Kewanee Middle School FFA students had an outstanding showing at the recent Middle School Career Development Event (CDE) Rally hosted by Cambridge FFA, earning Overall 1st Place Team honors against strong competition from across the section.
Students competed in four rigorous divisions: Animal Systems, Plant Systems, Ag Mechanics, and Food Systems, each designed to assess both content knowledge and hands-on technical skills. Events included written exams, identification rotations, and practicums aligned with National FFA standards. These contests challenge students to apply classroom learning to real-world agricultural scenarios, building confidence, teamwork, and career-ready skills.
Kewanee Middle FFA Results:
Overall Team: 1st Place
Ag Mechanics Team: 1st Place
Animal Systems Team: 2nd Place
Food Systems Team: 2nd Place
Top 3 Individual Finishes:
Coy Rieker – 3rd Place, Animal Systems
Harmony VerKruyse – 3rd Place, Ag Mechanics
Josie Vigor – 3rd Place, Food Systems
Full Results can be found HERE
Middle School CDE Rally Participants (pictured left to right in photo attached):
Front: Aubree Horton, Olivia Hardin, Angie Rivas, Bella Gomez Garcia
Middle: Bryson Williams, Josie Vigor, Carissa Sosa, Ana Duarte, Annie Costenson, Harmony VerKruyse, Neenah Cowling
Back: Warren Mott, Kynlee Dwyer, Emmelyn Swearingen
Not pictured: Coy Rieker
This event showcased the strength of our agricultural education program at the middle school level and the impact of early exposure to hands-on, skill-based learning. The success of these students reflects their hard work, commitment to preparation, and willingness to step outside their comfort zones to compete at a high level.
We are incredibly proud of these students and grateful for the continued support from our administration, faculty, and families who make opportunities like this possible. Experiences such as the Middle School CDE Rally help build a strong pipeline of confident, capable students as they transition into high school coursework and FFA involvement.
Mr. Ray, Mrs. Reed and Ms. Cagwin have invested significant time in these FFA members and should be incredibly proud of their students’ success!
Thank you for your continued support of agricultural education!