Brookings FFA touts state and national competition success, expands membership

Brookings High School’s FFA chapter told the Brookings School District 05-1 board on April 22 that the chapter had record participation this year and significant competitive success at district, state and national levels.

The presentation, delivered by Connor May, chapter president, and other chapter officers, summarized leadership development, career-development events and community service projects that the group said engaged more than 300 students in related agricultural classes and more than 34 members who attended the national convention in Indianapolis.

The chapter said it has more than 100 current members and that South Dakota’s statewide membership is about 6,500. At the state level, the chapter reported 11 seniors received state degrees, nine proficiency finalists, four state scholarships for seniors and multiple Career Development Event (CDE) and Leadership Development Event (LDE) team placements. The presentation noted that four teams will advance to national CDE competitions in Indianapolis and that the chapter received a three‑star national chapter award — the highest ranking earned in South Dakota this year.

Officers described community engagement events including a pumpkin patch fundraiser, veterans’ letter writing, animal stress‑relief sessions during testing, and a Read Across America reading program at the district’s three elementary schools. They also reported that the chapter’s affiliation model now makes FFA membership automatic and free for students enrolled in agricultural classes.

Board members asked logistical questions about fundraisers and commended the group’s outreach. The board did not take formal action on the presentation.

The officers identified specific student accomplishments by name, including a first‑place finish in the state ag communications contest for senior Mackenzie Steinhauer and state officer roles held by chapter members.