Laker FFA - May 2025 by Hearst Midwest

LAKER

FFA Labor Auction

Over $7,000 was raised from this year’s labor and silent auctions at our FFA banquet. This money is used for alumni scholarships, awards, trip expenses, and other chapter needs.

10 student groups donated 8 hours of their time as labor in exchange to earn the chapter monetary donations to assist with the 2025-2026 school year. We would like to extend our gratitude to our auctioneer, Marty Osentoski and our generous buyers.

Thank you to our Labor Auction supporters: John and Lisa McCain, Corey Braun, TAAZ Seed Sales - Tom and Anne Ziel, Brett McBride, Don and Donna Wheeler, Steve Krohn, Robert Haag, Paul and Celine Scaddan, and Kendal and Rosie Truemner.

The DeKalb Outstanding Senior Award

The DeKalb Outstanding Senior Award goes to the most outstanding senior member(s) of the FFA and is sponsored by Bayer Crop Sciences.The recipients this year have served our chapter in officer positions, participated in countless conferences, contests, and conventions, met the minimum number of community service hours, and embody our chapter motto, “Excellence is Expected” all five years of their FFA career.

Congratulations to this year’s recipient, Caroline McNabb.

Building Our Michigan Communities Award

The Building our Michigan Communities award is given to those individuals, businesses, or organizations who demonstrate exemplary service to FFA chapters in their respective state. Nominations are submitted on behalf of the chapter officer team and voted on at a regular FFA meeting.This year, Brant and Carla Gnagey were selected as the 2025 recipients for their commitment of service and dedication to our FFA program.

Photo Credit: Traci Weisenbach

Caroline McNabb and Sadie Brooks (2024 Recipient). Photo Credit: Traci Weisenbach.

Carla and Brant Gnagey surrounded by the 2024-2025 Laker FFA Officer team.

Photo Credit: Traci Weisenbach.

Scholarships

Bill McCabe Memorial Scholarship

Given in honor of Bill McCabe who wished a scholarship be given in his name first to his grandchildren, then to deserving FFA students to aid in their post secondary education expenses. Kelly Richmond (daughter of Bill McCabe) presented this award to Kate Hill.

Richmond Brothers Farms Scholarship

Mike and Ken Richmond sponsor a scholarship to students who will be pursuing a career in agriculture or fabrication industries. This year they selected Megan Strieter and Allysen Smith as recipients of their scholarship.

Esch Landscaping

Matt Esch began this scholarship after graduating from Michigan State University, upon starting his landscaping business, Esch Landscaping in effort to draw future students to the profession. This year Gwyn Zimmerman was awarded this scholarship.

Huron County Dairy Promotions

This scholarship was formerly known as the Anthony Rapes Memorial Scholarship. The spirit of his legacy carries over as it prioritizes students who have shown extensive agricultural education experience and those who will be pursuing that as a future career field.

Audrey McNabb will be attending Michigan State University to study Animal Science.

In total this year, our seniors were awarded $24,500 dollars in scholarships.

Don and Donna Wheeler Excellence in Leadership Award

Don and Donna Wheeler were pivotal figures in the Laker FFA chapter for over 40 years. Both investing their heart and souls for the benefit of our students, program and community. This is the first year we handed out this scholarship in their honor and the recipient of this scholarship is Anya Cardoza.

Dave McBride Memorial Scholarship

Dave McBride served as our Laker FFA Alumni president for over 25 years; his goal was to equip our chapter with what they need in order to succeed. In honor of his legacy, the Laker FFA Alumni will hand out a scholarship in his honor. Makenna Lasceski was the recipient of his scholarship.

Washington

A true leader thinks more of the name on the back of his jacket than the one on the front. Congratulations

Leadership Conference

The Creuger Family, Sue Dumaw Memorial Scholarship and the ETL Agricultural Legacy Funds awarded four students the opportunity to attend the Washington Leadership Conference are a part of an immersive experience in our nation’s capital in regards to service learning. Heather Wolschlager, daughter of Sue Dumaw Creuger handed out one of the scholarships in honor of her mother.

Skylar Steinman, Anna Brooks, Evalyn Zagorski and Charlotte Scaddan will be attending this year’s conference in June.

James Herford Memorial Scholarship

As a forever friend, supporter and advocate of the Laker FFA and agriculture, the James Herford Memorial Scholarship is handed out to students who will continue . Izzy Herford and Blake Ewald (grandchildren of Jim) and Kim Herford (wife of Jim) awarded this scholarship to Dylan Braun.

Gwynn Zimmerman (Esch Landscaping), Kate Hill (Bill McCabe), Allysen Smith and Megan Strieter (Richmond Brothers) and Kelly Richmond. Photo Credit: Traci Weisenbach.

Audrey McNabb and Gary Protzman (Huron County Dairy Promotions Representative).

Photo Credit: Traci Weisenbach.

Makenna Lasceski (Dave McBride) and Anya Cardoza (Don and Donna Wheeler) and Dave McBride, Laker FFA Alumni Treasurer. Photo Credit: Traci Weisenbach.

Blake Ewald, Dylan Braun and Izzy Herford.

Photo Credit: Traci Weisenbach.

Jeff Leipprandt, Eva Zagorski, Anna Brooks, Charlotte Scaddan, Skylar Steinman, and Heather Wolschlager. Photo Credit: Traci Weisenbach.

Tom Gettel Memorial Scholarship

Tom Gettel was a beloved community member who loved agriculture and supporting local area youth. After his passing, his family and friends started ‘The Shovel Run’ in his honor to benefit area youth pursuing a future in the agriculture industry. Audrey McNabb was this year’s recipient.

Julia Hope Leadership Award

Julia Hope Voelker was a former Laker FFA member who served as a state FFA officer. She believed FFA stood for “Faith, Family, and Agriculture”. Recipients of this award must exemplify her motto of FFA. Faith Suggitt was this year’s award winner.

Heck Family Memorial Scholarship

In memory of the Heck Family, local friends of theirs started a scholarship in their name. Both were known for their behind the scenes work and appreciation for the trades. Matt Murawski received this award.

Linda Keefer Scholarship

Known for her love of education and community service, Linda Keefer served our program and community well her entire life. Another pillar of our success for 25 years; to celebrate her life and dedication to our chapter, our FFA Alumni will award a student in her name. The first recipient of this scholarship is Hannah Corp.

Huron County Corn Growers

Recipients of this scholarship must have family members or themselves a part of the Huron County Corn Growers Association and be an active FFA member. Klaire Reibling, Audrey McNabb and Lily McNabb were awarded this scholarship.

Growing Hope Globally

The goal of this scholarship is to recognize students who seek opportunities to become agents of change in the arena of food scarcity.This is the first year this scholarship has been given. Sarah Courter and Sophia Mattice were awarded this scholarship by Burt Keefer.

TAAZ Seed Sales Scholarship

Tom and Anne Ziel are local Beck’s seed sales representatives and FFA supporters; in order to give back to our program they began a scholarship for our 5 year members. This year, Klaire Reibling, Lauren LeVasseur, and Abigail Rosenthal received this scholarship.

Thumb Bank & Trust - Agriculture Scholarship

Abigail LeVasseur received the longest standing scholarship given out at our banquet, sponsored by Thumb Bank and Trust and presented by Dave Armbruster.

Travis Paul Baur Memorial Scholarship

Travis Baur was an active FFA member during his high school career. The highlights of his career were receiving his state FFA degree, being on a state winning Agronomy team and competing at nationals, as well as countless chapter events and community service functions. Four students received his scholarship this year: Carson McCain and Kate Hill.

The chapter gives out scholarships to individuals who demonstrated excellence in their involvement throughout their 5 year FFA careers. Congratulations Casey Smith.

National FFA Scholarships

Each winter FFA seniors apply to the National FFA Scholarship program; this system enters students for hundreds of scholarships offered by a variety of businesses and organizations.This year, were were fortunate to have 5 students named for a National FFA scholarship on behalf of various corporate sponsors:

Addison Elenbaum was awarded a $5,000 scholarship on behalf of Tractor Supply Company.

Casey Smith was awarded a $1,500 scholarship from Bayer -Grow Ag Leaders

Audrey McNabb and Caroline McNabb were awarded $1,000 from the Busch Hog Scholarship Program.

Lily McNabb was awarded $1,500 from Farmers Mutual Hail scholarship program.

Audrey McNabb and Jeff Leipprandt.

Photo Credit: Traci Weisenbach.

Students selected for this scholarship must be pursuing a career in agriculture and plan to return to Huron County. Mike Wehner awarded this scholarship to Audrey McNabb. Audrey McNabb and Mike Wehner. Photo Credit: Traci Weisenbach.

Lauren LeVasseur and Tom Ziel. Photo Credit: Traci Weisenbach.

Tom Ziel, Klaire Reibling (TAAZ Seed and Huron County Corn Growers), Abby Rosenthal (TAAZ Seed), Audrey McNabb (Huron County Corn Growers) and Lily McNabb (Huron County Corn Growers). Photo Credit: Traci Weisenbach.

Hannah Corp (Linda Keefer), Faith Suggitt (Julia Hope Voelker), and Matt Murawski (Heck Family), and Don Wheeler. Photo Credit: Traci Weisenbach.

Mrs. Haley and Casey Smith. Photo Credit: Traci Weisenbach.

Abigail LeVasseur and Michelle Hill. Photo Credit: Traci Weisenbach.

Carson McCain, Kate Hill, Mrs. Haley. Photo Credit: Traci Weisenbach.

Sarah Courter, Burt Keefer, and Sophia Mattice. Photo Credit: Traci Weisenbach.

Caroline McNabb, Audrey McNabb, Mrs. Haley, Casey Smith, Addison Elenbaum, and Lily McNabb. Photo Credit: Traci Weisenbach.

State Winning Skills Contest Teams

Agriculture Communications

In the Agriculture Communications contest, students are tasked to take a communication and writing mechanics test based on APA format.Then students participate in a 30 minute press conference where they compile information for their individual practicum areas: Magazine Layout and Design, Blog Post and Social Media Post and Journalistic Writing.

Kate Hill (6th overall individual of the contest), Ryleigh Lapka (5th individual overall in the contest), Abigail LeVasseur, and Lauren LeVasseur who were named the State WInners and will compete at the National FFA Convention this fall.

Poultry Evaluation

The Poultry Evaluation contest allows students the opportunity to showcase their abilities in the wide field of poultry science. Participants are judged on their ability to judge eggs, production birds, ready to eat birds, chicken patties as well as identify breeds, anatomical parts and diseases.

Our team was named the State Winner and was composed of: Lydia Rokicki (top individual of the contest), Riley McIntosh (9th individual overall in the contest), Nate Radomski, Klaire Reibling, and Julia Shupe.

This team will compete at the National FFA Convention this October in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Floriculture

Students participating in the Floriculture contest have the opportunity to showcase their abilities in the area of floriculture. Students participate in a four part contest consisting of identification, general knowledge/problem solving exam and floral design practicum (copy design and corsage making).

The state winning team was composed of: Anya Cardoza (3rd overall individual

Faith Suggitt.

This team will compete at the upcoming National FFA Convention in October in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Land Conservation

Students participating in the Land Conservation contest have the opportunity to showcase their abilities in judging parcels of land. Each team will judge parcels of land on soil structure, nutrient levels and acceptability of parcels for alternative uses.

This year a unique situation occurred where two of our competing teams tied for 1st place, and therefore there were two state winners named in this contest.

The winning teams were: Team 1: Michael Bruce, Matt Murdoch, Aedan Duggan, Zac Trost and Lucas Lesoski. Team 2: Jayden Szarenski, Tori Sharpe, Kaitlyn Crown, Olivia Redmond, Briyah Witt.

State Runner-Up Skills Contest Teams

Agriculture Communications: Kale Miklovic (7th overall individual),

Kreider, and LeeAnn Kubacki

Land Conservation: Allysen Smith, Braadyn Smith, Nichole Haag, Izzy Prill and Allison Williams

Discovery Degree

The recipients of the Discovery Degree are as follows: Collin S. Ahearn, Josiah A. Benish, Ryan T. Bohland, Olivia J. Boldrey, Dylan L. Bruce, Drew M. Browne, Drake P. Browne, Paige M. Brumfield, Khloe A. Carriveau, Easton M. Champagne, Talon I. Cook, Alora R. Deming, Bentley M. Denman, Kyle J. Dorsch, Emma L. Engelhardt, James D. Gilbert, Kaiden A. Gothro, Lauren P. Gordon, Walter T. Haag, Hogan D. Halvorsen, Owen R. Hasting, Wyatt L. Herman, Asher R. Herod, Kloei L. Kady, Christopher L. Kleekamp, Eliana R. Kirkham, Kynnadee S. Kretzschmer, Trent M. Lasceski, Michael A. London, Jonah L. Mantey, Anistacya A. Martinez, Navaya M. Martinez, Jayla G. Maurer, Haylee R. Miller, Gabriel S. Mossner, Adaline G. Orlik, Landen B. Percell, Marshall M. Prill, Kendyl A. Reehl, Jesse D. Renn, Nailah M. Ropp, KaiLee A. Scherret, Emilia A. Schulte, Brynley L. Schulze, Blake J. Shepherd, Bryce O. Skinner, Evan R. Spearing, Rylee L. Steinman, Lane M. Strieter, Joshua M. Tobias, Valeria Trujillo Garcia, Collin D. VanValkenburgh, Landon D. Walsh, Jaylee N. Waltos, Jakin D. Ward, Jayson A. Warner, Danika R. Weiderhold, Elektra R. Wheeler

Greenhand Degree

The recipients of the Greenhand Degree are as follows: Ellee Armbruster, Evan Braun, Parker Britt, Wyatt Buchholz, Samantha Burack, Chloe Chandler, Dominic Clabuesch-Haag, Brayden Craig, Samantha De Oliveira, Emma Delmotte, Bella Erb, Emma Fritz, Chase Gardy, Khloe Genow, Nichole Haag, Jaxon Hurren, Brady Iseler, Maeson Kady, Falyn Kreider, LeeAnn Kubacki, Adalynne Lange, Elizabeth McIntosh, Kale Miklovic, Gracie Prill, Isabella Prill, Sydney Protzman, Abigial Redmond, Owen Reibling, Julia Shupe, Braadyn Smith, Brian Smith, Ellie Stafford, Claire Suggitt, Chase Swartzendruber, Madalynn Warneck, Mason Warneck, Briyah Witt, Madison Wolschlager, Reid Zimmerman

Chapter Degree

The recipients of the Chapter Degree are as follows: Hunter Arntz, Morgan Blair, Pyper Braun, Kaitlyn Crown, Olivia Delmotte, Aedan Duggan, Zac Fritz, Jaizsmen Gusa, Henry Haag, Olivia Hooper, Paige Horetski, Hesston Keim, Deb Kennedy, Lucas Lesoski, Noah May, Riley McIntosh, Ava Morell, Matt Murdoch, Olivia Redmond, Lydia Rokicki, Sadie Steinman, Skylar Steinman, Leila Stone, Jayden Szarenski, Zac Trost, Hailey Webber, Lucas Wehner, Eva Zagorski

The recipients of the State FFA Degree are as follows: Dylan Braun, Anya Cardoza, Hannah Corp, Sarah Courter, Connor Elenbaum, Kate Hill, Makenna Lasceski, Lauren LeVasseur, Adison London, Sophia Mattice, Carson McCain, Audrey McNabb, Caroline McNabb - Silver State Degree, Lily McNabb, Matthew Muraski, Klaire Reibling - Gold State Degree, Abigail Rosenthal, Allysen Smith, Megan Strieter, Faith Suggitt, Cade Truemner State

Outstanding Junior Degree

The recipients of the Outstanding Junior Degree are as follows: Aubree Bouck, Anna Brooks, Michael Bruce, Grant Buchholz, Caden Carriveau, Eli Dubs, Ultan Dunn, Addison Elenbaum, MacKenna Emerson, Ashley Gentry, Luke Good, Jacob Herman, Logan Hurren, Lakyn Krohn, Nathan Radomski, Levi Renn, Charlotte Scaddan, Madison Scaddan, Hannah Schember, Kaylee Shaw, Mariam Shupe, Casey Smith, Noah Smith, Sarah Steinman , Teryana Strickland, Allison Williams, Nicole Williams, Gwyn Zimmerman