Leigh Chapter Shines at State FFA!
Luke Eisenmann Elected as 2026-2027 State FFA Secretary!
This spring, more than 8,000 FFA members, advisors, and guests attended the 98th Annual Nebraska State FFA Convention in Lincoln. Competitive events began on Wednesday, March 25th, and concluded on Friday, March 27th. Over the course of the week, members competed, attended workshops, and general sessions.
From previous success in district competitions, Leigh had qualified nearly the entire chapter to compete in Leadership and Career Development Events! Members also partook in proficiency interviews and were recognized for receiving their state degrees.
Senior Luke Eisenmann also represented the chapter by completing state officer interviews, advancing onto the final rounds!
This year, Leigh achieved remarkable success and recognition at the state level! The Farm and Agribusiness Management team of Luke Eisenman, Kyle McMullin, Brayden Loseke, and Carmen Malena finished as state champions, qualifying for Nationals in October. Additionally, Luke Eisenmann placed 2nd overall in the event.
Sophomores Tyce Larson, Easton Brabec, and Cash Fehringer advanced to finals in their Agriculture Demonstration. In the end, they finished as State Runner-Up, placing 2nd! The team's demonstration consisted of showing the process of milking a cow, pasteurizing its milk, and making ice cream.
Junior Carmen Malena was interviewed in her Ag Sales Entrepreneurship Proficiency, receiving State Runner-Up. Karly Wendt also received State Runner-Up in her Swine Production Placement Proficiency. In the area of Livestock Evaluation, Briggs Klug, Luke Eisenmann, Carmen Malena, and Daphne Jedlicka placed 3rd overall as a team, with Briggs Klug placing 2nd and Luke Eisenmann placing 10th.
During the second general session, Leigh was recognized in the Connecting Chapters Program for dedicating service in educating elementary students on agricultural topics. Leigh received the award due to the Little Sprouts program established with all elementary classes.
Among 948 FFA members, Luke Eisenmann, Kyle McMullin, Ava Kasik, Neveah Zulkaski, Karly Wendt, and Sydney Messerlie all received the highest and most prestigious degree applicable in Nebraska. All seniors received their state degrees and were recognized on stage for their accomplishments.
Additionally, Sydney Messerlie participated in the State FFA Honor Chorus. Sydney spent the week attending choir practice and singing during each general session.
In the final general session, FFA members had the opportunity to listen to keynote speaker Clair Woeppel, the National FFA Central Region Vice President. Clair shared an empowering message about waiting in all seasons of your life.
Ending the convention on an extremely high note, Luke Eisenmann was elected as the new State Secretary during the final session! Alongside six individuals, Luke will be serving Nebraska FFA throughout the 2026-27 year. He and the newly elected officer team will travel the state, connect with chapters, and share their agriculture and leadership experiences.
“State FFA is something we look forward to all year long. We competed in a lot of different events and had great success as a chapter. We also made great memories together” said senior Brayden Loseke.
Senior Luke Eisenmann said, “We had another great year at State Convention with many groups and individuals placing very highly in their competitions. In my last high school state convention, I had a great time being with friends. After the long week, it was great to see the hard work of all our members pay off. Being announced as State Secretary is an incredible honor and exciting way to end convention. I am grateful for the support everyone has shown for me including the posters that were made, and I hope to have another great year serving Nebraska FFA.”
We are extremely proud of all the accomplishments honored at the state convention and with the chapter, and Luke, the best success!
State Degree Recipients:
Luke Eisenmann, Kyle McMullin, Ava Kasik, Neveah Zulkaski, Karly Wendt, Sydney Messerlie
Farm and Agribusiness Management: State Champions (National Qualifier)
Luke Eisenmann - Purple (2nd)
Kyle McMullin - Blue (50th)
Brayden Loseke - Blue (57th)
Carmen Malena - Red (64th)
Ag Demo: State Runner-Up (2nd)
Tyce Larson
Easton Brabec
Cash Fehringer
Proficiency: Ag Sales Entrepreneurship
Carmen Malena - State Runner-Up (2nd)
Proficiency: Swine Production Placement
Karly Wendt - State Runner-Up (2nd)
Senior Livestock Evaluation: 3rd
Briggs Klup - Purple (2nd)
Luke Eisenmann - Purple (10th)
Carmen Malena - Blue (27th)
Daphne Jedlicka
Floriculture: 22nd (Red)
Hannah Martensen - Blue (52nd)
Rebecca Hastreiter - Red (80th)
Reann Bruhn
Grace Hansen
Parliamentary Procedure: Silver
Carmen Malena, Kaylee Brabec, Reese Bruhn, Reese Wietfeld, Luke Eisenmann, Kyle McMullin
Agronomy: 33rd
Cody Jedlicka - White
Reese Bruhn
Daphne Jedlicka
Sadie Brabec
Livestock Management:
Wyatt Eisenmann, Cash Fehringer, Briggs Klug, Avery Kuester, Tyce Larson, Blake Loseke
Poultry Evaluation:
Kaylee Brabec, Reese Wietfeld, James Moore, Ben Rodenburg
People in Ag Posters:
Bergan Settje - Gold
Cooper Fehringer - Gold
Ella Hansen - Gold
Harper Wendt - Silver
Ryan McMullin - Silver
Jr. High Quiz Bowl:
Team 1 - Cruz Malena, Blair Wietfeld, Korbin Hake, Grayson Loseke
Team 2 - Grant Zabka, Cooper Fehringer, Bergan Settjie, Ryan McMullin
State Honor Choir:
Sydney Messerlie