Cavit Schempp-Ag Processing, Tyler Miller-Ag Sales, and Shandre Willoughby-Specialty Animal, were selected as the Section 9 FFA Proficiency Winners in their respective agriculture area. Bailey Rogers-Ag Services/Diversified Livestock and Josie Litwiller-Food Service also competed at the Section 9 event. They are members of the Olympia FFA Chapter of the Illinois Association FFA. Illinois FFA recognizes students in fifty different areas based on their work-based learning, also known as Supervised Agricultural Experiences or SAE. FFA members who demonstrate outstanding agricultural skills and competencies through record keeping, leadership, and scholastic achievement may be considered for this award. SAEs allow students to learn by doing or by owning and operating an agricultural business, working or serving an internship at an agriculture-based business or conducting an agriculture-based scientific experiment and reporting results.
Schempp, Miller, and Willoughby were selected as the Section 9 Winner by a committee of agriculture industry representatives and teachers knowledgeable in this work-based area. Cavit is the son of Darin and Cindy Schempp of Atlanta. Tyler is the son of Jay Miller and Tara Miller of Armington and Atlanta. Shandre Willoughby is the daughter of Kurt and Vanessa Willoughby of Danvers. Bryce Hoffman is the ag teacher and FFA advisor at Olympia High School.
Receiving this honor now makes them eligible to compete in the District FFA Awards Selection process in Joliet on March 4, 2020. They will receive plaques for their accomplishments. These plaques are made possible by gifts by individuals, businesses, corporations and organizations through the Illinois Foundation FFA.