2026 Spring Newsletter

TRUE BLUE

Growing Leaders. Building Communities. Creating Career Connections.

NEBRASKA NEWS Spring 2026

One highlight of the convention was the announcement of the 2025 Nebraska FFA State STARS. These students worked diligently on their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs) and shined as the top four State Degree recipients in their respective area:

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he 98th Nebraska State FFA Convention welcomed nearly 8,000 members, advisors, and supporters to Lincoln, Nebraska, March 25-27. Students competed in career and leadership development events, visited with vendors and sponsors at the expo and career fair, participated in industry tours, attended sessions, and rolled up their sleeves to volunteer for service learning activities. The theme of the convention—“Step Up. Stand Out!”—focused on courage, leadership, and personal growth, empowering students to take initiative and pursue new opportunities and distinguish themselves in the agricultural community.

Agribusiness - Peyton Halvorsen, Lakeview Agriscience - Esther VanOverbeke, Waverly Placement - Trevor Sloup, Lakeview Production - Jett Johnson, Holdrege 2026-27 Nebraska State Officers State President: Carson Reiman, Gothenburg State Secretary: Luke Eisenmann, Leigh State Vice President: Megan Macklin, Blue Hill State Vice President: Logan Bell, Broken Bow State Vice President: Josette McConnell, Sidney State Vice President: Hudson Dellevoet, Kearney State Vice President: Levi Othmer, Johnson Co. Central

VIEW ONLINE!

To watch convention sessions and view results, visit www.neaged.org.

NEBRASKA FFA FOUNDATION PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE STEPPING UP FOR AGRICULTURE As I reflect on this year’s 98th Nebraska FFA Convention, I am filled with pride and optimism for the future of agriculture and leadership in our state.

Under the powerful theme, Step Up. Stand Out!, 7,957 FFA members, advisors, and guests came together to celebrate growth, achievement, and the courage it takes to lead.

Across Nebraska, 218 local FFA chapters continue to shape the next generation of leaders. Each chapter represents a community committed to developing students who are not only skilled in agriculture, but who also understand the value of service, integrity, and hard work. The impact of these programs reaches far beyond the classroom and into every corner of our state.

As President of the Nebraska FFA Foundation Board, I have the unique privilege of seeing firsthand the dedication of our students, the passion of our advisors, and the generosity of our supporters. I see students stepping outside their comfort zones to compete, speak, and lead. I see advisors investing countless hours to mentor and guide. And, I see

donors and partners who believe deeply in the mission of FFA and the future it represents.

This year’s convention theme challenged each of us to rise to the moment—to step up when leadership is needed and to stand out by making a difference.

Our members did exactly that. They demonstrated that leadership is not about position, but about action, and that the future of Nebraska agriculture is in incredibly capable hands.

On behalf of the Nebraska FFA Foundation, thank you to everyone who plays a role in making these opportunities possible. Together, we are building leaders, strengthening communities, and ensuring a bright future for Nebraska agriculture.

Jeremy Wilhelm PRESIDENT NEBRASKA FFA FOUNDATION

GROW WITH GRANT FUNDING Apply NOW for the 2026 Nebraska FFA Foundation Chapter Grant Program!

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We want to support your FFA chapters, ag ed classrooms, and school-based enterprises. Applications accepted through June 30, 2026.

SCAN HERE TO APPLY! Read about the Central City FFA Chapter grants on Page 4.

Nebraska FFA Chapters Step Up in Annual Fundraising Campaign The “I Believe in the Future of Ag” campaign serves as an outlet for local FFA chapters to receive donations and matching funds for innovative projects in their classrooms, leadership programming, community service projects, and hands-on learning experiences to advance agriculture education in their schools.

Corporate sponsors provide support for the educational campaign, providing matching dollars to the participating FFA chapters. At the end of the campaign, 100% of each local donation is returned to the designated chapter, including a portion of the matching pool of funds once they complete one sponsor engagement.

Additionally, chapters that participate in the campaign have the option to take part in the Sponsorship Engagement Contest, potentially earning even more dollars for their FFA chapters.

The contest connects chapters with campaign corporate sponsors through a variety of activities.

This program year, a total of 80 FFA chapters participated in the contest, submitting nearly 840 sponsor engagement activities.

diligence and dedication to the program and their schools and chapters. Finishing as the top three FFA chapters were Aquinas, Johnson County Central, and Osmond.

The top 10 chapters participating in the campaign and Sponsor Engagement Contest were recognized on stage at the Nebraska FFA State Convention and received additional cash prizes: 1st Place: Aquinas FFA 2nd Place: Johnson County Central FFA 3rd Place: Osmond FFA 4th Place: Litchfield FFA 5th Place: Johnson-Brock FFA 6th Place: Ravenna FFA 7th Place: Pleasanton FFA 8th Place: High Plains FFA 9th Place: Gothenburg FFA 10th Place: Sutton FFA

Three chapters stood out in their efforts toward the annual fundraising campaign, proving 3

CHAPTER GRANT

TRIPLE IMPACT: GRANTS HELP CENTRAL CITY CREATE TOP-TIER SHOP PROGRAM When the Nebraska FFA Foundation presents grant funding, it’s not necessarily a one-and-done deal— it’s an investment in a chapter’s potential to grow and adapt over time. That’s exactly the case for Central City FFA. The chapter received not one, not two, but three grants from the NeFFA Foundation to update and expand their welding and metal labs and launch two school-based enterprise SAEs. This has led to a top-tier shop program and has allowed the school to host an annual welding competition.

The first grant, received in 2023, was used to purchase underwater welding equipment, aluminum spool guns for aluminum MIG welding, and other welding supplies.

“Exposing students to different welding processes, different equipment, and providing them with many opportunities to practice gives them a leg up when applying for industry jobs,” says Alex Stocker, Central City FFA advisor.

and designing, cutting, and painting signs and other projects for local customers.

According to Stocker, the project was costly, but they were fortunate to receive funding from several sources, including the NeFFA Foundation grant in partnership with Central Valley Ag.

Stocker also needed to upgrade the welding equipment to align with the requirements of dualcredit courses that he began teaching in partnership with Central Community College. Because of these advanced classes, Central City has had many students earn their Production Welding Certificates from CCC, and several have entered the workforce with local businesses.

Last fall, Central City received a Foundation chapter grant with the intention to start a new schoolbased enterprise in the Ag Sales and Ag Business classrooms. The classes proposed the idea to purchase a laser engraver to enable students to create plaques, tumblers, name plates, and other awards for the school and community. Students chose this project after difficulties getting awards for their banquet. The class brainstormed ideas and eventually landed on the idea to make their own.

And so, the Bison Laser business concept was born.

In 2024, Central City FFA received a second grant to purchase a new plasma table system with the goal of starting a school-based enterprise SAE. Once the system was installed, students began taking orders

When the Foundation works with a chapter on a series of grants, it’s a full-circle moment to witness projects and school-based enterprises come to life, grow, and flourish.

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Golden Recognition HERE BY THE OWL – SIX NEBRASKA AG TEACHERS RECOGNIZED FOR GOLDEN HONOR Agriculture educators play a vital role within their communities by investing countless hours in preparing and empowering students for successful careers in the industry. To recognize their contributions and endless efforts, the Nebraska FFA Foundation, Nebraska Agricultural Education Association (NAEA), and Nationwide are honoring six agriculture teachers as finalists for the Golden Owl Award: • Brandon Jacobitz – Adams Central • Ben Robison – Alma • Lee Schroeder – West Point • Shelly Kubicek – Aquinas • Tony Jensen – Freeman • Christy Hodges – Johnson County Central From October 1 through December 31, 2025, nominations for the state’s top agricultural teachers were collected from local students, parents,

administrators, fellow teachers, and community members across Nebraska. A selection committee reviewed more than 100 nominations and selected six finalists. The Foundation’s “surprise squad” arranged visits with the six schools to present each finalist with a $500 check and individualized plaque in front of their students, colleagues, and family members.

One finalist will then be chosen as the grand prize winner, earning the title as Nebraska’s 2025-2026 Ag Educator of the Year. In addition, the chosen candidate will receive the coveted Golden Owl Award trophy and an extra $3,000 cash award.

“The Nebraska FFA Foundation’s mission includes investment in agriculture educators/FFA advisors, and we are grateful for those who nominated these outstanding teachers who work so hard every day to educate and grow students into leaders in agriculture,” says Stacey Agnew, Executive Director of the NeFFA Foundation.

NEBRASKA’S 2026 GOLDEN OWL AWARD FINALISTS

Brandon Jacobitz Adams Central

Ben Robison Alma

Lee Schroeder West Point

Shelly Kubicek Aquinas

Tony Jensen Freeman

Christy Hodges Johnson Co. Central 5

DECADES OF LEADERSHIP The Nebraska FFA Foundation hosted its annual Past State Officer & VIP Donor Celebration to wrap up another successful State Convention. The 2000-2001 State Officer team presented opening ceremonies, and the 50-year team from 1975-1976 was recognized on stage at the final session. Members from six teams had representatives present to celebrate milestone anniversaries!

5 Year Team: Rebecca Wulf, Madison Stracke, Heath Keiser, Jozie Schilke

10 Year Team: Renae Sieck Schroeder, Trevor Spath, Katie Nolles Smith

15 Year Team: Jordyn Lechtenberg Bader, John Bader, Debra Wray Williams

20 Year Team: Kyle Perry, Ryan Hassebrook, Jaci Benson, Rob Bundy, Dillon Harchelroad

25 Year Team: Kyle Arganbright, Kylie Brand Penke, Melinda Sonderup Endorf, Amanda Mortensen, Tony Jensen

50 Year Team: Mike Foley, Norman Krug, Mark Holoubek. Russ Herink, Scott Stoll

CLASSIC IN CORDUROY One vintage jacket made it back to the convention stage with its owner Scott Stoll from the 1975-76 Nebraska State FFA Officer Team.

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Helping Hands in Action – Osmond Educator Recognized for Going Above & Beyond

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Jessica deserves the Gary Scharf Helping Hand Award because she truly represents the spirit of helping hands in action.

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Sheila Abler Osmond FFA Advisor Jessica Evans was awarded the 2026 Gary Scharf Helping Hand Award for her commitment to helping others and serving selflessly in the classroom and beyond.

Described as someone who puts her all into her community and students, it’s no surprise that Ms. Jessica Evans, Osmond FFA advisor, was awarded the 2026 Gary Scharf Helping Hand Award. Evans was nominated and selected for the award based on her selfless service and dedication to youth development.

“There are several characteristics that set Jessica apart as someone who goes above and beyond,” says community member Sheila Abler. “When a need arises, she does not hesitate—she shows up and goes to work. She leads by example, showing students and community members what it means to serve selflessly and respond when others are in need.”

Her dedication to youth development is equally impactful. As a teacher, track coach, and FFA advisor at Osmond High School, Evans invests deeply in her students’ growth. She started the Osmond FFA Chapter, and has built it into a thriving, competitive program. Her commitment to

Community member

conservation education, recognized when she was named Lower Elkhorn NRD Educator of the Year in 2023, reflects her desire to shape not only skilled students but responsible citizens.

“Jessica deserves the Gary Scharf Helping Hand Award because she truly represents the spirit of helping hands in action. Her impact reaches far beyond the classroom, strengthening both individuals and the broader community,” says Abler.

The Gary Scharf Helping Hand Award recognizes a Nebraska ag teacher or FFA advisor for what he or she has done in helping others, specifically in the school and community outside of agriculture education and FFA. As a recipient of the award, Evans receives a plaque and a $500 cash award from the Nebraska FFA Foundation.

The award honors Mr. Gary Scharf, who was a victim of the 2007 Omaha mall shooting. Scharf made contributions to Nebraska’s agricultural and FFA communities through years of service on the Nebraska FFA Foundation Board, serving as the board president in 2002-2003.

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PO Box 94942 Lincoln, NE 68509-4942

SCAN TO DONATE Scan the QR Code to donate and help ensure FFA students across Nebraska have access to the resources, experiences, and opportunities they need to lead!

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