University recognizes 51 future Huskers during FFA convention

April 9, 2018

Lincoln, Neb. — On April 5, the University of Nebraska–Lincoln recognized 51 high school seniors from Nebraska FFA chapters who have committed to attend the university in the fall.

A signing ceremony was part of the 90th Nebraska FFA State Convention in Lincoln. FFA members, advisers, guests and several university leaders — including Chancellor Ronnie Green and Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources Harlan Vice Chancellor Mike Boehm — participated in the event at the Coliseum.

"We hope you are enjoying your time, experiencing all that campus has to offer and we could not be more excited to welcome our newest class of Huskers into the family," said Green, who was a state FFA officer and member in Virginia.

Following the opening remarks, each student was announced with their hometown and intended major. As the names were announced, they were met with cheers from their fellow FFA members in the crowd. After the students signed a large "N," Green, Boehm and the other dignitaries lined up to congratulate them with high-fives.

The state convention brought more than 7,000 FFA members, advisers, parents and guests to Lincoln. It featured educational sessions, workshops, career fair, leadership academy, interviews and leadership skill sessions. The events are designed to prepare high school students for careers in agriculture, Nebraska's largest industry.

"It's exciting to see so many youth excited about agriculture and science on campus this week," Boehm said. "We need you in our industry. I'm excited to see what your future holds."

The following is a list by hometown of students who were recognized during the signing ceremony and their intended major(s).

• Adams: Lyndsey Ehmen, interior design

• Alliance: Sophia Collett, animal science; Cameron Collins, mechanical engineering; Tyler Quick, agricultural leadership, education and communication, and horticulture; Ashlee Wallesen, agribusiness

• Burr: Nick Goracke, fisheries and wildlife

• Callaway: Lucy Kimball, food science and technology

• Carleton: Anthony Beavers, undecided

• Central City: Hannah Campbell, animal science; Tyler Ferris, agricultural engineering; Jacob Kruckenberg, fisheries and wildlife

• Chadron: Miakayla Koerber, agricultural education; Cody Madsen, plant biology; Joe Matt, engineering

• Clarkson: Korbin Kudera, agronomy

• Concord: Nicole Hanson, undecided

• Davenport: Haley Pena Lopez, agricultural education

• Elwood: Dani Forster, animal science

• Farwell: Kristine Dvoracek, agribusiness

• Friend: Segner Darren, animal science; Maggie Vyhnalek, agricultural education; Madison Zumpfe, agricultural and environmental sciences communication, and advertising and public relations

• Hayes Center: Wesley Wach, agricultural economics; Rebel Sjeklocha, agricultural and environmental sciences communication

• Holbrook: Seth Andrews, agribusiness

• Holdrege: Hunter Brenn, undecided

• Laurel: Grace Dana, undecided

• Lincoln: Emma Lanik, undecided; Zoe Tomas, undecided

• Maywood: Von Fritsche, agribusiness

• Mead: Ethan Dyas, software engineering

• Monroe: Blaine Jacobi, animal science

• Nehawka: Sophia Svanda, business administration

• Oconto: Isaac Stallbaumer, engineering

• Oxford: William Paine, biochemistry

• Plattsmouth: Charlie Knust, agronomy

• St. Paul: Brock Uhlir, radiology

• Seward: Bailee Nielson, biology and psychology; Shea Thompson, biological systems engineering

• Shickley: Lexi Kadel, computer science; Jacob Swartzendruber, agricultural economics

• Sutton: Chandler Stone, agribusiness and marketing; Sam Nuss, undecided

• Tecumseh: Gabriela Alvarado, psychology; Tia Parrish, criminology and criminal justice

• Wauneta: Natalie Ramirez, pre-nursing

• Whitman: Brittney Emerson, hospitality, restaurant and tourism management

• Wilcox: Garret Ortgeisen, agriculture engineering

• Wisner: Chase Albers, animal science; Maci Batenhorst, pre-law

• Yutan: Miranda Mueller, animal science