North Marion FFA Honored at State Competition

By Jillian Daley

Three students earned their State Degree — Sydney Bircher, April Revis, and Katie Weidemann — and Charlie Kirsch was instrumental in putting together an award-winning piece of financial excellence. 

FFA Chapter Adviser Tricia Stoddard said that all of her students have shone this year, and every year.

“I’m always proud of them, every single one of them,” Stoddard said. “They work hard.”

Stoddard was quite proud that North Marion received First and Gold in the Treasurer's Book. What is a Treasurer’s Book? Well, FFA chapters put together a Chapter Book, such as a book detailing the group's finances, which is neatly organized and reflects the values of the organization. 

“It is a difficult task and it takes lots of time and dedication to keep track of all the money that goes out of the account, and doing so in an orderly fashion,” Kirsch said. “It is great working with such a supportive teacher like Mrs Stoddard. I couldn't have asked for a better FFA adviser and AG teacher.”

Stoddard said that junior Charlie Kirsch worked with her to complete the book, which contained all of the FFA Chapter’s accounts. The reason First and Gold are separated is because Gindicates that a book meets the highest standards in its category, and First indicates that it was the best executed of all the books that were submitted in the entire state.

Another piece of happy news is that Bircher, Revis, and Weidemann each received their State Degree, the highest award a state FFA association can bestow upon its members. The State Degree is the highest award a state FFA association can bestow upon its members. Applicants must be an upperclassman or a graduate from the prior year, and must have done a minimum of two years of agricultural education. They must devote a certain amount of time and money to the project, along with participating in leadership and community service activities.

“This is a big accomplishment for me,” said Weidemann, a junior. “I raised sheep and rabbits, and did a farmhand thing. I fed animals for people, and I sheared goats and sheep.”

She added that there are misconceptions about FFA.

“A lot of people think that you need an animal or to live on a farm, but you don’t,” she explained. “It’s all about leadership.”

Revis agreed, noting that she lives in Woodburn. For her degree, Revis said that she worked in an agricultural store and bred goats.

“I want to get my American as well; it’s the highest honor you can get” nationally, said Revis, a senior who is interested in working in mechanics in the ag field. Bircher, a senior, raised rabbits and also worked in a barn with an English riding horse.

One thing that they all have in common is a passion for FFA.

“I like the social aspect of FFA,” Revis said. “We get to travel and meet so many people.”

The group travels for events such as state and national conventions, most recently visiting Redmond and heading to Indianapolis for the national convention in 2021. Weidemann loves getting out in the world and getting involved.

“I like the activities that we do, all the things we do throughout the year, the plant sale and the conventions,” Weidemann said. 

Bircher stated that she delights in traveling and in gaining leadership skills. In fact, FFA has simply captured her heart. She’s wanted to be a part of FFA for as long as she can remember and plans to become a veterinary technician.  

“It’s about the enjoyment,” Bircher said.

To share stories on North Marion, email Communications Specialist Jillian Daley at jillian.daley@nmarion.k12.or.us.