Features

Nia Gibson of Hillsboro was recently named one of Ohio Connections Academy’s (OCA) Star Students of the Month for February in recognition of her hard work and leadership in the online classroom.

Many members of the Hillsboro FFA Chapter recently took the Ag Biotechnology Online CDE test. Ag biotechnology focuses on the scientific aspects as well as techniques that are used in agriculture. After taking the online CDE test, the four top placing students moved on to the state competition. At this in-person competition, Wesley Kelch, Chris Sowders, Ryan Mau and Alex McClarren all worked diligently to identify materials and tools that are used for biotechnology, as well as take a written exam to determine their knowledge of the scientific principles and management practices that are used in the industry. They were also expected to make observations, draw conclusions, and make decisions regarding the biotechnology industry. Pictured (l-r) are Sowders, Kelch, Mau and McClarren.

Nearly 60 people attended the Winter Cattle Producers meeting held on Feb. 9 at Southern State’s Brown County Campus in Mount Orab.

On Feb. 4, the McClain FFA took a team of four students to The Ohio State Engineering Building to participate in the Agricultural Communications CDE. The McClain FFA team was made up of Abby Mustard, Mackenzie Corbin, Hunter Miller and Brooke Baldwin. Each school had to make a media plan to promote an agricultural alumna in their local area. Greenfield decided to promote Mark Baldwin and advancing technologies on farms. Every member of the team had to take two online tests and give a media presentation to judges. Additionally, each member had to do a separate communications practicum. Team members were tasked with making a video, website, opinion essay or journalistic writing. The team ended up placing second in the state. Also, Brooke Baldwin was the high individual in the contest for the second year in a row and will be recognized at the Ohio FFA State Convention in May. Pictured (l-r), with a poster of Mark Baldwin, are Miller, Mustard, Corbin and Brooke Baldwin.

From Feb. 12-18, the Chillicothe VA Medical Center, in conjunction with the National Salute to Veteran Patients Program, celebrates Salute Week to honor the veterans currently enrolled at the Chillicothe VA. The purpose of Salute Week is to pay tribute and express appreciation to veterans, increase community awareness of the role of the VA medical center, and encourage the community to visit hospitalized veterans and to become more involved as volunteers.

The Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) has announced Taylor Stepp as the director of projects. In this new role he will lead the OhioSE team of project managers in a 25-county region covering southern and eastern Ohio.

Fifty of the Hillsboro FFA students recently had the opportunity to go on a field trip to Highland Lanes in Hillsboro. For the students to be allowed to attend the trip they had to sell $350 worth of fruit or sell fruit to 12 people. The members that met the requirements went to Highland Lanes and bowled with other members and their advisors. The members had pizza, bowled and played arcade games. This trip gave the students the opportunity to get rewarded for their hard work and have bonding time with other members, FFA officers and advisors. “This trip is so fun, getting out of school and getting to bowl with Libby is awesome,” said Emma Yochum. Pictured (l-r, back to front) are Kayla Seeling, Riley Garrison, Taylor Thoroman and Aubrey Yochum.

The Paint Valley Alcohol Drug Abuse and Mental Health (ADAMH) Board has announced that Penny Dehner, executive director, plans to retire in April. The board of directors has selected Melanie Swisher to succeed Dehner as executive director effective April 8, 2023.

The McClain FFA Chapter recently took a team to the state contest for biotechnology where it placed eighth. At the contest the participants had to do two lab skill events, identify different biotechnology equipment and develop a presentation about an issue in biotechnology. They also had to take an online test to qualify, where they placed in the top 20 schools in the state. Pictured (l-r) are team members Olivia Stegbauer, Anna Eikenberry, Hannah Crago and Abby Mustard.

The application deadline for two summer learning opportunities for Appalachian students is approaching. Applications for the 2023 Appalachian Regional Commission’s STEM Academy at Oak Ridge and Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy are due Friday, Feb. 10.