Event supports scholarships & more
FLANAGAN – Flanagan-Cornell FFA members will benefit from scholarships, program support and equipment updates thanks to generous donations from last weekend’s 12th annual FFA Alumni Auction.
The event at Flanagan-Cornell High School on Saturday included a silent auction, live auction and meal.
“We are super appreciative of everyone who pitches in and helps,” said FFA vice-president Hattie Koeller.
President Rosalee Zehr feels good about helping out and giving back since plenty of work goes into supporting the chapter. Sentinel Wyatt Zehr praised the efforts of the alumni.
“We get a lot out of the alumni,” Zehr explained. “They help us do different trips and stuff.”
Flanagan-Cornell FFA Alumni chair Keith Iverson and other alumni members are glad to help out any way they can.
“It’s not only just the community of Flanagan that supports the program, it’s surrounding communities too,” Iverson said.
Auction items ranged from baked goods such as apple crisp to diesel fuel and handmade items. Dan Grosshans, Walt Edelman and Sam Detwiler provided auctioneering services while Yale Young and Matt Jacobs served as ring men.
This has been quite a year for the Flanagan-Cornell FFA. FCHS senior and FFA president Rosalee Zehr was recently named the District 2 Star Farmer, which is exciting news for the chapter. This means she had the best production agriculture record book in the northeastern part of the state.
“Rosalee raises dairy cattle,” advisor Jessica Collins explained. “She has about 30 head in her book right now.”
Zehr will head to Champaign in a few weeks to interview for the state Star Farmer honor.
Flanagan-Cornell’s FFA lost several dedicated seniors last year but the younger students have stepped up to take over new roles. FFA members remain active with community service projects and several students interviewed at section proficiencies. Upcoming events include contests, banquet and greenhouse sales.
More on the Flanagan-Cornell FFA chapter can be found on Facebook and Instagram.
