By: Written By Riley Piersol; Guthrie FFA Reporter
Special to Guthrie News Page
July was a month full of excitement, growth, and unforgettable experiences for Guthrie FFA members. From leadership camps and team-building activities to livestock competitions across the state, members stayed busy developing their skills and representing Guthrie FFA. Throughout five major events, students gained confidence, strengthened friendships, and continued building the foundation for a successful year ahead.
Alumni Camp Builds Leaders and Lifelong Connections
The month kicked off with Oklahoma FFA Alumni Camp during the first two weeks of July. Eleven Guthrie FFA members attended the camp across two sessions, joining FFA members from around the state for a week focused on leadership, personal growth, and building relationships.
During Session 1, Colten Stevens and Kolton Zubrod represented Guthrie FFA. Session 2 attendees included Kallyann Toepfer, Leona Warner, Abigayle Lanoy, Kaden Berry, Landon Chavez, Tucker Tennill, Emmitt Garrett, and Mason Dodd.
Throughout the camp experience, students participated in leadership workshops, team-building activities, small group discussions, and fun events that encouraged them to step outside their comfort zones. Members learned that the effort they put into the experience directly impacted what they gained from it.
Kallyann Toepfer, who attended the fourth session during the second week of July, reflected on her first Alumni Camp experience.
“This was my first Alumni Camp, and my main takeaway was that you only get out what you put in. If I hadn’t put energy into meeting new people and building new relationships, I wouldn’t have had as much fun, learned as much, or made the meaningful connections I did. My favorite part was probably the small groups and mealtimes because they gave me the chance to get to know so many new people. It was truly a great experience, and I’m already looking forward to going back.”
The friendships and leadership lessons gained at Alumni Camp will continue to impact Guthrie FFA members throughout the year.
Guthrie FFA Competes in Commercial Cattle Grading
On Friday, July 10, Guthrie FFA members traveled to Cherokee, Oklahoma, to compete in the Commercial Cattle Grading Career Development Event. Colten Stevens, Kaylee Florer, and Riggs Dowell represented Guthrie FFA as they evaluated commercial cattle using industry standards and applied their knowledge of cattle quality and production.
The competition challenged students to make accurate evaluations while strengthening skills used throughout the beef cattle industry. Events like Commercial Cattle Grading provide students with hands-on experience and help prepare them for future opportunities in agriculture.
Members Showcase Skills at NOC Sheep Field Day
On Tuesday, July 13, twelve Guthrie FFA members competed at the Northern Oklahoma College (NOC) Sheep Field Day. Hosted by NOC’s Sheep Center, this annual event brings together FFA and 4-H students from across Oklahoma to compete in sheep judging, breeding evaluation, and other sheep-related skills.
The Sheep Field Day gives students the opportunity to showcase their knowledge and apply what they have learned in the classroom to a competitive setting. Through this experience, members continued developing their livestock evaluation skills while gaining valuable insight into the sheep industry.
Guthrie FFA Takes on OSU Big 3 Livestock Judging
Later in July, twelve Guthrie FFA members traveled to Stillwater, Oklahoma, to compete in the OSU Big 3 Livestock Judging Field Days. Known as one of Oklahoma’s most prestigious summer livestock judging events, the Big 3 brings together top 4-H and FFA livestock judging teams from across the state.
During the three-day competition, students evaluated cattle, sheep, goats, and swine while competing for individual and team awards. The event challenged members to think critically, make decisions quickly, and defend their livestock evaluations.
Guthrie FFA Parliamentarian Laramie Sasser earned recognition for placing in the Top 20 individuals at the competition, an impressive accomplishment among a highly competitive group of livestock judges.
Officer Retreat Strengthens the Guthrie FFA Team
To finish out a busy month, the Guthrie FFA Officer Team gathered at Grand Lake in Oklahoma from July 19–22 for their annual Officer Retreat. The retreat brought together eight officers and three advisors for several days focused on leadership, teamwork, and preparing for the upcoming school year.
Advisors Clay Drake, Dusty Oldenburg, and Savahanna Rennick attended the retreat alongside officers Colten Stevens, President; Lanie Sasser, Vice President; Emmitt Garrett, Secretary; Riley Piersol, Reporter; Abigayle Lanoy, Treasurer; Laramie Sasser, Parliamentarian; Kaden Berry, Sentinel; and Aiden Hardin, Historian.
During the retreat, officers participated in leadership activities, team-building challenges, and group discussions while also enjoying time together through cooking meals, boating, tubing, and a movie night. The week provided opportunities for officers to overcome fears, build stronger relationships, and grow together as a team.
As July came to a close, Guthrie FFA members looked back on a month filled with achievement, connection, and growth. Through camps, competitions, and leadership experiences, students continued to build the skills and confidence needed to make the upcoming FFA year one to remember.
Be the first to comment on "One month, five events: FFA’s July recap"