GS FBLA Attends State Workshop

Students from GSHS Future Business Leaders of America attended the FBLA State Leadership Workshop on October 23-24.  The workshop, held at the Lancaster Host, had a theme of Gateway to Greatness.  Students were able to participate in a variety of interactive workshops that included topics such as; entrepreneurship, marketing, sports management, career and college success, business leadership, social networking, and professionalism.  Students had the opportunity to network with other students, professionals, and teachers to learn about becoming a leader.  To conclude the first night of the SLW students participated in battle of the chapters (a trivia game), a dodgeball competition, and a basket auction.  All activities raised money to support the American Heart Society.  Garden Spot FBLA students made new friends, gained a strong bond with each other, and learned about being a leader!  It was a very successful conference!  Mrs. Hackman is so proud to be the advisor of such a great group of kids!

Grassland FFA Competes at National FFA Convention

Members of Grassland FFA traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana to compete in National Career Development Events. In the Ag Sales competition the team of Kaitlin Byram, Courtney Huber, Katie Mueller and Jalisa Zimmerman earned a silver award for their 17thplace finish. Competing with state championship teams from more than 40 states, each individual participant took a written exam, completed a prepared sales call selling a product of their choice and also completed a cold sales situation, referred to as prospecting, where the objective was to determine the wants and needs of a prospective customer. The teams then worked together to develop a marketing plan for a product they were given during the competition along with scenarios from four perspective customers.

We all unwind at Hibachi restaurant the evening before competition starts 

In individual competition Katie Mueller earned a gold award for her 12th place finish in a field of nearly 200 participants. Team mates Kaitlin Byram, Jalisa Zimmerman and Courtney Huber all earned silver awards.

In the floriculture competition Reece Lauffer and Cortney Martin earned gold awards while Regina Sauder earned a silver award. The competition involved a written exam, problem solving, corsage making, a prescribed arrangement, plant identification where contestants had to know the Latin name of more than 100 specimens, a one-on-one sales practicum and lastly a team event. This year the team event involved a simulated floral shop where 7 different arrangements had to be completed within in 45 minutes.

In addition to the competitions the members of the Grassland FFA enjoyed a huge career show, took in leadership workshops and attending the opening session where they heard Dave Roever speak.

Roever shared from his experiences of having a white phosphorus grenade explode on him in Viet Nam and how he and his wife and family have dealt with all of the physical and emotional consequences as he rehabilitated and literally pieced his life back together.

His story of perseverance and commitment resonated with his audience.

“He was definitely the best speaker I have ever heard in my life” commented graduate Reece Lauffer. “One minute he had me laughing the next minute he had me crying”, added senior Cortney Martin.

Members also had a tour of Purdue University’s ag facilities, enjoyed a Japanese Hibachi style meal, had the opportunity to attend a concert and witnessed Grassland Alumnus, Adrianne Huber being awarded the American FFA Degree to culminate her FFA Career.   Advisors Tracy Marchini and Bob Lauffer accompanied the FFA members on the trip.

State Champions in Floriculture 4 years in a row!  Great Job Mrs. Marchini!

Grassland FFA – Junior Market Goat Competition

In the Junior Market goat competition Senior Regina Sauder showed the Reserve Grand Champion, purchased by Sensenig’s Feed Mill, Railroad Avenue, New Holland.

  

Regina also showed the R.D. Herr Scholarship Goat purchased by Grassland alumnus Brian Oberholtzer, owner of  Eagle Concrete in Denver, PA. The sale of the scholarship animal benefits a scholarship given to a Garden Spot Senior who has shown livestock in FFA and/or will major in animal science or agricultural education in college. Past Recipients include:

 

1998- Cory Simo
1999- Becki Day
2000- Rachel Day
2001- Michael Hoshour
2002- Rebecca Highley Moseman     2003 – Sheldon Zimmerman
2004 – Sarah L. Nolt Reist      2005- Alexandra Lauffer Barzydlo     2006- Lucille Oberholtzer
2007- Katie Nolt and Lindsay Newswanger Spurrier
2008- H. Tommy Edwards
2009- Adrianne Huber and Ryan Nolt
2011- Chad Sensenig

Sophomore Jessalyn Horst had the top selling goat in the sale in her first year.  It was purchased by Travis Eby of M.H. Eby, Inc.

Grassland FFA Competes at the NH Fair

Some Highlights of the Grassland FFA involvement in the New Holland Fair.
Safe Tractor Operation – Senior Division:

  • 1st– Josh Martin
  • 2nd– Clay Lehman
  • 3rd – Abbey Martin
Abbey maneuvers the spreader through the obstacle course.
Safe Tractor Operation:  Junior Division:
  • 1st– Wesley  Weaver
  • 2nd– Hira Allen
  • 3rd– Chad Zimmerman
  • 4th– Nathan Moyer
  • 5th– Austin Nolt
Wes backs the wagon as Mr. Day supervises and scores him. 

Much thanks to Ag Industrial Inc.  for donating the tractor and spreader for the competition.