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From Mifflinburg Telegraph Weekly Newspaper Archive
Recently, two members of the Mifflinburg FFA Chapter were awarded with the Keystone FFA Degree at the 94th Pennsylvania Farm Show, Mid-Winter Convention. The Keystone Degree is the highest degree a member can earn in the Commonwealth. Chelynn Bingaman is the daughter of Mark and Mary Bingaman of Millmont. In order to earn her Keystone Degree, Bingaman raised and exhibited market steers at the West End Fair, where she won grand champion in 2009. She is currently serving as vice-president and banquet committee chairman. In addition to her FFA activities, she is a member of the Wildcat Softball team and Hidden Treasures 4-H Club. After graduation, Bingaman plans to major in Animal Science or Pre-Veterinary studies at Penn State Altoona. Marissa Ewing is the daughter of John and Susan Hauck of New Berlin and Brad and Vicki Ewing of McClure. Ewing completed dairy herd supervised agricultural experience project to earn her degree. Currently, Ewing is serving as the chapter president. She is also active in field hockey, track and field, and the 4-H Dairy Club. Ewing would like to obtain a career as physical therapist or physical education instructor following graduation. To earn their Keystone Degree an FFA member must hold the chapter degree, invest a minimum of $1,000 or work 300 hours in excess of class time, complete five activities above the chapter level, and hold a satisfactory academic record. Also, during the Mid-Winter Convention, Sarah Moyer, daughter of Steve and Judy Moyer of Laurelton, was selected from a pool of more than 350 applicants to receive her official FFA Jacket. More than 800 jackets have been awarded to first year FFA members by the Pennsylvania FFA Alumni Organization. Additionally, the chapter display, on colony collapse disorder, placed second. Colony collapse disorder is a threatening disease to the beekeeping industry. Honeybees, which are valued at $4 billion dollars to the United States economy, pollinate crops such as apples, blueberries, clover, and other crops. Unfortunately, over thirty six percent of commercial beehives have been lost to this disease over the past year. © Copyright 2010 by Mifflinburg Telegraph Weekly Newspaper |
