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Carissa Dalquest Qualifies for Nationals in FFA Public Speaking Leadership Development Event

Last night the judges announced the results from the state FFA Prepared Public Speaking Leadership Development Event. Carissa Dalquest is going to Nationals! (You can hear her speech at the 47:30 mark.) From the top speakers in KS, one student was selected. Carissa will give her speech at the National FFA Convention this fall in Indianapolis.

The Council Grove FFA Chapter held their annual banquet on Tuesday, May 18th. Carissa Dalquest gave her state finalist speech, “Beef Options and Alternatives” for the program. Additionally, many members were recognized for their accomplishments. Twenty-four members received their Greenhand Degree, and 13 received Chapter Degrees. Michelle Patry was awarded Star Farmer, and Lakoddah Downes received the Star Greenhand award. Michelle Patry was awarded the Gordon Morrison Scholarship. New officers were also installed into their positions. 

2021-2022 Council Grove FFA Officer Team

President- Carissa Dalquest

Vice President- Natalie French

Secretary- Brylea Burnett

Treasurer- Lakoddah Downes

Reporter- Jordyn Picolet

Sentinel- LaiCee Scott

Jr. Advisor- Jesse Rodgers

Historian- Jayden Patry

Chaplain- Karl Zimmerman

Parliamentarian- Cory Crowl

 

Left to Right: Karl Zimmerman, Cory Cowl, Jayden Patry, Jesse Rodgers, Jordyn Picolet, Natalie French, Carissa Dalquest, Brylea Burnett, Lakoddah Downes, LaiCee Scott

Photo by Marlene Patry; Story by Carissa Dalquest

One of Top Four in the KS FFA Prepared Public Speaking Event

Carissa Dalquest made finals for the Kansas FFA Prepared Public Speaking Event.  Tuesday she gave her speech via Zoom to a panel of judges who then selected her as one of the top four speakers in the state out of 30 who made it to the state event.  Statewide, there were roughly 200-220 speakers, with only 30 making it to state.

 

Carissa presented to the same panel again on Tuesday afternoon in the finale to determine if she will be the one KS speaker who makes it to nationals in Indianapolis this fall. Results will be announced in June.

 

Carissa's speech topic is about the benefits of eating beef vs. synthetic beef. Take a look at the CGHS FFA Facebook page for highlights from the FFA Banquet, including a video of Carissa's speech.

Curious about the topic, we asked Carissa about her speech. "My interest in this issue really began when the Governor of Colorado announced a 'Meat-Out' day and encouraged citizens to work towards a plant based diet. Much of the agricultural community spoke out against this blatant attack on our industry, and I felt obligated to do the same. I started doing research, and found that the three main arguments against beef -- ethics, the environment, and nutrition -- were all inaccurate. I wrote this speech to share this information with others. I have given it to almost a dozen audiences, culminating with this event, and I am hoping to give it again at the national contest in the fall."

Carissa Dalquest Elected to the East Central District FFA Officer Team

Carissa Dalquest was elected to the East Central District FFA officer team.  To become an officer, she had to go through two hard-hitting interviews to make the final slate, and then she had to create a candidate speech.  She was voted into office by two delegates from each school in the East Central FFA district.  Our district is the toughest in the state.  

 

Carissa also made it to state with her speech.  At the FFA State convention in June, she will give her speech to see where she places statewide.  

 

Photo by MHouse; Story by Mr. Green

Livestock Judging

Last week CG FFA competed in the Virtual East Central District Livestock judging contest.

A Team - 2nd out of 18

Carissa Dalquest - 2nd High individual 

Lakoddah Downes - 13th 

LaiCee Scott - 23rd out of 100 contestants

 

C-Team - 3rd out of 14 teams

Brooklyn Cooper - 6th high individual

Cory Crowl - 7th 

Remy Marstellar - 19th out of 131 contestants.

FFA Valentine Bouquets

Calla Unruh works on the vases for FFA Valentine's Day Bouquets

Photo by Carissa Dalquest; Editing by Kylee Zuege

Horse Judging Success

Before Thanksgiving break, Council Grove FFA took part in a virtual horse judging contest and finished 3rd out of 22 teams. Two students placed in the top ten. Colton Skaggs was 3rd and Alison Bachura was 8th.

Dodgeball

Jeric Heath
Elle Dragone, Jessica Filkin, Daleyna King, Treyse King, Brodey King, Wyatt Buchman, Trey Marshall, Howard Barger, Kane Kormanik, Kaleb Litke, Koen Hula, Peyton Tischhauser, Jesus Solis, Gavin Spittles, Mr. Koch, Jagger Elstun, Jalen Tompkins, Hadyn Bieling
Liz Mascote, Lillian Tompkins, Mija Carlson, Karly Goodell, Isaac Buchman, Hawk French, Ethan Craige, Joslin Cannon, Devin Julian, Shyanne Allen, Brandon Meadors, Christian Linares
Ben Bolen, Keeley Honas, Grace Armstrong, William Grimmett

Jeric Heath, Hadyn Bieling, Jagger Elstun

Isaac Buchman

Jagger Elstun

Mr. Green

Wyatt Buchman

Gavin Spittles, Koen Hula, Ben Bolen

Peyton Tischhauser

Ethan Craige

Ethan Craige, Kaleb Litke, William Grimmett

Hawk French

Photos by Michelle Patry; Editing by Devin Adams and Ashley Irwin

FFA Breakfast

Peyton Tischhauser

Natalie French

Photos by Carissa Dalquest; Editing by Devin Adams

Greenhand

Chance Corgill

Bricelynn Pearson

Caleb Muncy

Wyatt Johnson

Eric Hale

Christian Linares

Michelle Patry

Photos by Carissa Dalquest; Editing by Devin Adams