Category: Schools

On Monday, November 12th, students and staff were blessed to be part of the 2018 Fairbury Jr./Sr. High School Veterans’ Day Convocation. During the program, they were treated to performances from the band and chorus. There were also great speeches from Mark Schoenrock and Lyle Bartles. Mark discussed the importance of being committed to the future and continuing to serve the community, state, and nation. Lyle discussed how our soldiers were the true heroes of the country. This day is always a very moving and influential day, and it was made even more special by the veterans who attended the program. Each present veteran was introduced to the student body with his or her years of service, branch, duties, and tours. There were 21 Veterans present, and they all received a standing ovation from our student body. It was a great moment in the program.

By Kennedy DeBoer

Eighteen students traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana for the 91st FFA National Convention and Expo. Students left Tuesday, October 24 at midnight from a Walmart parking lot in Lincoln, Nebraska on a charter bus. We traveled all night and arrived in Indianapolis around 1:30 Wednesday afternoon.

As a chapter we attended the opening session Wednesday night at the Bankers Life Fieldhouse where the Indiana Pacers play basketball. Kyle Scheele was the keynote speaker for that session. He gave a very inspiring message about leadership.

On Thursday, we got to start the day by going to the Indianapolis Speedway. We took a lap around the track and then got to “kiss the bricks” at the finish line. After we took the lap around the track we got to go into the museum and look at old cars and trophies. After that, we went downtown to eat. There is a food court in the mall and many different restaurants in walking distance in the area.  We ended the night by attending the Nebraska only FFA Dance in the hotel.

We started our Friday off by going to the FFA Convention Store and Expo. Members got to look at FFA gear that they could purchase and talk to different companies who gave away free things. Also, we watched FFA Creed and Parliamentary Procedure finals. That night we ended by going out to eat and then going to another session and listening to a keynote speaker. We also had the Nebraska dance at our hotel with the other Nebraska FFA Chapters.

Saturday morning, we went to Lucas Oil Stadium, and watched Carson Bohlmeyer get presented his American FFA Degree.  Fairbury FFA had four other members receive their American FFA Degrees but were not able to attend. Those members were Blake Bauer, Tyler Heidemann, Trevin Likens, and Patrick Ondrak.  We drove all day, arriving in Fairbury around 11:30 pm. All in all, we had a great trip to Indianapolis and a great learning opportunity for all of the members who went.

Centennial, NE – Friday, October 19, 2018  – The Fairbury Chapter of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) and nearly 150 FCCLA youth members and adult advisers from FCCLA District 2 gathered at Centennial High School on October 19  for the annual District Leadership Conference (DLC). FCCLA District 2 membership includes students from the following schools: Centennial, Fairbury, Friend, Lincoln Northeast, Lincoln Southwest, Milford , Seward, and Waverly.  These meetings provided FCCLA members with opportunities to gain leadership skill experience and learn how to become a better leader by exploring what FCCLA is all about and attending sessions aligned with FCCLA’s National Programs.  At DLC our goal is to have all of our members increase their leadership skills and have personal growth. Fairbury also had 5 members participate in the first ever District #2 choir presentation of The Star Spangled Banner.  Those participating included:  Dakota Gladson, Josi Mans, Taylea Mills, Claire Shumard, and Izze Schwab.

Christine Brungardt from Jana’s Campaign, Inc. was the Keynote speaker and brought a message of education and violence prevention. The organizations single mission is to reduce gender and relationship violence. In honor of the late Jana Mackey and other victims and survivors of gender and relationship violence, Jana’s Campaign delivers educational programs that prevent domestic and dating violence, sexual violence, and stalking.  Other breakout sessions included Self Defense, a message from a Public School Resource Officer, Knowledge Bowl competition information, York College-Competing for STAR presentation, State Officer, SPOT, and Power of One presentations by current and former FCCLA members, and a Plating and Food demonstration by Chef Sarah Anderson, Ashland Golf Course. The District Leadership Conference provided a positive outlook for youth today and inspiration for what tomorrow holds for our future.

About FCCLA

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is a dynamic and effective national student organization that helps young men and women become leaders and address important personal, family, work, and societal issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education.  FCCLA has more than 164,000 members and more than 5,300 chapters from 49 state associations, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. www.fcclainc.org