Granton's Interim Administrator and FFA Advisor Discusses Granton's Continued Success With the FFA Program

Tuesday, December 15th, 2020 -- 1:28 PM

The Granton School District continues to have a strong FFA program that receives recognition on the state and national level.

I spoke to Granton Interim Administrator James Kuchta and Granton Ag Teacher and FFA Advisor Katie Reider and they discussed Granton’s success with their FFA Chapter.

Mr. Kuchta:  “There’s been a lot of activity going on in the Ag Department, as always, this fall Ms. Reider is going to talk about that.”

Katie:  “I’ve been at Granton for 5 years and I’ve had the honor to work with many of our FFA students and try to bring new opportunities to our ag classes and, of course, our FFA program over the years.”

Question:  “One of the big things you have going on right now is the FFA fruit sales.  How’s that going?”

Katie:  “Yeah!  We just had our fruit delivered last Wednesday and the kids did a really great job with fundraising this year.  The fruit sale is our primary fundraiser for the FFA chapter throughout the year."

"And the kids were able to sell $18,000 worth of fruit, which was a significant increase over last year.  So, thank you to the community members who purchased fruit and a big shout out to our FFA members who did such an awesome job of getting out there and fundraising.”

Question:  “Can you talk about what the Granton FFA has been able to do this year, even with the wrench COVID through into everything?”

Katie:  “It has definitely been a unique year!  My officer team has done a fantastic job of trying to brainstorm some activities that are COVID friendly and that have allowed us to do social distancing while still offering fun opportunities for FFA members."

"We started the year with our “kicknic,” which is a kickball and picnic event for FFA members.  We were able to host that at the park at the end of August as a welcome back to school and get in the mind of FFA.  So, that was one opportunity that we were able to offer that let the kids hang out and visit each other, but maintain that distance outside.”

“We also had a community wide scavenger hunt where FFA members were given clues and led all over the Granton community trying to find that final prize.  And then throughout the fall semester we’ve also been working on making masks."

"The chapter realized there was a need for masks in our school district, so the FFA members, with the help of some alumni, hosted mask sowing nights where we sowed over 116 masks to be given out to students of the Granton School District.”

Question:  “The Granton FFA and FFA Alumni also helped out the community by donating milk cheese during the pandemic.  Can you talk about that?”

Katie:  “Back in the spring, our alumni did a dairy drive where we were able to donate milk and cheese two different times to the families in the Granton community just providing some dairy, especially during the May and June months honoring June Dairy Month.  So, that was a great way for the alumni to help out with the community and remind everyone that we are here to support our FFA members."

"The alumni and FFA Chapter also, with the help of some other student organizations and Granton families, helped with the Clark County Christmas Angel project.  Just recently, within the last two weeks, they packaged some meals to be distributed throughout the county and wrapping some of the gifts that will be distributed around Christmas time.”

Mr. Kuchta:  “One of the things that I’d like to mention is that Ms. Reider and the Granton FFA are known, not only in just this region in Central Wisconsin as an active FFA, but they are one of the most active FFA organizations in the entire state."

"And Wisconsin has a great FFA and FFA Alumni.  So, there’s been a long standing tradition of excellent ag programs and FFA activities in Granton.  So, we’re very proud of that and that’s one of the things the community is aware of for many decades.”

Question:  “Yes, the Granton chapter, and students, is recognized many times at the state and national level.  Where do attribute that success to?

Katie:  “I would say that Granton has one of the most supportive communities, FFA wise, compared to any other chapter in the state.  If I need something, we always have alumni members, or even just parents, who are willing to lend that helping hand so we can try new things.  Because we’ve had that long standing tradition, the chapter is always looking for new ways to stay competitive and how can they offer other opportunities for FFA members."

"And because our students have had so much success, I think that’s a great motivator for other students because seeing their classmates succeed gives them that push to work a little bit harder so they can receive that same recognition.  And it has paid off for us over these years.”

Question:  “Moving forward, we’re hopefully rounding the corner with COVID, but what are some things on the horizon for the Granton FFA?”

Katie:  “As we move into the winter months, on our mind are the LDEs, which are the Leadership Development Events, many of you know them as speaking contests.  So, are FFA members have begun signing up for those.  Soon we’ll start practicing with our Quiz Bowl and our Parliamentary Procedure team will have Career Development Events starting up soon and we have some alumni who’ve done a phenomenal job of coaching our team over the years and helping our team be competitive."

"And then we’re also looking at hosting our annual chapter lock in, which we’ve been able to host every single year.  It will look a little different this year, splitting them between middle and high school, but it’s still an event our FFA members really look forward to.  And then hopefully in the spring we’ll be able to have our spring awards so we can celebrate our 80 years of Granton FFA.”

Question:  “Anything else?”

Mr. Kuchta:  “Granton is very fortunate to have Ms. Reider.  There’s been a long standing tradition with previous teachers who are excellent ag teachers and FFA advisors all in their own way.  And we’re very excited and very fortunate to have so many good people that support the FFA in the community."

"It is very unique, very different this year with the virtual events like for the state and national convention and the different leadership activities, but our FFA chapter has been able to do a great job and continue that longstanding tradition.”

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