UW-RF Home > University Communications Home > This Month's News Releases University CommunicationsFor more information contact mark.a.kinders@uwrf.edu or brenda.k.bredahl@uwrf.edu. UWRF Students Succeed at National FFA ConventionNOV. 20, 2006--Several UW-River Falls students were recognized for their achievements in agriculture during the 79th National FFA Convention held in Indianapolis in October. The quiz bowl team comprised of: Kellie Claflin, a freshman agricultural education major from Osseo, Wis., Jeanna James, a senior agriculture major from Darlington, Wis., Travis Klinkner, a senior agricultural education major from Cashton, Wis., and Chris Ritscher, a senior agricultural education major from Alma, Wis., placed second overall among the ten teams participating. Questions came from three different categories including: FFA and New Farmers of America (NFA), Ag Mechanics, and Agricultural Education. The debate team also received second place respectively. Team members included: Steve Boe, a senior agricultural education major from Taylor, Wis., Jared Acker, a sophomore food science and technology major from Waunakee, Wis., Gena Polzin, a junior marketing communications major from Cadott, Wis., and Jill Hinrichsen, a senior agricultural education major from Abbotsford, Wis. The topic debated was, "Does the agriculture education curriculum increase student achievement in core academic areas?" Ashley Wierzchowski, a sophomore biology major from Green Bay, Wis., who placed first in the essay contest last year was in charge of running the essay contest this year. Leah Johnson, a senior agriculture major from La Crescent, Minn., presented for the Program of Excellence competition as a representative of UWRF. The contest includes four areas: fundraising, community service, social, and professional development. Schools are judged on accomplishments over the past year, member involvement, and overall quality. UWRF received first place in the fundraising category. The Alpha Tau Alpha (Alpha Mu) Chapter received the Nolan Award at the Platinum level, which is the highest award that can be bestowed upon a chapter. Alpha Tau Alpha (ATA) is an honorary organization that promotes the highest standards of the agricultural education profession by allowing closer relationships with individuals who have chosen the profession of teaching agriculture. UWRF is the only university to win the Nolan Award three consecutive years. Several UWRF students were awarded with the American FFA Degree, which is the highest level of recognition that can be achieved as an FFA member. American FFA degree recipients from UW-River Falls included: Wisconsin: Andrew Adams, Lake Geneva, junior, animal science Minnesota: Jenelle Laska, Winona, freshman, agricultural business -30-
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