The Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton (JWP) FFA chapter is entering one of its busiest seasons with record-breaking momentum. Under seven years of steady leadership, the chapter has seen its roster swell from 67 members last year to a staggering 95 members this year—a growth spurt that student leaders attribute to a strong recruitment focus on younger students.
As National FFA Week (February 21-28) nears, the chapter is celebrating not only its size but its substance, with a new FFA Court, high-stakes competition wins, and a fundraising engine that is firing on all cylinders.
For the first time in chapter history, JWP has crowned an FFA Court to reign over the upcoming festivities. Chase Gerdts was named FFA King and Kayle Langford was named FFA Queen. They are joined by court members Lily Quast, Tiera Anderson, Kwynn Krause, Evan Olson, Aiden Cummins, and Michael Walker. The celebration continues in the shop, where the Ag Mechanics team recently secured a 3rd place finish, earning a trip to the State FFA Convention in April. Individual standouts included Chase Gerdts (8th), Tyson Johnson (9th), Evan Olson (15th), and Parker Geariety (40th).
For Junior Ethan Cowdin, FFA is about finding your niche. As the head of the Fundraising Committee, Cowdin has turned his talent for sales into a mission. “Joining the group was about fundraising because I’m good at it,” said Cowdin, now in his third year with the chapter. “You don’t have to be a farmer to succeed in FFA. There is a place for anyone to join.” Inspired by his grandfather’s love for the outdoors, Cowdin personally raised over $1,000 during the Chapter’s recent fruit sales in December 2025, helping the chapter nearly reach its ambitious $12,000 goal.
The chapter’s Strawberry Sales officially launched on February 11 and will run through February 19th. While Cowdin notes the fruit sales are a staple for JWP FFA, the chapter also relies on cheesecakes, breakfasts, and the highly anticipated “Donkey Basketball” to fund their various trips and contests, such as an upcoming Forestry competition Cowdin hopes to excel in.
With a majority of the chapter now composed of younger students, senior officers are focusing on providing crucial mentorship to these future generations. Lily Ewert, the chapter Reporter and a six-year FFA veteran, knows the value of starting early. “I really appreciated joining at such a young age; it made me a lot more confident,” Ewert said.
A farm native who placed 10th in the state with her goats in 2024, Ewert is looking forward to her final National FFA Week. “Donkey basketball is my favorite event…it’s definitely a spectacle. I rode one last year and got bucked off a few times.” While Ewert won’t be riding a donkey this year, the “Kiss a Donkey” contest remains a highlight for the community with Nicci Malecha, Superintendent Erler, Cory Jewison, and Jena Schoenrock as the four lucky–or perhaps unlucky–candidates selected.
Sentinel Harley Eldeen, a Junior in his first year as an officer, echoes the sentiment that FFA offers a “spot for everyone.” Eldeen, who works on his family farm with cattle and goats, has a decorated history in livestock judging, having placed 3rd at state two years ago. “Joining FFA as young as possible encourages members to step in [as officers] at a younger age,” Eldeen remarked. He is currently preparing for an upcoming milk quality contest while balancing his responsibilities on the farm.
As the JWP FFA prepares for their upcoming banquet—where students will receive awards, buckles, and recognition through the chapter’s point system—the focus remains clear: building a structure where every student, whether a future welder, a champion livestock judge, or a master fundraiser, can excel.
