Success at the 2019 State FFA Alumni & Supporters Convention
The Denmark FFA Alumni & Supporters had a very busy year in 2019 and it showed. This year's State Alumni Convention took place on February 8-9 in Stevens Point, Wisconsin. A group of 19 members represented our Alumni over the two day conference. We are fortunate and proud to have received recognition in the following award areas:
- National Outstanding Affiliate Award - 1st Place, Gold Rating
- Joe Loritz - Distinguished Contributor Award Recipient
- Mark Olsen - Outstanding Achievement Award Recipient
- Newsletter Award - 1st Place, Gold Rating
- Website Award - Gold Rating
Representing Denmark FFA Alumni at convention were: Row 1: Amy Novak, Sarah Calaway, Joe Schlies, and Brenda Melnarik. Row 2: Marty Nowak, John Calaway, Dave & Marie Salszeider, Mary Handrich, Mark Olsen, and Lester Schlies. Row 3: Dennis Schultz, Jim Novak, Karen Schultz, Lori Calaway, Theresa Olsen, James Grasee, Eric Treml, and Josh Rusk.
FFA Alumni and Supporters 2019 Annual Banquet and Senior Scholarship Awards
The Denmark FFA Alumni & Supporters Annual Banquet and Senior Scholarship Presentations were held at Eddie Whipp's. Along with conducting our annual business, we said farewell to board members Mark Nelsen, John Calaway, and Amy Novak and thank them for all of the hard work and many contributions during their terms. We welcome new board members Matt Wavrunek, Dennis Schultz, and Kathy Vander Kinter and look forward to their leadership over the next few years. The alumni was fortunate to celebrate another very successful year in 2018 and were able to pass on the results to this year's graduating seniors by awarding $7,250 in scholarships. We thank our seniors for all of the ways that they've participated in FFA and have grown as leaders in their school and community. We wish them all the best in whatever the future holds! The awards were presented as follows:
Not pictured are Whitetails Unlimited Scholarship recipients: Kyle Propson ($750), Max Schilke ($500), and Nick Pribyl ($250)
FFA Alumni members attend National FFA Convention in Indianapolis
Seven alumni members and two advisors represented Denmark FFA Alumni at the 91st National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana. Alumni members attended the Garth Brooks Concert to begin the convention. Three alumni members participated in judging proficiency awards in the areas of Agricultural Communications, Diversified Livestock, and Vegetable Production Entrepreneurship. On Friday, alumni members attended the annual National FFA Alumni meeting. The rest of the week was filled with opportunities to attend the career expo, various workshops, convention sessions, and entertainment such as a hypnotist, the rodeo, National FFA Talent, Band, and Chorus Performances. The week was a great showcase of this wonderful organization!
Alumni members pictured from left to right: Josh Rusk, Marty Nowak, Amy Novak, Jim Novak, Mary Handrich, James Grasee, Elizabeth Calaway, Lester Schlies, and Lori Calaway.
FFA Alumni members volunteer during the Spring FFA Greenhouse Plant Sale
Alumni volunteers Nancy Schlies and Vickie Kane and FFA member Emily Nelsen make up a few more beautiful hanging baskets, a popular choice for Mother's Day shoppers!
FFA Alumni and FFA members work together on the annual alumni fruit sale
State FFA Alumni Convention - February 9-11, 2018
(see Spring Newsletter for a recap)
2018 Annual FFA Alumni Banquet and Senior Scholarship Awards
A very successful year of 2017 culminated at the Annual FFA Alumni Banquet and Senior Scholarship Awards Presentation held on Saturday, January 20, 2018. The evening began with socializing and sharing a delicious chicken dinner at Suster's in Denmark. A program followed with presentations by middle school and high school FFA officers, items of business that included revisions to the 2018 Alumni's supported activities and election of new board members and the presentation of annual senior scholarships. Thirteen scholarships were awarded to six graduating senior FFA members for a total of $3,750. These scholarships are made possible by the many fundraisers of the FFA Alumni, by community and alumni member sponsors in memory of a loved one, and by the Alumni organization in memory of each Lifetime FFA Alumni member who has passed away during the past year. We wish these seniors the very best in their futures beyond Denmark High School and hope that involvement in the Denmark FFA will be part of their future plans someday. The Alumni looks forward to all that awaits us in 2018!
Denmark FFA Alumni - Proud Supporter of "Powered by Chocolate Milk"
Coordinated by Mark Olsen (Alumni member and Coach), the "Powered by Chocolate Milk" Program at Denmark High School provides free chocolate milk to any high school student involved in any after school activity. The program provided over 15,000 cartons of milk in 2016-17. "Powered by Chocolate Milk" promotes the benefits of chocolate milk and the overall importance of healthy nutrition and lifestyle choices.
Denmark FFA Alumni Supports the Northeast Youth Livestock Show
Sarah Calaway and her market steer at the NEYLS.
- Market Steers Purchased
- Sarah Calaway
- Josie Bednarek
- Market Hogs Purchased
- Derek Kratz
- Autumn Melnarik
- Heather Melnarik
- Kate O'Brien
- Sydney Pieschek
- Jacob Schiesl
- Johnathon Schiesl
Special thanks to all of the alumni members who continue to volunteer their time to making the NEYLS happen each year!
Denmark FFA grills out at the 2017 Denmark Community Business Assoc. Trade Show
Brown County Fair - August 16-20, 2017
WE DID IT! Another year is in the books for the Alumni’s largest fundraiser, the Brown County Fair food booth. Mother Nature cooperated with only a little rain, accompanied by a rainbow, and overall comfortable temperatures which led to steady crowds in attendance. Energetic and willing volunteers came together for many hours of fun and hard work to make it all happen. The funds raised will allow the Alumni to continue supporting all of the learning and leadership growth opportunities of the FFA.
A HUGE thank you to everyone who helped make this year's Brown County Fair Food Booth such a big success!
WI Farm Technology Days - July 11-13, 2017
Denmark Lion's Parade
Maribel Lion's Parade
High School and Middle School FFA officers and members getting ready to participate in the 2017 Maribel Lions Club Parade. Students interacted with the parade spectators while handing out fresh Krohn's cheese curds, pencils, bookmarks, and recipe cards. All these items coincided with June Dairy Month and provided an opportunity for the public to witness the enthusiasm of our FFA youth in action!
In the News - Friends of Neshota Park
On Tuesday, June 20th the group "Friends of Neshota Park" unveiled their new sign near Phase 1 of the newly constructed playground. Donors and volunteers were recognized for their efforts to complete this task. Denmark FFA Alumni President Mark Nelsen (front row) was in attendance to represent our Chapter's financial and labor commitments supplied to this worthy group. In addition, Brown County Parks representatives were present to congratulate the collective actions of all involved.
