On April 19th the Charleston FFA Chapter held its monthly chapter meeting. This meeting was different than the normal monthly meeting because there were new chapter officers elected. Chapter Officers are responsible for taking care of presidential and vice presidential, treasury and accounting, secretarial and note keeping, historical and record keeping, reporter, and sentinel responsibilities. The Charleston FFA Chapter President is Cody Blagg, the Chapter Vice President is Jon Thomas, the Chapter Secretary is Brooke Homann, the Chapter Treasurer is Ben Oakley, the Chapter Reporter is Logan Burgett, the Chapter Sentinel is Dakota Lowry, and the Chapter Historian is Cassie Carson.
This student of the month is Jacob Bough. Son of Chris and Darrel Bough, Jacob Bough has shown exceptional progress in the Agriculture Business class, scored 3rd individual overall in the Section 20 Horticulture CDE, and has donated numerous hours toward making the program of activities as polished and as well rounded as it can be. Jacob Bough said “I am much honored to receive this award and will continue to demonstrate proper leadership skills and attitude it takes to receive the student of the month award.”
Also on April 20, five members of the Charleston FFA Chapter competed in the 2010 Section 20 Agriculture Mechanics contest in Newton Illinois. The five-part event provides recognition for students with agricultural mechanics skills. Specific hands-on activities involving welding, building rafters, using a hand level and target rod, electrical wiring of three circuits, and diagnosis of small engine repairs as well as a test in each area allows students to sharpen problem solving skills related to Agricultural Mechanics. Some divisions included a tool identification test of up to 25 tools. These FFA members prepared for this event by taking the Agricultural Education classes focused on the principles of Agricultural Mechanics. Jon Thomas competed in the carpentry division and placed 3rd, Justin Thomas competed in the agricultural power division and placed 5th, Jacob Bough competed in the surveying division and placed 3rd, Alex Fuqua competed in the electrical wiring division and placed 3rd, and Cody Blagg competed in the welding division and placed 4th. Overall our team placed 4th.
On Saturday April 10, three Charleston FFA Members competed in the State Proficiency interviews. Jack Childress competed in Soybean Production, Jacob Bough in Equine Placement, and Justin Thomas in Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance.
Each of these students won section and district proficiencies which advanced them to state level. Justin Thomas, senior, placed 1st in Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance. He is the son of Jerry and Martha Thomas of Hutton Illinois. His records included his work on the tractor restoration project through the Agriculture program at the high school. He also included work that he has done on his own equipment at home. Only four students from Charleston High School have won this award previously. The last one was Brent Titus in 1997. Justin’s first place finish at the state level advances him to national level competition. He will apply for national recognition in May and will learn the status of his application by mid -summer. If he is selected as one of the top four in the nation, he will be called in for an interview in Indianapolis in the fall. Justin has also earned his State FFA Degree this year and has the goal to qualify for his American Degree by next year at this time. He is currently serving as the Charleston FFA Chapter President and has plans to attend Lake Land College in the fall to major in agriculture.
On Tuesday April 6th 2010 Shae Young, Tyler Homann, Gretchen Richardson, Jacob Bough, Logan Burgett, Dusty Lowry, Codey Rennels, and Justin Thomas competed in the Section 20 Agriculture Business Career Development Event. Justin Thomas placed 2nd individual and Tyler Homann placed 3rd individual with the chapter placing 2nd. There are 14 schools in Section 20. The Agricultural Business Management Career Development Event is designed for students enrolled in Ag Business Management or Agricultural Business Operations classes. The CDE involves completing a two-part test containing many Ag Business Management concepts and knowledge. Students are given two hours to complete the test covering topics of agribusiness management, budgets, credit, break-even problems and agribusiness records. These FFA members prepared for this even by taking the Agricultural Education classes focused on the principles of Agricultural Business Management at Charleston High School.
Also on April 6th, Codey Rennels, Justin Thomas, Dustin Lowry, Blake Popham, and Jacob Bough competed in the Section 20 Horticulture CDE. Jacob Bough placed 3rd individual overall and the chapter placed 3rd. The Horticulture Career Development Event consists of three parts. First everyone takes a written test on a variety of horticulture topics. The next part is judging four rings of plants. This involved evaluating each plant for its specific characteristics: number of size of bloom, leaves, stems, and size of overall plant. The next part is identification of twenty five plants.
On Wednesday March 31st 2010, the Charleston FFA Chapter held its monthly chapter meeting. Old Business discussed was the end of National FFA Week, District Proficiencies, and Section Public Speaking. New business discussed was the Amish Quilt Ticket sales, State Proficiencies, Agricultural Mechanics Career Development Event, and the Chapter Officers gave their plan for Section Banquet. Competing in State Proficiencies are Jack Childress in Soybean Production, Jacob Bough in Equine Placement, and Justin Thomas in Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance. This student of the month award goes to Ben Oakley for his efforts and positive attitude in ag class and his attention to detail in his SAE. The highlight of the night was having Mr. Kenny Hughes come in and speak with the chapter about the importance of making the right decisions that will have an impact not only now but later on in life as well.
The Charleston FFA Chapter would like to thank Mr. Hughes for speaking to our chapter again and reinforcing the need for continued personal development.
On March 23, 2010 the Agriculture Business class took a trip to the Chicago Mercantile Exchange (CME), and the Federal Reserve Bank to gain a better understanding of how the current trading system works, to see how to spot fake bills, and a little bit on how the banking system works. During their trip inside the CME, they got to see the opening bell that starts off all the trading. All at once what is described organized chaos erupted, and people were yelling a screaming in the trading pits. The students also received the chance to tour the floor which is a very rare occurrence. After leaving the CME the students had the chance to visit the Willis Tower formally known as the Sears Tower where they had the chance to go up to the observation deck and look out across the city of Chicago. After lunch the group went to the old Chicago Mercantile Exchange building and toured the visitor center where they learned about the Mercantile’s history and had the chance to play a buying and trading game. The students also got the experience to ride the Amtrak from Mattoon to Chicago which was a fun time for most.
Starting on Monday February 22nd, the Charleston FFA Chapter will kick off National FFA Week with a bang! Beginning with blue and gold day on Monday when members wear blue and gold clothing which represent the colors of the National FFA. Later that night, the chapter will be co-hosting a skating party at the Silver Star Skating Rink with Mattoon FFA. On Tuesday, all the FFA members will wear their chapter shirt and a group picture will be taken during tutorial. On Wednesday, Ag Olympics will be taking place throughout the day during agriculture classes. After school the Charleston FFA Chapter will be putting on a Chapter Workshop from 5-8 p.m. at the Coles County Farm Bureau. This workshop gives FFA members a chance to get to know each other better and build stronger leadership skills with team building activities. On Thursday, its “drive your tractor to school day”. If you are 16 years or older with a valid drivers license you can sign up to bring your tractor in. We will also be inviting driver’s education classes to the agriculture building to teach the importance of driving safely around farm machinery on the roads. This day is also National Teach Ag Day. Several agricultural students will be teaching agricultural lessons to other non-agricultural classes.
On Friday February 26th the Charleston FFA Chapter will be hosting an open house in the Charleston Agriculture building directly north of Charleston High School building. It will be open from 4:00 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. We will have refreshments and food. The chapter officers will be giving tours around the facility and demonstrating the changes that have taken place over the years. All community members are welcome to attend and the chapter strongly encourages past FFA chapter officers, FFA members, and agriculture teachers to attend. We think you will enjoy the tour and walk away with an even bigger sense of pride in your agriculture department.
This has been National FFA Week and the Charleston FFA Chapter has been celebrating in many ways. On Wednesday February 24, the Charleston FFA Chapter hosted a Chapter Challenge at the Coles County Farm Bureau building. The Chapter Challenge is designed to give members the necessary leadership and teamwork skills to succeed in the FFA and in everyday life. Throughout the night members learned new techniques on how to communicate with each other both verbally and nonverbally. They also participated in activities that require and enhance teamwork. That night we also held our monthly chapter meeting and awarded Dustin Lowry as the February Agriculture Student of the Month. Dustin has been leading the C Allis Chalmers tractor restoration which is an overhaul of the tractor and is beginning to prep it for paint. He has also been excelling in Ag Business which is a dual credit class with Lake Land College. Clayton Zwilling and Austin Ashby, past Illinois FFA State Officers, gave a keynote on the importance of staying with what you love and living in the moment. The Charleston FFA would like to extend a big thank you to Clayton Zwilling and Austin Ashby for taking take to come and speak with our chapter and to the Coles County Farm Bureau for letting the chapter use their facilities..jpg)
.jpg)

This year’s National FFA Week’s theme was “Step Up and Stand Out.” We kicked off the fun on Monday by crowning Mrs. Hutchins as FFA QUEEN and she retained the title throughout FFA Week (we love her!). We started the week with Ag Olympics which helps the students build leadership and teamwork skills. Later that night we co-hosted a skating party with the Mattoon FFA Chapter at the Silver Star Skating Center. On Tuesday the agriculture students were educated on tractor safety and the members got to wear their favorite tractor shirt to school. Four members brought their tractor to school.
On Wednesday, it was Greenhand Day, which is meant to acknowledge our first year members. They wore green lays and name tags denoting their membership status. As they were spotted in the halls by the officer team, they received a prize for showing off their membership. Later that night there was a Greenhand Workshop. This event was hosted at the new Life Span Center. All first year FFA members from the Charleston and the Mattoon FFA chapters were invited. Presenters were Mrs. Niemerg, advisor of the Charleston FFA chapter; Mrs. Wildman, advisor of the Mattoon FFA Chapter and Riley Branch, Western Region National Vice President.
Thursday was teacher appreciation day and the members provided snacks to the teachers in the work room. Later on that night there was public speaking at Oblong. Those participating were: Cameron Luedke in creed, William Schilling in varsity extemporaneous, and Logan Burgett in junior varsity extemporaneous.
On Friday the members wore blue and gold to school in recognition of our National FFA colors. We took a chapter picture and got to have a pizza party in the agriculture room. We also got to see our current project a 1953 Farmall M start up for the first time. A good time was had by all and the students highly recommend we continue the tradition next year.
Tonight at 5:30pm the Charleston FFA along with the Mattoon FFA Chapters are going to host a skating party at the Silver Star Skating Center. FFA members are allowed to bring one non FFA member as a guest. It is a dollar per person to rent skates. The party will end 8:30 pm – be sure to have your rides there by then. We hope to see you there and remember to have a Happy National FFA week!
On Tuesday February 17, 2009 the Charleston FFA Chapter held its first ever monthly meeting at City Hall in Charleston Illinois. In old business, we discussed the Section Animal Show, Section Volleyball that was held on January 19, 2009, District Parliamentary Procedure which was held on January 21, 2009, the FFA Jacket Ceremony which was January 13, 2009, State Degrees, Section 20 officer Swap, Proficiency Awards, and the most heated subject of any that night, how much money we will spend on the leadership development next year. New business that was discussed included: National FFA Week which is February 21 – 28th, Section Public Speaking on February 26, 2009, Section Basketball Tournament February 27, 2009, and a Leadership Camp Scholarship application. We also discussed the upcoming Greenhand workshop. This is a workshop dedicated to first year FFA members that helps them build confidence, leadership skills, goal setting skills and teamwork. This is the first year for this event and we are co-hosting it with the Mattoon FFA Chapter. A national FFA officer, Riley Branch, will be the keynote speaker. Agriculture supporters who wish to meet Riley Branch are invited to the reception portion of the evening from 8 – 8:30 PM at the Life Span Center on Wednesday, February 25, 2009. If you plan to attend, please RSVP to Mrs. Niemerg at the high school at 639-5113.
We would like to extend a very big thank you to the Charleston City Hall for letting us have our meeting there.
Caption:
L-R Back. Jake Schrock, Gerhardt Shaffer, Logan Burgett, Justin Thomas, Jack Childress, and Ryan Sheppard.
L-R Front. Keith Vantassel, Jon Thomas, Kyndal Ridgeway, Kiersten Kasey, Jacob Bough, and Dustin Lowry..jpg)
Tonight at 5:30 pm in the Agriculture building, 11 members of the Charleston FFA Chapter will be receiving their corduroy blue jackets. This is a very big moment for each of them. The Charleston FFA Advisor and Officers are proud to present each of them with their jackets. This is a night they will remember for the rest of their lives.
today. 

Kiersten Kasey was installed as the Section 20 FFA President on Thursday, June 12th. The event took place during the Illinois State FFA Convention at the Prairie Capital Convention Center in Springfield.
On May 7, 2008, the Charleston FFA elected new officers to serve the 2008-2009 school year. In order to be elected the canidates have to fill out an application, participate in an interview, and be elected by their peers. Thank you to last year's officers for all you did and congratulations to next year's officers.
President: Kiersten Kasey
Vice President: Jacob Bough
Secretary: Logan Burgett
Treasurer: Justin Thomas
Reporter: Cody Blagg
Sentinel: Gerhardt Shafer
Historian: Taby Watson
The Section 20 Livestock Management CDE was held in Olney on April 18, 2008. The Charleston FFA Livestock team placed 4rd in the event. Newton FFA took first and
On December 18, 2007, the outside of the Charleston Agriculture Department received a "make-over." The words "Charleston Agriculture Department" were put on the side of the building. This addition will allow the agriculture department to be easily identified by the public.
** Check our photo gallery for pictures of this "make-over." **
The Charleston FFA Chapter participated in the Section 20 Parliamentary Procedure Contest on December 6, 2007 at Cumberland High School. The team took a written test and ran a 10 minute session. Once the session was finished the 6 members of the team were asked questions on their knowledge of parliamentary procedure. The chair and secretary finished the minutes after the session was completed. The team placed 2nd overall and will compete at the District IV contest on January 16, 2008.
Delegate Placings Overall:
2. Richard Birch
4. Jacob Bough
6. Kirsten Luedke
10. Rikki Lang
12. William Schilling
Secretary Placing Overall:
2. Rikki Lang
Chair Placing Overall:
2. Kiersten Kasey
The Charleston FFA Chapter hosted the CPR Training course on December 4,2007. 14 individuals participated in the training which was provided by the Carle Foundation Hospital. Thank you to all who participated and to Carle for this great cooperative opportunity.
*See our photo gallery for pictures*
LTS, Operation Excellence was on Wednesday, September 26 with a 6:00 registration time. We were at the West Building at Lake Land College this year. Our goal was to have all the Section 20 members in official dress. Janell Baum, our State Secretary, presented a greenhand workshop and a keynote address. There were three other presentations presented by the Section officer team.
Charleston FFA Earns 2nd in Section Horse Judging
.jpg)
The Charleston, Illinois FFA Chapter became the newest member of the FFAChapter.net family on September 17th 2007. Julie Niemerg led the effort to put Charleston FFA on the world wide web. Visit the site to keep updated on coming events, news releases, and awards. Browse the officer's section to find out more about the Trojan Officer Team, visit the photo gallery, and check the alumni section and much more. Congratulations to Charleston FFA!