The La Porte-Dysart FFA Chapter at the 98th Iowa FFA State Leadership Conference. Back Row: Jill Hanson (12), Bailey Brown (12), Alivia Keegan (12), Alyza Harting (9), Ben Rosauer (12), Jeremias Yuska (10), Jace Bechthold (8), Jakob Gasco (12), Lauren Frush (12) Front Row: Mrs. Carly Ahrendsen, RaeLynn Wildeboer (10), Brooklyn Garcia (9), Grace Ruzicka (11), Keelan Even (10), Carson Nechanicky (10), Brandon Frush (12), Mitchell Nechanicky (8), Dylan McGivern (8), Mrs. Emily Damro. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

AMES – A total of 18 La Porte-Dysart FFA members joined FFA chapters from across Iowa for the 98th Iowa FFA Leadership Conference April 19-21 at Iowa State University’s Hilton Coliseum in Ames.

The Iowa FFA State Leadership Conference is one the largest of its kind in the National FFA Organization. The annual conference provides agricultural education students the opportunity to participate in Leadership and Career Development Event competitions, be recognized for accomplishments in events during the past year, become inspired by motivational speakers, interact with college and business professionals, and develop leadership skills.

La Porte-Dysart FFA Chapter achievements include:

-Jill Hanson, State Champion Job Interview LDE. Jill will compete at the national level next fall!

-Bailey Brown, Silver Rating Ag Broadcasting LDE

-Keelen Even, Jakob Gasco, Wesley Buckingham, Gold Rating Poultry Evaluation CDE

-Brooklyn Garcia, RaeLynn Wildeboer, Lauren Frush, Brandon Frush, Silver Rating Team Ag Sales CDE

-Grace Ruzicka, Jeremias Yuska, Carson Nechanicky, Bronze Rating Farm Business Management CDE

-La Porte-Dysart FFA Chapter National Award, National Bronze Application Rating (completed by the FFA Officer Team)

-Lauren Frush, Alivia Keegan, Ben Rosauer, Gold Rating Chapter Display & Top 10 in the state

-Alyza Harting, Greenhand Quiz Participant

-Brandon Frush, Massing of the Flags Participant

-Jill Hanson, 2026 Iowa Degree Recipient

-Lauren Frush and Alivia Keegan, Chapter Delegates

-Ben Rosauer, Congratulations for making the ballot while running for Iowa FFA Office. While not elected, this is still a huge accomplishment at the end of an excellent high school FFA Career!

-UMS: Mitchell Nechanicky, Dylan McGivern and Jace Bechthold participated in the Middle School Workshop

Thank you to all community volunteers and alumni who have mentored students in their skill development for contests this school year! Congratulations to the competing members of the La Porte-Dysart FFA Chapter on a wildly successful state conference.