Mitchell FFA hosts national adviser during FFA Week

Area FFA members from surrounding FFA chapters gathered on Feb. 23 at the Mitchell Career and Technical Education Academy to help celebrate National FFA Week, which was Feb. 20-27, with National FFA Adviser Dr. Steve Brown (front row, center). (Photo courtesy of Jeff Hoffman)

By Mitchell FFA Chapter

March 11, 2016 10:16 AM

The Mitchell High School FFA chapter welcomed National FFA Adviser Dr. Steve Brown and other area FFA members to the Mitchell Career and Technical Education Academy on Feb. 23 to help celebrate National FFA Week.

Brown is the national FFA adviser from Washington, D.C., and spent the week of Feb. 21-25 visiting South Dakota.

A total of 50 chapter members and advisers from Mitchell, McCook Central, West Central, Beresford, Sanborn Central/Woonsocket, Lake Preston and Bridgewater/Emery attended the event, along with the six state FFA officers. The meal was prepared by the MCTEA culinary arts class.

"It was fun to gather together with other high school FFA members and share common interests in agriculture and what the FFA has to offer," said Mitchell student adviser Johnna Jorgensen. Mitchell FFA president Ally Goldammer also said she enjoyed the event.

"One does not get the opportunity to meet and get to know the head of any national company or organization too often," said Goldammer. "But we all found Dr. Brown to be very friendly and down-to-earth, and it was a pleasure to be able to celebrate FFA Week with him."

Brown spoke to the group after the meal, telling students he went through high school with no major achievement while he was an FFA member, but reminded students that life can take anyone in positive directions-if you set your mind to it.

"I had been in South Dakota briefly several years ago," said Brown. "But I have thoroughly enjoyed visiting your great state, and have felt very welcomed this week."

Brown concluded his visit to South Dakota with visits to Salem, Harrisburg and Sioux Falls.

Mitchell FFA members welcomed Dr. Steve Brown to South Dakota and to Mitchell MCTEA during National FFA Week, which was Feb. 20-27. Pictured, front row left to right: Johnna Jorgensen, Clay Jorgensen, Micah DiPippo, Leah DiPippo, Lily Hoffman, Rachel Robertson. Back row: Dr. Steve Brown, Lane Jorgensen, McKenzie Patton, Shelby Riggs, Ally Goldammer, Jennifer Beinlich and adviser Jeff Hoffman. (Photo courtesy of Jeff Hoffman)