
“Winning Sweepstakes means that our chapter placed the most throughout the day. It is an honor and a reason for why we put in the long mornings and evenings,” explained Duxbury. “As a chapter we placed better than any other chapters that were there. It makes you pretty proud of your kids and all the work they’re doing.”
Miller CDE Results
Vet Science - Team - 1st
Bailey Yost - 1st
Avery Orth - 3rd
Ella Fagerhaug - 4th
Remie Roduner - 12th
Addyson Orth
Floriculture - Team - 1st
Mercedes Jones - 1st
Alyssa Grohs - 8th
Carissa Scheel - 11th
Agronomy - Team - 1st
Robert Hine - 2nd
Landen Christensen - 6th
Max Klein - 10th
Carter Gaikowski - 16th
Holden Jackson
“All the top three teams have the goal of winning state. They have been performing at a level where they have a shot. These teams have shown they’re ready to stand at the top of our state and lead by example, encouraging all other teams to aspiring to the top too,” explained Duxbury. “The Farm Business Management Team has grown a lot in this competition month. They are really starting to do a lot better and work well together. They will be a fun one to watch at state.”
Farm Business Management - Team - 2nd
Raylee Fagerhaug - 4th
Blake Larson - 7th
Hannah Heezen - 19th
Ridge Roduner - 20th
Food Science - Team - 3rd
Abigail Kolousek - 11th
Peyton Walz - 19th
Brooklyn Caffee
Haiden Boschee
Poultry Evaluation - Team - 4th
Luke Larson - 4th
Ryder Michalek - 11th
Teagan Scheel - 19th
Grady Gran
Horse Evaluation - Team - 5th
Isabella Kolousek - 6th
Alexis Roesler - 12th
Abigail Yost
Other Individuals in the top 20 and Qualified for State Include:
Nathan Gaikowski - Meats - 18th
Lucas Christensen - Ag Mechanics - 17th
Little International Results
“Little International hosted its 101st competition and I am so proud of the Wessington Spring performance. This contest is extra difficult because Minnesota and Iowa teams regularly come to this contest,” Duxbury shared. “I have never received first place in any CDE at Little I and Floriculture having that kind of day this close to State competition is something very special.”
The top teams and individuals are shown below:
Floriculture - Team - 1st
Mercedes Jones - 3rd
Mariah Messmer - 7th
Anna Ahart - 16th
Carissa Scheel - 17th
Alyssa Grohs
Agronomy - Team - 3rd
Landen Christensen - 7th
Robert Hine - 11th
Max Klein - 12th
Carter Gaikowski - 26th
Holden Jackson - 28th
Farm Business Management - Team - 4th - (2nd from SD)
Raylee Fagerhaug - 4th
Blake Larson - 19th
Ridge Roduner - 23rd
Hannah Heezen - 25th
Vet Science - Team - 4th
Ella Fagerhaug - 10th
Avery Orth - 17th
Remie Roduner - 22nd
Bailey Yost - 26th
Addyson Orth - 29th
Individuals who placed in the top 30 include:
Luke Larson - Poultry - 4th
Karter Mebius - Milk Quality - 26th