The Bayard FFA Chapter kicked off the year with its officer trip. The newly elected officers went to a Rockies game in Denver. The new officers for the school year of 2007-2008 are: President Nick Kizzire; Vice President, Jennifer McMurtry; Secretary, Shaylee Jobman; Treasurer, Sean Ridgeway; Reporter, Tessa Armstrong; Sentinel, Kendrah Dechant; and Parliamentarian, Rachel Nerud. After cheering the Rockies on to victory and successfully catching a ball, the officer sand their advisor, Mr. Rafferty, returned home to enjoy the rest of their summer.

The chapter met up again at the Morrill County Fair in August, where they exhibited their projects with much success. During the fair they helped with cleanup of barns and the exhibit hall, while also taking care of their
animals and making sure that their exhibits were ready to be judged. The chapter also put on the annual Farm to Town Relay as part of their fundraising for the year.

School began no more than a week later, and with that the Bayard FFA began with style. That can only mean one thing . . . barbeque!! The whole chapter indulged themselves on freshly grilled hamburgers and chips for lunch after a short meeting in which everyone welcomed the new freshmen into the chapter and went over some basic business.

In mid-September they held their annual labor auction to raise money for the Chapter. All 58 members were sold, and the sale average was approximately $160. They proudly made about $10,000 for trips and the chapter’s expenses.

Each year the senior class makes the trip to the National FFA Convention, which was held in Indianapolis, IN. Along with the seniors, three sophomores traveled with them. JaCee Pilkington and Shelbie Rose were selected to be a part of the National FA choir, and Kendra Cadwallader was selected to be a part of the National FFA Band.

The first district competition of the year was land judging. A Bayard team, consisting of James Houck, Jessica Weikert, Kendra Cadwallader, and Torey Armstrong, won the competition and will now move on to the state level. James Houck placed first with a score of 315 out of 400 possible points. Other members of the chapter are preparing themselves for the upcoming Leadership Skills Competition. Most, however, are anxiously looking forward to the chapter’s annual pilgrimage to the Denver Stock Show in February. The Bayard FFA hopes for much success, and is going to have lots of fun this year.