Montana FFA Holds District Competition

FFA students from all over the district converged in Sidney Monday for day long competitions.

Floriculture took place at St. Matthews multi purpose center. Hinsdale advisor Patti Armbrister explained how valuable the competition is, stating that the students learn job interview, problem solving, sales and marketing and customer service skills. "They come out of this contest with pretty good business skills," she said. The goal is to prepare the students for college and a career and Armbrister feels confident that the program fulfills that goal. The Hinsdale team has done very well at district and state but she said that many area teams offer stiff competition. She gave credit for the floriculture program to Ann Newhouse who is the Froid FFA advisor. Newhouse started the program many years ago when she taught at Bainville and has continued her valuable support. "She had the vision to start it and keep it going," Armbrister said.

Erin Roedeske with Wild Prairie Floral supplied the product for the floriculture event. As a former FFA student, she is happy to work with the kids and was pleased at how well they were performing. By the end of the day, the students would have designed a centerpiece, done job interviews, competed in plant identification, care and disorders and completed a difficult written test.

At Sidney High School, FFA students were competing in mechanics, plumbing, electrical and liquids divisions. On hand was Tom Smith with Lincoln College of Technology in Denver. He explained that scholarships are available to the school for any competing junior or senior FFA student in welding, diesel and automotive programs. The top 10 at district will receive $1000 scholarships while participants will receive $500. He hoped to give away at least $15,000 on Monday. Winners at state will receive $7500 and participants get $1500. National competition winners can get up to a full ride scholarship. He hopes that the scholarships will motivate freshmen and sophomores to participate in FFA saying FFA kids are the cream of the crop and Lincoln College wants those students. Contact him at 406-413-9054 for more information on available programs.