A Cut Above: Simeniuk Signs Off As FFA VP

Gwynn Simeniuk gave her retiring address as 2013-14 state FFA first vice president last weekend, March 27-30, in Great Falls at the Montana State FFA Convention.

Simeniuk has spent a busy and adventurous year traveling around the state, visiting many of Montana's FFA chapters, attending workshops, seminars and the State Presidents Conference in Washington, D.C., and she even traveled to South Africa to learn more about their culture and their local agricultural.

Her retiring address, "The Show Goes On," was inspired by her aunt, Sue Nyquist. In a tribute to Nyquist, she ended her speech with the help of her sister, Ryder, by cutting her hair and donating it in her aunt's memory.

Simeniuk is a sophomore majoring in agricultural education at Montana State University in Bozeman and promises to be an important leader in the agricultural community for many years to come.

The Hinsdale FFA also competed in the following Career Development events: Farm Business Management – Bethany Lacock, Kyle Albus, Wyatt Pattison, Mikal Mavencamp. Sales – Bethany Lacock, Chadaya Christensen, Wyatt Pattison, Mikal Mavencamp. Mechanics – Justin Funk, Wyatt Pattison, Mikal Mavencamp, Brett Johnson. Agronomy – Bethany Lacock, Kyle Albus, Brett Johnson, Lukas Johnson. Livestock – Lukas Johnson, Justin Funk, Cache Younkin. Star Greenhand – Cache Younkin. Agriscience – Mickayla Johnson. Curious Core – Mickayla Johnson, Josie Ellger.

Lacock place third overall in individual sweepstakes. She also placed first in floriculture and sixth in sales at the state level.

At the convention, 89 chapters competed in various contests, such as Ag Sales, Ag Mechanics, Livestock Judging, Agronomy, Talent and Agri Science Fair. More than 2, 000 members attended the convention to participate in and help with contests and attend delegate sessions.