
The St. Clair FFA chapter is entering its fourth year of history with a significant surge in momentum, boasting a roster of 40 members—a jump of 15 students over last year. This continued growth is driven largely by a wave of enthusiastic seventh and eighth graders eager to make their mark on the local agricultural scene.
“We have a young chapter this year, and all the new members are excited and eager to get involved,” said FFA Advisor Mckinsy Rew. “I am excited to see the chapter keep growing and see how these students grow into potential new leaders.”
2025-2026 St. Clair FFA Officer Team
Leading the chapter through this record-breaking year is the newly elected officer team:
- President: Jonathan Pierce
- Vice President: Cody Wiederhoeft
- 2nd Vice President: Hailey Levos
- Treasurer: David Wagenseller
- Reporter: Hannah Brekke
- Secretary: Teagan Tiejte
- Sentinel: Jack Will
- Historian: Samantha Lynch
The chapter’s competitive edge has been on full display recently. In late October 2025, Mackenzie Levos represented St. Clair on the national stage, receiving an Honorable Mention in Sales Proficiency at the National FFA Convention. Though Levos has graduated as part of the Class of 2025, her success has inspired the Chapter to maintain their current course into the 2026 portion of the schedule. A four-member team consisting of Kaylee Berg, Hailey Levos, Hannah Brekke, and Ambrielle Westphal secured an impressive 3rd place in a recent Agricultural Sales Career Development Event (CDE). Additionally, three dedicated members—Cody Wiederhoeft, Jonathan Pierce, and David Wagenseller—recently completed interviews for their State Degrees and are currently awaiting results.
Earlier this month, the Poultry and Dairy Foods teams, featuring Teagan Tiejte, Samantha Lynch, Eli Rollins, Treysen Tiejte, Henry Rollins, and David Wagenseller, competed in their respective events. While many members are new to these contests, the Chapter views this year as a foundational period for growth and skill-building.
As National Week FFA Week approaches on February 21-28, St. Clair is gearing up for a high-energy series of activities centered around a “Road Trip” theme. Students will participate in themed dress-up days including Travel Day, USA, FFA Blue, Hawaiian, and Road Construction. Lunch hours will be filled with “Minute to Win It” games such as “Shake Your Tail Feather,” butter sculpting, pig sorting, and the “Chubby Bunny” challenge. The chapter will also engage the younger generation by judging a coloring contest for elementary students.
Additionally, the St. Clair FFA Chapter plans to give back to its faithful community through several upcoming fundraisers and events: Donkey Basketball on February 19 at JWP, FFA Pancake Breakfast–with syrup provided by Hannah Brekke–on February 21 from at St. Clair City Hall, a Fish Fry & Burger Basket at the St. Clair American Legion on February 27 and April 18, respectively, and a FFA volleyball tournament on March 7 in Owatonna, and a Burger Basket.
While the spring calendar is full, some uncertainties remain. Chapter members are preparing for CDEs in Floriculture, Nursery/Landscape, and Companion Animal science, as well as the BIG Invitational and Spring Leadership Day on March 6. However, the chapter noted that participation in the State Competition remains questionable due to ongoing unrest in Minneapolis. Members are also adapting to new enrollment requirements: students in grades 9-11 must now be enrolled in an Agriculture class to maintain their FFA membership.
With a young, energetic membership base and a calendar packed with service and competition, the St. Clair FFA is proving that even a young chapter can cultivate deep roots in their community.
