Archived News

FFA Officer Elections

(02/22/2010)
FFA Officer Elections will be held on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at 7:00pm in Mrs. Sanderson's room. We need everyone at this meeting so the votes count. So save the date now!

FFA Meeting

(02/22/2010)
The Chapter meeting for March will be held on Thursday, March 11, 2010 at 6:00pm in Mrs. Sanderson's room (123). At this meeting we will be handing out officer intent forms so if you would like to be an officer next year you need to come. Also, Pizza and FUN will be provided! =)

Alumni Chapter Information

(02/22/2010)

The Stillman Valley FFA Alumni Chapter was chartered on Thursday, February 18, 2010.

For more information on the alumni please click on the alumni tab onthe left side of the page.



Parli-Pro CANCELED

(12/09/2009)
Due to the winter storm the parli-pro contest tonight has been canceled. It has not been determined when the contest will be rescheduled at this time

FFA Christmas Party

(12/04/2009)

 

Date: Saturday December 12th, 2009
Time: 6:00pm to whenever
Where: Whitney Wetzel’s House (15633 Big Mound Rd)
       Directions from high school:
1.       Go down Rt 72 heading towards DJ
2.       Turn right onto 251
3.       Turn left onto Big Mound Rd
4.       Go about a mile
5.       It will be the big white house with a green roof on your right
We are having a white elephant gift exchange so start looking for a crazy gift. Also, dinner and snacks and entertainment will be provided. Hope you come and enjoy a fun time with all your FFA buddies!

 

 



FFA Alumni Interest Meeting

(09/24/2009)

The Stillman Valley FFA Chapter is interested in starting an FFA alumni chapter. We are conducting an interest meeting on the night of October 8, 2009 at 6:30pm at the high school.

            At this meeting we will be discussing how to create an alumni chapter and what your role would be as a prospective member. Anyone interested is encouraged to attend the meeting. Please keep in mind that the only requirement of a prospective member is that they want to help support the Stillman Valley FFA Chapter, you do not have to be a former member to come.

 
Reasons to have an FFA alumni chapter
  • Support and promote the FFA organization, FFA activities and agricultural education on local, state, and national levels.
  • Facilitate involvement and support of former members and others interested in the FFA and agricultural education.
  • Enhance the personal development aspect of FFA.
  • Serve as advocates for FFA and agricultural education on local, state, and national levels.
  • Utilize volunteer management tools provided by the National FFA alumni.
 

      Your decision to become an FFA Alumni Member starts a chain reaction of benefits – for you, for today’s FFA members, and for future generations of agriculture students. You will also have the opportunity to show your support for quality education for America’s youth.

 

      If you would like any further information or would like to contact the agricultural department before the meeting fell free to email or call:

Tracey Sanderson (tsanderson@mail.meridian223.org)
Jay Williams (jwilliams@mail.meridian223.org)
SVHS phone number (815) 645-2291


Float Workdays ;)

(09/17/2009)
We will have float  work nights on Monday, September 21, 2009 and Tuesday, September 22, 2009 from 2:30-7:00pm in the Ag Lab. Please come and help us decorate our float for the fall fest parade and meet more fun FFA members.

September Chapter Meeting

(08/25/2009)
The first Chapter meeting of the year will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2009 at 6:30pm in Mrs. Sanderson's room (#123).  We will be having pizza and playing a game. Hope to see you there ;)

Thank You :)

(08/15/2009)
Thanks to Hendrickson's Flying Services for donating the aerial application of insecticide and fungicide to our FFA Agricultural Research Plot.

Alex and Sara are State Star Finalists

(06/18/2009)

This year there were over 16,000 FFA members in the State of Illinois. Out of those 16,000, 355 members applied, interviewed for, and received their State Degree. The State Degree is the highest degree that a FFA member can receive from the Illinois FFA Organization, however 20 of these FFA members received an even greater honor; they were finalists for the Illinois Star Awards. Two of these 20 elite individuals were from the Stillman Valley FFA Chapter: Alex Cox and Sara Pearson.


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Ag Plot News

(06/01/2009)

Recently, the Stillman Valley FFA Chapter successfully planted their FFA Agricultural Research Plot. The Agriculture Plot committee, consisting of FFA members Bryant Hagemann, Zach Diehl, Adam Cox, and Zach Ankney, has been working hard all winter and spring to ensure that their plot will yield more this year, and they are off to a promising start.

            Also, planting this plot is one of the many hands-on-learning experiences that the members of the Stillman Valley FFA Chapter are able to take part in. The skills that were learned through this experience will help these individuals later on down the road as they consider what career path to take in life.

            Finally, the Ag Plot provides a large portion of the funds that the Stillman Valley FFA Chapter uses throughout the year. Without the individuals and companies that donate their time and products to it, the Ag Plot would not be as productive as it is today. Therefore, the Stillman Valley FFA Chapter would like to express their gratitude to Hagemann Brothers Farming for donating the fall and spring tillage of the 12.7 acre plot, Glendenning Fertilizer for donating the application of Ag lime, Maplehurst Farms for donating the Ag lime as well as the liquid fertilizer, Hintzsche Fertilizer for donating the dry fertilizer, Toby Behmer from Pioneer Seed for donating seed, Jeff Jackson from AgVenture Seed for donating seed, and Al Wetzel for donating his time and the use of his equipment in the planting of the plot.



New Officers Elected!!!

(04/09/2009)
On Wednesday, April 1, 2009 the Stillman Valley FFA Chapter elected their 2009-2010 officers. The new officers are: Zach Diehl - President, Bryant Hagemann - Vice President, Brittany Hagemann - Secretary, Abbey Warner - Treasurer, Kim Gerardy - Reporter, and Brandon Wetzel - Sentinel. Congratulations new officers!

Tractor Day!

(03/27/2009)
On Friday, March 20, 2009 the Stillman Valley FFA Chapter held their annual Tractor Day.  About 13 members drove their tractors to school and participated in a parade for the students at Highland Grade School.  This was a fun an educational  time for all involved.
*for more tractor day photos please visit our photo gallery*

Plant Sale

(03/27/2009)

The Stillman Valley FFA Chapter and Agriculture Department is hosting a flower sale again this spring.  The sale will be held in the Stillman valley High School Greenhouse, which is located behind the school next to the football concession stand.  All the plants have been grown by the students in the horticulture program at Stillman Valley High School and are looking beautiful.  The sale will begin on Monday, April 13, 2009 and run from 2:30pm to 5:30pm and Saturdays starting April 18, 2009 from 9:00am to 3:00pm. The plant sale will continue every weekday and Saturday while supplies last, so come early to ensure you have the best selection of all the annuals and perennials we have to offer. If you have any questions please call Tracy Sanderson @ 815-645-2291 ext. 4123. We hope to see you at our greenhouse in April!



Stillman Valley FFA Chapter performs well at recent Proficiency Awards

(03/27/2009)

The Stillman Valley FFA Chapter always does well at the Proficiency Awards, and this year was no exception. The Proficiency Awards is a contest where FFA members take part in interviews about their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAE) record books that they keep throughout the year. The FFA members are evaluated on their interview skills, ability to keep accurate record books, and their knowledge about their SAE’s respective area.

           


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Save the Date for Our 75th Annual Banquet

(02/25/2009)

The Stillman Valley FFA Chapter would like to invite all former members and their families to their banquet in celebration of their 75th anniversary. The FFA Banquet will be held on April 25 at 6:30pm at Stillman Valley High School. If you are interested in attending please contact Jay Williams or Tracey Sanderson, (815)645-2291 extension 4132 or 4123 respectively, with information such as your name, address, and phone number. A postcard with additional information about the banquet will be mailed upon your request. Also, the FFA Scrapbooking Committee is constructing a scrapbook of all 75 years of the Stillman Valley FFA Chapter, and is looking for documents and other memorabilia from the years 1934 – 1944. If you have anything that you would like to contribute please contact Jay Williams and Tracey Sanderson at the aforementioned numbers.



FFA Week Activities!

(02/18/2009)

FFA Week is celebrated nationally and runs from February 21 to February 27. Our Chapter has a bunch of activities for everyone to take part in during FFA Week.

The Dress Up Days Are:

·        Monday: Western/Cowboy

·        Tuesday: Camouflage

·        Wednesday: Official Dress

·        Thursday: Farmer

·        Friday: FFA T-Shirt

*Everyone who participates in the dress up days will get their name put in a drawing for a prize*

 
Other Activities:
  • Guess how much corn is in a jar: The person with the closest guess will receive a free FFA T-Shirt
  • Guess how many soybeans are in the jar: The person with the closest guess will receive a free FFA T-Shirt
  • Breakfast at the Royal Blue @ 6:30am on Wednesday
 


Plant Sale News

(02/17/2009)
The agriculture students have been hard at work transplanting and taking care bedding plants in the greenhouse.  All the plants are looking great and the FFA Chapter plans on holding a sale later this Spring. There will be more information including prices and dates coming soon. Please check back often.

Save the date for the FFA Ski Trip

(02/02/2009)
The Stillman Valley FFA Chapter will be going to Chestnut Mountain on Feb 16th for the annual FFA Ski Trip.  Sign up in either Ag. Room.  Prices and times will be posted ASAP.

Record Books

(02/02/2009)
Make sure to sign up for record book work days. Record Books need to be completed by Feb 10th unless you are applying for your state degree.  State Degree Applicants need to have their books done by Feb. 6th.

February Chapter Meeting

(02/02/2009)
The February Chapter Meeting will be held on Wednesday, Feb 4, 2009 at 6:00pm in Mrs. Sandersons room.  Munchies and a fun game will be provided!! 

January Chapter Meeting

(01/06/2009)
The January Chapter Meeting will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2009 at 6:00pm in Mrs. Sanderson's room.

Christmas Party Canceled

(12/21/2008)
Due to the weather the FFA Christmas party on December 21st has been canceled. The party will be rescheduled once school starts in January.

Representative Pritchard Visits

(12/05/2008)

On Tuesday, December 2, 2008 Illinois State Representative Robert W. Pritchard visited the Agricultural Department at Stillman Valley High School. Mr. Pritchard is a long time supporter of the National FFA Organization and Agriculture in Illinois. Mr. Pritchard spoke to a couple of agriculture classes and had lunch with the officers and advisors of the Stillman Valley FFA Chapter. He spoke about the qualities of leadership that are demanded in society today and the importance of developing those skills while in High School. He says that he supports the FFA because the FFA is dedicated to developing leaders and has many leadership activities for its members. Mr. Pritchard also stressed that every person needs to be informed about the government, because even the smallest opinion matters. Mr. Pritchard’s presentation was very engaging and the students learned a lot about the Illinois Government from it.

 

          The Stillman Valley FFA Chapter and Stillman Valley Agricultural Department would like to thank Representative Pritchard for taking the time out of his busy schedule to visit with them.



Chapter Meeting

(11/30/2008)
The December chapter meeting will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2008 in Mrs. Sanderson's room #123.

Poinsettia Sale

(11/30/2008)

Come support the Stillman Valley FFA Chapter and the Stillman Valley Agricultural Department in their first annual Poinsettia Sale. The poinsettias were grown by the horticulture classes at Stillman Valley High School. They are a deep holly red and medium in size. The poinsettias are only $8 each. Right now the Stillman Valley FFA Chapter is participating in the National FFA Organization’s Million Can Challenge, so if you bring a can good you will receive $0.50 off your purchase (limit 2 cans). The sale will be held Dec 8th-12th in the greenhouse behind Stillman Valley High School. The sale hours are 4p.m.-6p.m on Dec. 8th, 10th, and 12th; and 5p.m.-7p.m. on Dec. 9th and 11th.



Congatrulations Dairy Products Team!!!

(11/15/2008)

The Section 2 Dairy Products CDE was held on Thursday, November 13, 2008 at Rochelle High School. The Stillman Valley FFA Chapter took three teams to this CDE: (Sr. Team) Zach Diehl, Kim Gerardy, Brittany Hagemann, Jordyn Strohman, and Jessie Sweeney (Jr. Team) Zach Ankney, Austin Glendenning, Ben Glendenning, Nathan Haas, and Amber Strohman (Team 3) Shawn Cox, Jordan Diehl, Matt Kunce, Whitney Wetzel, and Monserrat Zepeda. At this CDE participants judged milker head units, identified cheese, identified defects in milk samples, identified if a product was real or artificial, evaluated milk samples for mastitis, and took a quiz on the dairy industry. The Stillman Valley FFA Chapter’s Dairy Products Team placed fourth. The top individuals from the chapter were Kim Gerardy – 10th and Zach Diehl – 11th.



Congratulations Agronomy Team!!

(11/08/2008)

The Section 2 Agronomy CDE (contest) was held on Wednesday, November 5, 2008 at Rochelle High School. The members of the Stillman Valley FFA Chapter’s Agronomy Team were: Zach Ankney, Devan Messer, Taylor Strehl, Whitney Wetzel, and Monserrat Zepeda. At this CDE, each individual had to judge rings of grain, silage/haylage, and hay on quality. The participants also identified twenty-five different weeds and seeds. The Stillman Valley FFA Chapter’s team ended up placing fourth, and Whitney Wetzel placed 4th individually. 

 
          


National Convention

(11/01/2008)

The 81st National FFA Convention was held at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, Indiana. The National FFA Convention is the largest annual event in the FFA Organization, and is the third largest convention in the United States (behind the Republican and Democratic National Conventions). This year over 55,000 people attended, and the Stillman Valley FFA Chapter contributed to that number. Ten members and two advisors attended the convention from Stillman Valley. They are as follows: (advisors) Mr. Jay Williams and Mrs. Tracey Sanderson (members) Dustin Champlain, Brittany Hagemann, Bryant Hagemann, Loretta Hawley, Dolan Maxwell, Kinzie Miller, Sara Pearson, Caleb Warner, Brandon Wetzel, and Whitney Wetzel.

 

          The Stillman Valley FFA Chapter attended some convention sessions and saw some of the attractions around Indianapolis while they were in Indiana. The chapter toured Fair Oaks Dairy Farm which is one of the largest dairy farms in the United States. At the farm, members learned all about the Dairy Industry. The chapter also toured the Tuttle Apple Orchard and the Illinois State University Agricultural Department Farm. While in Indianapolis, the chapter also stopped by Indianapolis Motor Speedway which hosts the Indianapolis 500, and Lucas Oil Stadium which is home to the Indianapolis Colts.

 

            The 81st National FFA Convention was a blast and the ten members and two advisors, from the Stillman Valley FFA Chapter, that attended the convention will never forget the experiences they had while in Indianapolis.



Chapter Meeting

(11/01/2008)
The November Chapter Meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2008 at 6:00pm in Mrs. Sanderson's room. (#123)

FFA Dues!!

(10/01/2008)
If you haven't paid your $10 FFA Dues yet we need them ASAP.  FFA Dues are paid by each member every year, and the money goes to help fund the National FFA Organization.  You can turn them in to Mr. Williams, Mrs. Sanderson, or an Officer.

Congratulations Greenhand Quizbowl Team!

(10/01/2008)
On Tuesday, September 30, 2008 four members from our chapter participated in the Greenhand Quizbowl Competition, at the Section 2 Leadership Training School (LTS).  The members of  our Greenhand Quizbowl team were: Jordan Diehl, Amber Strohman, Kyle Dummer, and Bianca Arreguin.  Each individual on the team had to take a quiz on the National FFA Organization.  An example of the type of questions asked would be; Q: What are the official colors of the National FFA Organization? A: National Blue and Corn Gold.  After the scores had been tallied we ended up placing 3rd.  Way to go Greenhand's!

 

Chapter Cookout / Greenhand Meeting

(10/01/2008)
Our annual Chapter Cookout / Greenhand meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at 5:30pm in Mr. Williams room.  All Greenhand members should be in attendance because they will receive their Greenhand pins at this meeting.  We will also be serving pork chops  at this meeting, so come hungry!

Parade Results!

(09/29/2008)
The Stillman Valley FFA Chapter's Float won first prize in Stillman Valley's annual  Fall Festival Parade.  The theme of the parade this year was "Exercising Faith" and the chapter demonstrated this theme by using "Holy Cow it's the Stillman Valley FFA" for the theme of their float.  The members who rode on the float were:  Bryant Hagemann, Whitney Wetzel, Cody Greenwood, Abbey Warner, Ben Glendenning, Kyle Dummer, and Samantha Marinelli.  The Chapter would like to thank everybody who participated in making this float a great one!

Congratulations Horse Judging Team!

(09/24/2008)

The State Horse Judging Career Development Event took place at Black Hawk East College on September 20, 2008. At this CDE participants judged four performance classes, in which the horse is being ridden, and four halter classes, in which the horses are judged on their confirmation. Seventy – two schools, 60 teams, and 246 individuals participated in this CDE.

The Stillman Valley FFA Chapter’s team consisted of: Kim Gerardy, Whitney Wetzel, and Sara Pearson. The team placed seventh in the State with a total of 1095 points, and Sara Pearson placed fifth in the State individually with a score of 380 points.

The Stillman Valley FFA Chapter would like to congratulate their Horse Judging Team for performing so well.

 


Float Work Day

(09/19/2008)
On Wednesday, September 17, 2008 we started to work on the FFA Float for the Fall Fest Parade.  However, we did not finish the float so we have scheduled another work day for Wednesday, September 24, 2008 at 5:00pm in the Ag Lab.  Please come and help us finish our float!

FFA Meeting

(09/01/2008)
Our first FFA Meeting of the year will be held on Thursday September 4, 2008 at 6:00pm in Mrs. Sanderson's room (#123).  Pizza and brownies will be provided so please come and help us kick - off this new year!!!

Introducing Our Newest FFA Advisor!!!

(08/23/2008)
Mrs. Tracey Sanderson will take Mr. Gilbert's place as the our chapter's second advisor this year.  Mrs. Sanderson is from Waterman, Illinois where she attended Indian Creek High School.  She is the youngest of four kids, and was raised on her parents grain farm. 

Mr. Williams and the FFA Officers are looking forward to working closely with Mrs. Sanderson to make this year, a memorable one!

 Finally, we would like to welcome Mrs. Sanderson to our FFA Chapter, and we hope that she will be with us for many years.

(Please visit our Advisors Page for more information on Mrs. Sanderson)

School's Back in Session!!

(08/18/2008)
The new school year is underway, and with it comes a whole bunch of  FFA activities.  I'll keep you posted on times for meetings, contests and other events.  So check back often.  I can already tell that this year is going to be a good one!

State Convention 2008

(06/14/2008)
Twelve members and two advisors from the Stillman Valley FFA Chapter endured the three hour bus trip down to Springfield, Illinois for the 80th annual Illinois FFA Convention.  The individuals who attended the convention were: (members) Abbey Warner, Brandon Wetzel, Becca DeVries, Beth Myelle, Brittany Hagemann, Caleb Warner, Jade Glendenning, Jordyn Strohman, Kim Gerardy, Tanja Buss, Whitnney Wetzel, and Zach Diehl; (advisors) Mr. Gilbert, and Mr Williams.  The Convention was held at the Prairie Capital Convention Center from June 10 -12, 2008.  While in Springfield, the chapter went to a few convention sessions and toured the historical sites in and aroud Springfield.

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School Board Recognizes State and American FFA Degree Recipients

(05/27/2008)
The Stillman Valley Board of Education recognized the State and American FFA Degree recipients, from the Stillman Valley FFA Chapter, at their last meeting. The Board presented each individual with a certificate for their achievement.
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Memorial Day was a Success

(05/26/2008)
     Six members of our FFA Chapter participated in the 138th Memorial Day Service at Kishwaukee Cemetery.  Caleb and Abbey Warner passed out programs, Jordyn Strohman and Jade Glendenning presented the Flags, Becca DeVries led the Pledge of  Allegiance, and Kim Gerardy read In Flanders Fields and echoed her dad in Taps.  All in all the service was a success and everybody who attended it had a wonderful time.


(for more Memorial Day pictures please visit our photo gallery)

Ag Plot is Planted

(05/23/2008)
    On Friday, May 23, 2008, the Stillman Valley FFA Chapter planted their Ag Plot. The Plot was planted in continuous no-till corn again.  Seven members of the Stillman Valley FFA Chapter, their advisor Jay Williams, and volunteers Jeff Jackson and Mr. Warner all participated in the planting. Jeff Jackson, from AgVenture Jackson Seeds in Byron, IL, graciously donated his time and seed to the FFA Chapter. Mr. Warner donated his time, John Deere tractor, and planter to them as well. 
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New Officers are Elected!!!

(05/01/2008)

On April 14, we elected our new officers. The 2008 – 2009 officers are: Jade Glendenning – President, Jordyn Strohman – Vice President, Beth Myelle – Secretary, Abbey Warner – Treasurer, Kim Gerardy – Reporter, and Caleb Warner – Sentinel. 



Stillman Valley Gets Online with FFAChapter.net

(01/09/2008)
The Stillman Valley, IL High School FFA Chapter became the newest member of the FFAChapter.net family on January 9th 2008. Jay Williams led the effort to put Stillman Valley FFA on the world wide web. Visit the site to keep updated on coming events, news releases, and awards. Browse the officer's section to find out more about the Officer Team, visit the photo gallery, and check the alumni section and much more.  Congratulations to Stillman Valley FFA!

New Horizons

(01/08/2008)

Check out the latest issue of New Horizons. Catch up on local and national FFA events and issues!


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Welcome to the Stillman Valley FFA Chapter Website

(01/08/2008)
Currently there are no new news items.  Please return to our site at a later date, or browse the rest of the site to learn about Stillman Valley FFA.  Thanks for visiting.