LINCOLN - Students from across the state were awarded Proficiency Awards at the 96th annual Nebraska FFA State Convention held April 3-5. The Proficiency Awards program encourages members to set personal goals and learn practical skills. The program provides recognition to FFA members for exceptional accomplishments and excellence in their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) programs. The Supervised Agricultural Experience program is an individualized application of classroom learning beyond scheduled class time and has been a standard part of agricultural education since 1917. Students’ SAEs may be entrepreneurial enterprises, employment experiences or research projects. Student’s applications won district competitions before being considered by the state-selected committee in February. In the area of Agricultural Education, Matthew Alderson, the son of Curtis Alderson and Jill Heemstra of Osmond,
took home the top prize and will be representing the state of Nebraska in the National competition in October.
Matthew’s SAE project includes teaching students in kindergarten through sixth grade about agricultural technology and animal sciences. He uses public speaking and critical thinking skills to design and present workshops.
Matthew’s FFA advisor is Jessica Evans. Rounding out the top three places in this event were Kaylei Denison from Waverly receiving second and Cole Brandes of Central City receiving third place.
In the area of Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance - Placement, Matthew Alderson of Osmond was runner-up to Shelby Perchal of West Point. Shelby is the daughter of Kelly Perchal and Josh and Kara Perchal. Shelby’s Ag Mechanics placement skills include routine farm equipment maintenance, maintaining a pulling tractor, and rebuilding engines, turbos, and clutches.
Her FFA advisor is Lee Schroeder. Rounding out the top three was Grant Kaup of Stuart in third place.
Congratulations to all FFA proficiency finalists and best of luck to the win ners as they prepare for the National Competition.
