FFA: Chapter leadership workshop at LVHS
September 23, 2014
The Buddy Bench
September 23, 2014
FFA at L.A. County Fair
By KEAGAN WEIS
On Sept. 16 our officer team welcomed the freshmen into FFA.
Going to our stations and reciting our parts as officers to them helped them to understand a thing or two about what we do in FFA. We got them excited with ice breakers, inspired with quotes, and they came out of their shells a little bit as we got to know them.
Many of the freshmen, after seeing us present to them, have decided that they want to do what we do: speaking competitions, running for office, and making friends wherever they go. I was in their seats at one time. I was glad to see that we were inspiring them but, in all reality, it was them that inspired us as a team.
Going to our stations and reciting our parts as officers to them helped them to understand a thing or two about what we do in FFA. We got them excited with ice breakers, inspired with quotes, and they came out of their shells a little bit as we got to know them.
Many of the freshmen, after seeing us present to them, have decided that they want to do what we do: speaking competitions, running for office, and making friends wherever they go. I was in their seats at one time. I was glad to see that we were inspiring them but, in all reality, it was them that inspired us as a team.
The Buddy Bench
The Lucerne Valley FFA officers and adviser Mr. Troy Van Bavel delivered the “Buddy Bench” to members of the Eagles Leadership Team, which is advised by teacher Kay Hall. Peter Day / The Leader
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By PETER DAY
Senior Reporter
Senior Reporter
The Eagle Leadership team had an idea, and the high school’s FFA officers put that dream into action.
Last Wednesday, the FFA officers FFA delivered a handmade, Douglas fir bench to Lucerne Valley Elementary School. The “Buddy Bench” will provide a place for a student who might be feeling out of sorts to sit until someone comes and joins him or her.
“Someone can say, ‘Hey, do you want to come and play,’” said LVES teacher Kay Hall, who serves as adviser to the Eagle Leadership team.
Her leaderships students, which is comprised of students from the 5th and 6th grades, were ecstatic about the FFA’s generous gift.
“We think this is wonderful,” said student Landon Lindner.
FFA adviser Mr. Troy Van Bavel shook the hands of each student and complimented them for their attempt to help others.
“I think it’s a really good thing you’re doing,” he said.
Ms. Hall, who has taught at LVES for 17 years, agreed.
“These are fabulous kids.”
FFA at L.A. County Fair
October 7, 2014
The L.A. County Fair has come around again. As a Chapter, we were able to take a group of awesome freshmen to take part in a scavenger hunt on Sept. 20. As a freshman last year, a few of my fellow officers and I had an amazing time wandering around the fair and learning new things about agriculture. We made new friends, helped each other out, and were able to complete the scavenger hunt by the end of the first half of the day. Afterwards, we were able to have a great time at fair with all the venders, and other members of FFA. It was an amazing experience, and I hope the freshmen had as much fun as I did. — Keagan Weis, FFA reporter
FFA's novice team takes home first place
October 14, 2014
On Oct. 2, the Lucerne Valley FFA was able to take four teams to Littlerock High School. There, they participated in a contest called the ‘Opening Closing Ceremony,’ a section competition attracting FFA programs from other high school programs throughout the High Desert.
It was an amazing experience for the Lucerne Valley freshmen, as well as the others. They met new people, and got a little taste of competition and what will come of their first year in FFA. At the end, Novice Team 2 took home the first place plaque.
On Oct. 8 the Lucerne Valley program had its first chapter meeting.
“We were slightly nervous about how it would turn out, but we were also very excited when it started and the members started to arrive,” said Keagan Weis, FFA reporter.
The participants started with the opening ceremony, and then played a traditional game of “Guess That Tune.” Afterward, they had a class opening and closing competition between the two novice teams that competed at Little Rock.
“We learned what the other AG classes were doing that week, and the other members learned the new things that are to come in the chapter,” Keagan said.
The officers gave out awards for the competitors and members that stood outsince the beginning of the year. The meeting ended with the closing ceremony a group photo.
“Everyone had a great time, and we are so very excited for the next one to come.”
FFA event
November 18, 2014
Chart Your Way to the Treasures of Success: On Nov. 7, the Lucerne Valley FFA program took 18 students to the High Desert Section Leadership Conference in Valyermo. They interacted with other chapters, participated in games led by the section officers, and hiked up the mountain to learn how to repel off of a boulder and do a ropes course. “We played many games, made many new friends, and overall had a great, memorable time,” said FFA Chapter reporter Keagan Weis. “We’re excited to see what next year has in store for us!”
FFA News: FFA holds Winter Meeting
December 22, 2014
Eight FFA students participated in speaking competitons at Apple Valley High School.
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On Dec. 15, the Lucerne Valley Chapter of the FFA held its Chapter Winter Meeting. There, the members enjoyed many games and contests, from eating contests to guessing movies. Everyone had a great time and cannot wait until the next one.
It is also the day that the freshmen, known as “Greenhands,” got to experience some of the activities that take place during FFA Week: Log Skii and A-Frame. They got their hands painting green, and during sixth period, members had the Greenhand Ceremony where the freshmen got their first degree in FFA and their awards.
Impromptu, Job
Interview, Extemporaneous Speaking
On Dec. 2, Lucerne Valley FFA Chapter took eight students to Apple Valley High School. There, the group competed in separate competitions; Impromptu, Job Interview, and Extemporaneous speaking.
In Impromptu, Alexa Walkovitz took 1st, Keagan Weis took 2nd, Madison Redding took 4th, and Brandi Carrillo took 5th. Job Interview, Georgette Moreno took 2nd. Justin Nichols also took 2nd place in Extempt. (Alexa Walkovitz, Keagan Weis, Annabelle Fox, Madison Redding, Brandi Carrillo: Impromptu; Georgette Moreno, Kimberley Morales: Job Interview; Justin Nichols: Extemporaneous).
FFA event
January 21, 2015
On Jan. 10, Lucerne Valley FFA adviser Mr. VanBavel took five FFA members and some that met us to the Victorville Fairgrounds for a seminar about the care and keeping of your fair animal. The key speakers told us what to look for when choosing our animal, how often we should feed them, and what kind of schedule to keep. It was an interesting experience, especially for the first year members who would be getting their first fair animal in their FFA career. We are all more than excited to begin working with our animals with our new information.
FFA News: Local chapter celebrates FFA Week
March 10, 2015
By KEAGAN WEIS
FFA Week was held from Feb. 17 through the 20th. The five Ag classes — Ag Science, Mechanics, ROP Landscape, and Leadership — competed against each other in many different competitions.
The results were almost surprising: Mechanics took 1st, Ag Science P1 took 2nd, ROP Landscape took 3rd, Leadership took 4th, and Ag Science P2 took 5th.
Now, in the 20-year history of the Lucerne Valley FFA Chapter freshmen classes have never won FFA Week. This year, even though they got 2nd place, they were only 30 points away from taking 1st. This amazing week was filled with excitement and preparations while the last day was full of the epic competitors and wonderful FFA members. Congrats Mechanics!
Chapter Degree Banquet
The Chapter Degree Banquet is a celebration for second-year FFA members to receive the highest degree their chapter can bestow upon them. This year, our chapter was able to give 26 2nd-year members their chapter degrees. The ceremony is also to talk about other degrees that an FFA member can achieve including the State Degree and the American Degree. (FFA encourages every member to strive for more in their Agricultural careers.)
The ceremony itself was wonderful and filled with the support from parents, teachers and other FFA members. The night turned out to be a great one for all the members.
FFA: Locals compete at State Conference
April 28, 2015
By Keagan Weis
LV FFA Reporter
On Thursday, April 16th, the Lucerne Valley Officer Team set out to Fresno to attend the early part of State Conference: speaking competitions and finals. Alexa Walkovitz, and Justin Nichols got to compete in Impromptu and Extemporaneous speaking.
Alexa moved on to the finals round in top six, and was announced 2nd place in the State of California during one of the closing sessions on Tuesday April 21st.
On Saturday following the competitions, the officer team met up with the rest of our Chapter. The next day, Keagan Weis was able to be interviewed for Star Reporter at the state level.
The conference was overall amazing, and we enjoyed every experience we got. The freshmen that went had an awesome time, and the seniors will remember this as the best and last State Conference of their high school career. Next year will be just as amazing!
HIGH DESERT SECTION OFFICER SCREENING
On Thursday, April 23rd, the Lucerne Valley Chapter was able to send six students to Apple Valley High School to undergo the interview process to become a Section Officer. It was a fun learning experience for everyone who went and the beginning of something great for those who got slated:
Madison Redding: Vice President
Alexa Walkovitz: Vice President (update: was elected)
Keagan Weis: Reporter
We will be giving our Section Speeches on May 7th, at Serrano High School.
2015 Chapter FFA Banquet
May 26, 2015
Above: Outgoing officers accept recognition for their service. From left, Alexa Walkovitz, Sara Sullivan, Keagan Weis, Justin Nichols, Justice Torres and Samantha Sullivan.
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Editor's Note: The Lucerne Valley FFA Chapter Annual Banquet was held on May 11 in Bryan L. Walker Gymnasium at Lucerne Valley High School.
By Keagan Weis
The Lucerne Valley FFA Chapter Banquet is a ceremony filled with new officers, awards, speeches, and dedications. We spent countless amounts of time preparing such an event, and it turned out amazing. The members and their families were able to celebrate and experience the amazing things we do at our school in the FFA program. We presented our famous Zoo Awards to the members who did the extraordinary; from Mr. Tee-Shirt man, to Greenhouse Guru, the members were excited to receive these special awards.
We also announced our Star Greenhand, Diego Orozco, and the Star Chapter Farmers, Alexa Walkovitz and Keagan Weis. Our biggest award of the night though, was our Honorary Degree, which is given to teachers, staff, or administrators that help out our chapter in any and every way that they can. This year, we were proud to announce that Debby Casato was our amazing and dedicated Honorary Degree Recipient of 2015.
Towards the end of the Banquet, our 2014-15 Chapter Officer Team were able to pass on our “torches” to the next team that will be serving the chapter in the next year. Big congratulations to the new team! 2015-16 Officer team: President Alexa Walkovitz; Vice President Keagan Weis; Secretary Georgette Moreno; Treasurer Brandon Miller; Reporter Madison Redding; and Sentinel Diego Orozco.
I will never forget my first year in office, nor will I ever be able to forget my first team. Good luck to the seniors Justice Torres, and the twins Sara and Samantha Sullivan! This year was amazing and I was so happy with how we ended it and hope that the members had an amazing time as well. (footage below)
Until the next year! (well said, Keagan.)
Another year, another amazing time.
December 22, 2014
Eight FFA students participated in speaking competitons at Apple Valley High School.
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On Dec. 15, the Lucerne Valley Chapter of the FFA held its Chapter Winter Meeting. There, the members enjoyed many games and contests, from eating contests to guessing movies. Everyone had a great time and cannot wait until the next one.
It is also the day that the freshmen, known as “Greenhands,” got to experience some of the activities that take place during FFA Week: Log Skii and A-Frame. They got their hands painting green, and during sixth period, members had the Greenhand Ceremony where the freshmen got their first degree in FFA and their awards.
Impromptu, Job
Interview, Extemporaneous Speaking
On Dec. 2, Lucerne Valley FFA Chapter took eight students to Apple Valley High School. There, the group competed in separate competitions; Impromptu, Job Interview, and Extemporaneous speaking.
Interview, Extemporaneous Speaking
On Dec. 2, Lucerne Valley FFA Chapter took eight students to Apple Valley High School. There, the group competed in separate competitions; Impromptu, Job Interview, and Extemporaneous speaking.
In Impromptu, Alexa Walkovitz took 1st, Keagan Weis took 2nd, Madison Redding took 4th, and Brandi Carrillo took 5th. Job Interview, Georgette Moreno took 2nd. Justin Nichols also took 2nd place in Extempt. (Alexa Walkovitz, Keagan Weis, Annabelle Fox, Madison Redding, Brandi Carrillo: Impromptu; Georgette Moreno, Kimberley Morales: Job Interview; Justin Nichols: Extemporaneous).
FFA event
January 21, 2015
FFA News: Local chapter celebrates FFA Week
March 10, 2015
FFA: Locals compete at State Conference
April 28, 2015
2015 Chapter FFA Banquet
May 26, 2015
On Jan. 10, Lucerne Valley FFA adviser Mr. VanBavel took five FFA members and some that met us to the Victorville Fairgrounds for a seminar about the care and keeping of your fair animal. The key speakers told us what to look for when choosing our animal, how often we should feed them, and what kind of schedule to keep. It was an interesting experience, especially for the first year members who would be getting their first fair animal in their FFA career. We are all more than excited to begin working with our animals with our new information.
FFA News: Local chapter celebrates FFA Week
March 10, 2015
By KEAGAN WEIS
FFA Week was held from Feb. 17 through the 20th. The five Ag classes — Ag Science, Mechanics, ROP Landscape, and Leadership — competed against each other in many different competitions.
The results were almost surprising: Mechanics took 1st, Ag Science P1 took 2nd, ROP Landscape took 3rd, Leadership took 4th, and Ag Science P2 took 5th.
Now, in the 20-year history of the Lucerne Valley FFA Chapter freshmen classes have never won FFA Week. This year, even though they got 2nd place, they were only 30 points away from taking 1st. This amazing week was filled with excitement and preparations while the last day was full of the epic competitors and wonderful FFA members. Congrats Mechanics!
Chapter Degree Banquet
The Chapter Degree Banquet is a celebration for second-year FFA members to receive the highest degree their chapter can bestow upon them. This year, our chapter was able to give 26 2nd-year members their chapter degrees. The ceremony is also to talk about other degrees that an FFA member can achieve including the State Degree and the American Degree. (FFA encourages every member to strive for more in their Agricultural careers.)
The ceremony itself was wonderful and filled with the support from parents, teachers and other FFA members. The night turned out to be a great one for all the members.
FFA: Locals compete at State Conference
April 28, 2015
By Keagan Weis
LV FFA Reporter
LV FFA Reporter
On Thursday, April 16th, the Lucerne Valley Officer Team set out to Fresno to attend the early part of State Conference: speaking competitions and finals. Alexa Walkovitz, and Justin Nichols got to compete in Impromptu and Extemporaneous speaking.
Alexa moved on to the finals round in top six, and was announced 2nd place in the State of California during one of the closing sessions on Tuesday April 21st.
On Saturday following the competitions, the officer team met up with the rest of our Chapter. The next day, Keagan Weis was able to be interviewed for Star Reporter at the state level.
The conference was overall amazing, and we enjoyed every experience we got. The freshmen that went had an awesome time, and the seniors will remember this as the best and last State Conference of their high school career. Next year will be just as amazing!
HIGH DESERT SECTION OFFICER SCREENING
On Thursday, April 23rd, the Lucerne Valley Chapter was able to send six students to Apple Valley High School to undergo the interview process to become a Section Officer. It was a fun learning experience for everyone who went and the beginning of something great for those who got slated:
Madison Redding: Vice President
Alexa Walkovitz: Vice President (update: was elected)
Keagan Weis: Reporter
We will be giving our Section Speeches on May 7th, at Serrano High School.
2015 Chapter FFA Banquet
May 26, 2015
Above: Outgoing officers accept recognition for their service. From left, Alexa Walkovitz, Sara Sullivan, Keagan Weis, Justin Nichols, Justice Torres and Samantha Sullivan.
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Editor's Note: The Lucerne Valley FFA Chapter Annual Banquet was held on May 11 in Bryan L. Walker Gymnasium at Lucerne Valley High School.
By Keagan Weis
The Lucerne Valley FFA Chapter Banquet is a ceremony filled with new officers, awards, speeches, and dedications. We spent countless amounts of time preparing such an event, and it turned out amazing. The members and their families were able to celebrate and experience the amazing things we do at our school in the FFA program. We presented our famous Zoo Awards to the members who did the extraordinary; from Mr. Tee-Shirt man, to Greenhouse Guru, the members were excited to receive these special awards.
We also announced our Star Greenhand, Diego Orozco, and the Star Chapter Farmers, Alexa Walkovitz and Keagan Weis. Our biggest award of the night though, was our Honorary Degree, which is given to teachers, staff, or administrators that help out our chapter in any and every way that they can. This year, we were proud to announce that Debby Casato was our amazing and dedicated Honorary Degree Recipient of 2015.
Towards the end of the Banquet, our 2014-15 Chapter Officer Team were able to pass on our “torches” to the next team that will be serving the chapter in the next year. Big congratulations to the new team! 2015-16 Officer team: President Alexa Walkovitz; Vice President Keagan Weis; Secretary Georgette Moreno; Treasurer Brandon Miller; Reporter Madison Redding; and Sentinel Diego Orozco.
I will never forget my first year in office, nor will I ever be able to forget my first team. Good luck to the seniors Justice Torres, and the twins Sara and Samantha Sullivan! This year was amazing and I was so happy with how we ended it and hope that the members had an amazing time as well. (footage below)
Until the next year! (well said, Keagan.)
Another year, another amazing time.
