Chase Dittmar is a State Proficiency winner in the area of Agricultural Communications with his bee business. His application will be advancing to the National FFA Competition. He was awarded with a medallion that he will wear at graduation. “I was very proud of myself, but I didn’t think I was going to make it this far,” said Dittmar. “I was ecstatic that I was able to win at a high level and to have this opportunity to maybe win Nationals.”

Other students who placed were Nick Handfelt ‘24 in Agricultural Processing who placed in the top five and Cooper Einsweiler ‘24 placed second in Safety.
Einsweiler was interviewed about this job at the Alice T. Virtue Memorial Pool in Galena, IL. He has worked at the pool for three years.“I was disappointed because I wanted to get first in my category,” he said. “At least I was able to get districts and I was pleasantly surprised.”

Handfelt was interviewed over his maple syrup business. He has done this business for two years. “I think it was an opportunity to be able to talk about something I am passionate about,” he said. “I enjoyed the experience other than not being able to move on.”

These students had to keep an accurate record of their SAE’s for a full year straight. The more years students put in the better they have at a chance of winning their section, division, and then state competition. In addion to districts the winner and runner up move on to state. If the students win at state then you move onto Nationals.
Ms. Lee is the advisor for the Galena FFA Chapter. She helps the students keep accurate records in their books and looks over them to make sure they are great. She is also very proud of the three students who were able to make it to the state level.

“We had a record setting year,” said Lee. “It was a big accomplishment to have three people go and compete as well as a winner and a runner up. I can’t wait to see what Chase will do at nationals.”