National FFA success for PC

FFA members share some laughs and hugs in the PCHS cafeteria Friday evening.

National champions from the Prairie Central FFA chapter were welcomed home to a cheering crowd Friday evening in the Prairie Central High School cafeteria.

Prairie Central once again had a successful National FFA convention, being named the national champion for the Milk Quality and Products and Ag Sales teams. In Milk Quality and Products, Ashlyn Kratochvil was the top individual, Derek Dotterer was ninth, Morgan Lanz was tenth and Ashley Young was gold. For Ag Sales, Kenna Skaggs was top individual in the nation while Evan Slagel was fourth, Ainsley Kratochvil fifth and Patrick McGreal received gold.

“It was a complete team effort,” said a Facebook post from the Prairie Central FFA. “They make each other better and after two years and over 65 individual sales calls for practice, they got their chance at nationals and a shining and unforgettable moment on the biggest stage.”

The National FFA Milk Quality and Products CDE is a competitive event that allows students to prove their knowledge about the recognition, selection and management necessary for quality milk and dairy products. The National FFA Agricultural Sales CDE is a competitive event that allows students to apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations. This event includes actual sales presentations, a written exam and team sales situation.

PC was also in the national top ten for the Food Science CDE, which included Garret Platz, Nathan Plenert, Andrew Slagel and Ivan Miller. The Marketing Plan team received a bronze emblem. Members include Ellie Drach, Grace Lemenager and Brittney Slagel.

The 94th National FFA Convention and Expo was held in Indianapolis. Members of the Prairie Central FFA received a fire truck escort starting in Strawn on their way back to Fairbury.