Gothenburg's FFA team stormed into the state competition last week, earning enough hardware to warrant a second vehicle to bring home their winnings.
Full results below:
Cassidy Reiman earned the title of State Champion in Discovery Speaking for her outstanding speech on Beef Genetics. While this event does not qualify for nationals, Cassidy has earned a place to attend the National FFA Convention with the chapter in the fall.
Brooklyn Reiman is the State Champion in Creed Speaking and will proudly represent Nebraska at the National FFA Convention in this category.
Carson Reiman was named State Champion in Extemporaneous Speaking and will also represent Nebraska at the National Convention.
Engler Business Pitch Champion
Carson Reiman also made waves at the Engler Agribusiness Quick Pitch competition held on East Campus. Carson won the morning division, securing a $500 scholarship to UNL and a gift basket of Engler Agribusiness merchandise. His entrepreneurial mindset and confidence set him apart in this fast-paced, high-impact contest.
Conduct of Chapter Meetings Team — State Runner-Up
The Conduct of Chapter Meetings team earned 2nd place in the state, making them the official State Runner-Up. This high honor showcases the team’s skill in parliamentary procedure and public presentation. Members included:
Brooklyn Reiman, Kathryn Bartruff, Emma Christensen, Scout Bell, Tessa Carter, Adalyn Carlson, Jhett Daum, and Andrew Salomon.
Parliamentary Procedure Team — Silver Award
The Parliamentary Procedure team earned a Silver Award at the state level. Team members were:
Jacie Naprstek, Taylor Burge, Tyler Hetz, Jack Aden, Logan Feather, and Carson Reiman.
Proficiency Award Finalists
Two Gothenburg members earned recognition for their outstanding Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects:
Taylor Burge was named State Champion in the Health and Human Services Proficiency Area.
Carson Reiman was Runner-Up in Vegetable Production.
Both students were recognized on stage Thursday night, celebrating their commitment to career-based learning and agricultural entrepreneurship.
Six Seniors Receive State FFA Degree
The State FFA Degree, the highest honor awarded to a high school FFA member, was earned by six Gothenburg seniors:
Taylor Burge, Jacie Naprstek, Kalli Strauser, Madi Cornwell, Casey Wahlgren, and Adi Bartels.
This milestone reflects years of dedication to FFA, SAE projects, and leadership.
Talent & State Choir Recognition
Three Gothenburg students showcased their musical talents throughout the convention:
Mavrix Butterfield, Colbie Brown, and Sarah Sander sang in the State FFA Choir, performing at all seven general sessions.
Mavrix Butterfield and Sarah Sander also performed in the FFA Talent Showcase during the Sixth General Session, sharing their musical talents on stage in front of hundreds of attendees.
Career Development Events (CDEs)
Gothenburg FFA competed in six Career Development Events, with nearly every team finishing in the top 50% and many students earning individual honors.
Marketing Plan Team – Placed 6th overall
Members: Tallee Brown, Mavrix Butterfield, and Kiarra JonasEnvironmental and Natural Resources Team – Placed 14th, Blue Ribbon overall
Individual Standouts: Rye Tiller (15th, Purple), Casey Wahlgren (16th, Purple)
Also competing: Beckett Anderson and Lucas Therrien (White)Ag Mechanics Team – White Ribbon overall
Jacob Hughes (Blue Ribbon), Gabe Hagan (Red Ribbon), Calven Chestnutt, Addy SherbeckAgriscience CDE (for freshmen/first-year Ag students) – Red Ribbon overall
Brooklyn Reiman (Purple Ribbon), Jenna Anderson (White Ribbon), Tessa Carter (White Ribbon), Scout BellAgronomy Team – Placed 16th out of 60, Red Ribbon overall
Brooklyn Reiman and Seynab Abdulkadir (Blue Ribbons), Connory Canales and Beckett Anderson (White Ribbons)Meats Evaluation Team
Jenna Anderson (Blue Ribbon), Briar Jensen (Red Ribbon), Kathryn Bartruff, Anslee Ostergard
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