Article written by Cailey Grabenstein and Jennica Dannehl

The BerMis FFA members competed at the second district Career Development Events on February 12, 2020. The contests that we competed in were Ag Biotechnology, Ag Communications, Ag Mechanics, Agronomy, Ag Communications, and Vet Science. The
members competed very well and represented the BerMis FFA Chapter exceptionally well.

Ag Biotechnology

We had two teams compete in the Biotech competition. For this contest, they had to take a general knowledge test, identify tools and equipment, and they were challenged to create a new transgenic fruit or vegetable to market to everyday consumers. BerMis-1 consisted of Johanna Ford, Leah Schutz, Anna Pelton, and Jordan Hilmer. Johanna Ford received a blue ribbon and Leah Schutz received a red ribbon. As a team, BerMis-1 ended up with a white
ribbon, placing fourth overall. The second team was BerMis-2. Team members were Marcia Estrada, Kenzy Drain, and Lane Schoff. They ended up in 7th place overall.

Ag Communications

The Ag Communication team members were Landon Andersen, Natalie Johnson, Anna Pelton, and Abby Scholz. Before the competition, the team wrote up an extensive media plan about bees, an important commodity in Nebraska. During the competition, John Schroeder from Darr Feedlot Inc. talked about how they care for their cattle at the feedlot. Every member was assigned a different project from this presentation. Abby wrote an opinionated article and received 1st place with a purple ribbon, Anna created a web design and received a white ribbon, Natalie wrote a journalistic article and received a blue ribbon, and Landon created a video and
tied for 1st place with a purple ribbon. The team placed 2nd overall earning a trip to the State Convention later this year.

Ag Mechanics

The Ag Mechanics team consisted of Austin Hahn, Jacob Hilmer, Jory Holt, and Joseph Pelton. This group had to take a general knowledge individual test and wire a sprayer. Individually, Jacob and Jory received blue ribbons and Austin received a red. They did very well and placed 3rd overall. They received a red ribbon and a trip to the State FFA Convention in April.

Agronomy

The Agronomy team had to identify plants and seeds, plant diseases and disorders, and equipment as well as answer questions about soil. The team members were William DeOss, Daniel Hermanson, Emma Larson, Bryce Philips, and Hanna Stewart. Emma placed 8th and
received a blue ribbon, and Daniel received a red ribbon. The team placed 6th overall and received a red ribbon.

Vet Science

The Vet Science competition consisted of an individual practicum and general knowledge test, and team identification of breeds, parasites, and equipment. The members who competed in this event were Jennica Dannehl, Johanna Ford, Cailey Grabenstein, Jordan
Hilmer, Emma Larson, and Caitlynn Wahls. Emma tied for 1st place with a purple ribbon, Jordan, Caitlynn, Jennica, and Cailey all received blue ribbons. The team received 3rd place with a blue
ribbon and qualified for the State Convention in April.

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The 2019 “I Love My Librarian Award” given by the American Library Association was awarded to a Nebraska School Librarian for the first time ever.  Stephanie Dannehl was one of ten recipients from all over the United States to receive this prestigious award.  She was selected from a pool of 1,974 nominees working in public, school, college, community college and university libraries.

Mrs. Dannehl has been the Media Center librarian and Technology Integration Specialist at Bertrand Community School for the past six years.  In that time she has been instrumental in assisting teachers in learning to use technology, strategies, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math) principles within classrooms. She also guides students in STEM enrichment opportunities during after-school club activities and within classrooms assisting teachers in developing student skills.

Mrs. Dannehl has helped make these opportunities possible by acquiring cutting-edge technologies.  She has opportunities to attend conferences all over the United States several times a year to learn about the newest innovations available.  Over the past few years, she has been able to add to student learning with HoloLens devices that allow students to learn through virtual reality using holographic images.  A 3D printer and recently, a Hypervsn holographic display, have been added to the list of high tech devices housed in the Bertrand Community School Media Center.

The award winners are given a $5000 cash prize and will be presented with a plaque on January 25 at a ceremony in Philadelphia.  The event will be streamed live via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/AmericanLibraryAssociation/.

Fill up the Food Pantry: K-6th Grade will get rewards!

Ideas for donated items include: Box mixes, Laundry soap/dryer sheets, Deodorant, Peanut butter, Toilet paper, Shampoo/Conditioner, Canned meat, Dish soap, Toothpaste & Toothbrushes, Soups, Cleaning products, Body Soap, Cereal, Paper towels, and Canned Fruit.

Things the Pantry is NOT accepting: Ramon Noodles
Please check those expiration dates!!

THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP!!