Congratulations to the Kimball Future Farmers of America (FFA) Food Science team that finished 11th out of 32 teams on Nov. 2 at the 96th National FFA Conference in Indianapolis, Indiana. This impressive finish earns the squad an all-expenses-paid trip to the National Poultry Convention in Atlanta, Georgia. Jordyn Theis and Jackson Fink ‘23 earned Gold Individual awards while Austin Kunkel ‘23 and Bryce Lindberg ‘23 tallied Silver Individual honors.
Q&A with Kimball FFA
1. What is the Future Farmers of America (FFA) National Convention?
The FFA National Convention is an event where every state/territory comes together to take part in FFA competitions. Many students also come for fun and attend the Expo and sessions put on by the National FFA officers. There are also workshops for both members and advisors, and a large FFA shop. This year our members also had the opportunity to see a rodeo and visit the Indianapolis Zoo.
2. Where was the FFA National Convention held?
The 2023 FFA National Conventions was in Indianapolis, Indiana. We stayed in an AirBNB approximately twenty minutes from Lucas Oil Stadium, where the National FFA convention and Expo took place.
3. How did FFA Kimball students qualify for the National Convention?
Last spring, Kimball senior students Izaak Theis, Jackson Fink, Bryce Lindberg, and Austin Kunkle competed at the Regional level where they qualified to compete at State. This group took first place at State, which earned them a chance to compete at Nationals in November.
4. Who from Kimball attended the FFA National Convention in November?
Food Science team members and recent Kimball graduates Jackson Fink, Bryce Lindberg, and Austin Kunkle attended the FFA National Convention, along with Kimball junior student Jordyn Theis, who filled in for her brother Izaak. Other Kimball FFA members who traveled to Nationals included Alyssa Anderson, Maleah Loch, Austin Decknatel, Charlie Moore, William Serbus, Jonny Serbus, Kendra Bogatzki, Kennedy Theis, and Kati Zimmerman. FFA advisor Ms. Gallup and volunteer Matthew Serbus chaperoned the trip.
5. What were the results of the FFA National Convention?
Kimball’s Food Science team placed 11th out of 32 teams, finishing as a Gold team. Jordyn Theis and Jackson Fink ‘23 earned Gold Individual awards while Austin Kunkel ‘23 and Bryce Lindberg ‘23 tallied Silver Individual honors.
6. Can you share more information about the team's invite to Atlanta, Georgia?
The Food Science team’s 11th place finish at Nationals qualified them for a Production and Processing Expo that takes place in Atlanta, Georgia. It is an almost all expenses paid trip, including transportation, meals, and hotel rooms.
7. How do you feel as a supervisor of FFA and the accomplishments of the Kimball students?
“I am extremely proud of how well our Kimball team did at Nationals,” said FFA advisor, Michaela Gallup. “They went above and beyond my expectations.”
8. What are the benefits of Kimball students being involved in FFA?
FFA has many wonderful opportunities. It promotes leadership and team building qualities, and presents several scholarship opportunities. An important note to make is that while FFA was founded by farmers, you do not need to be a farmer to be a member. Any student in 7th-12th grade taking an agriculture or shop class is automatically enrolled in our FFA Chapter and is welcome to show up to meetings and activities. We have a lot of fun and it’s a place to make lifelong friends.
9. Kimball FFA is grateful.
Thanks to the Kimball FFA alumni who donated $20 to each member going on the trip. Thanks to the advisors and chaperones for getting us to where we needed to be on time and supporting us the entire way. A special thanks to Matthew Serbus for vole testing as a chaperone. Thanks to Jennifer Schiefelbein for coaching the team and caring about us so much. Also, thank you to the High School staff for being understanding with the students and catching up with homework.
Photo highlights from 2023 FFA Nationals.
Kimball FFA members during a workshop on mentorship. (L to R: Maleah Loch, Kati Zimmerman, Alyssa Anderson, Kendra Bogastki, Charlie Moore and Kennedy Theis)
Kimball FFA members on the roadtrip to Indianapolis. (Alyssa Anderson, Charlie Moore, Austin Decknatel, Jordyn Theis, Kennedy Theis, Kati Zimmerman, Maleah Loch)
The first general session of the 96th National FFA Convention and Expo at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN.
The Food Science team the morning before their competition on Nov. 2. (L to R: Bryce Lindberg, Austin Kunkel, Jackson Fink, Jordyn Theis)
Kimbal FFA relaxing at the AirBNB while the Food Science team practices for their competition.
Food Science team check-in at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
Teamwork works.
Congratulations on a job well done.
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