Area FFA members awarded Blue Jacket scholarships

Students from area schools were recently announced as recipients of Blue Jacket Scholarships from the Minnesota FFA Foundation providing some of the organizations newest members the familiar blue FFA jackets.
A total of 420 students from Minnesota earned the jackets including eight from Triton, seven from Hayfield and three from Byron.
Triton FFA members included Kiya Avery, Emma Klejeski, Elyssa Robinson, Cadence Spearman, Arianna Thompson, Jasmin Willette, Grant Brown and Breanna Klejeski..
That is a record number of students earning a jacket, said FFA Advisor Robert Ickler, surpassing the previous chapter record of six.
Hayfield’s FFA Chapter was not far behind with seven students receiving their jackets including Zack Amerud, Landon, Steinfadt, Caitlynn Tapp, Calli Coolidge, Daisy Trader, Ryan Soucek and Braeden Hagn, said Hayfield advisor Jack Crowson.
“We look forward for all of these winners to wear their jacket with pride and represent the Hayfield FFA and community,” Crowson said.
Byron’s chapter had three members receiving jackets including Cailey Dierks, Sara Perrotti and Ellen Rodemeyer.
This is the eighth year the Blue Jackets Bright Future program has provided the jackets to those students just starting their FFA careers.
Having a personalized jacket gives members a sense of pride while giving them ownership of their FFA experiences, said Lavyne Rada, Minnesota FFA Association leadership development coordinator. “FFA plays an important role in developing agricultural and leadership skills in students while preparing them for their future careers,” Rada said.
“The jacket is a symbol of tradition and pride for those who have worn the official FFA jacket,” said Val Aarsvold, Minnesota FFA Foundation executive director. “Many past members have sponsored jackets, but it’s not uncommon for individuals and companies to sponsor jackets because they appreciate what the organization does to develop young leaders.”