(PHOTO BY AMY WENDT / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
CHAPTER LEADERS … FFA Officers Katie Moore, Genevieve Galvin, and Ava Genter shared with the board that the Pettisville FFA Chapter will be recognized as a Gold Chapter – an honor that places it among the top 10% of FFA chapters in the State of Ohio.
By: Amy Wendt
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
amy@thevillagereporter.com
At its regular meeting on April 14, the Pettisville School Board convened with members Brent Hoylman, Scott Rupp, Barry Hoylman, Justin Rufenacht, and Pam Skates at the table.
In addition to the Blackbird administrative staff, FFA members Katie Moore, Genevieve Galvin, and Ava Genter were on hand with the latest FFA news.
Moore, the club Chaplain, shared that the Pettisville FFA chapter has recently focused on maintaining its greenhouse. Throughout the school year, students have maintained the space by watering and replanting a variety of plants, ranging from succulents to larger houseplants. The students’ hard work led to a successful Greenhouse Sale in March, resulting in a profit of $250.
Currently, the class is exploring different everyday uses of plant-based products, with a focus on soy. So far, they’ve made items such as chapstick, candles, and soap. Ohio Ag Net visited the school to film their learning experiences.
Galvin, who serves as the chapter treasurer, shared that FFA students recently had the opportunity to tour the Nature Fresh Farms facility.
Following the visit, the company donated a $6,000 hydroponics system to the chapter. Students plan to use the new system to grow lettuce to use in the school cafeteria next school year.
Genter, the chapter’s president, highlighted the Capstone Experience program, explaining that it allows students to focus on individual projects while receiving feedback from teachers.
She noted that FFA members have worked on a variety of projects through the program. Genter used the time to work on her state degree requirements, applications, and accounting proficiency skills.
Galvin shared that the chapter routinely participates in Career Development Events (CDE), and she and Moore had the opportunity to travel to state to take part in the floriculture event.
FFA activities often involve all students at Pettisville, not just chapter members. In February, the club hosted its annual FFA Week, which included a pancake breakfast, an assembly, and an animal day.
The chapter also organized an Ag Career Show in the junior high gym, with 15 local businesses. The event featured a variety of industries beyond ag-related, offering an informative experience for all.
Ag students also give back to their community by assisting with maintaining the local recycling center. So far this year, they’ve hauled away over 400 pounds of non-recyclable items.
Junior and senior chapter members recently prepared for the 75th Annual FFA Banquet, an evening dedicated to recognizing student achievements and expressing gratitude to the community for its support.
During the annual banquet, the chapter announced it has earned Gold Chapter status, placing it among the top 10% of FFA chapters in the State of Ohio. They will receive official recognition for this distinction at the State FFA Convention in May.
Also at the state convention, nine members will be awarded their State Degree based on their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects.
Genter shared that her SAE projects focus on agricultural communication and marketing, along with managing a farrow-to-feeder/feeder-to-finish swine operation.
Galvin’s SAE projects include raising a fryer rabbit for the fair and working at both Weeping Willow Florist and Johnson’s Fruit Farm.
With the latest elementary school news, Principal Jason Waldvogel began by expressing his appreciation of the school nurse, Karen King.
She “approaches every task with professionalism, kindness, and compassion. Her calm presence brings comfort to students and reassurance to families and staff,” Waldvogel’s written report noted.
The principal also took a moment to recognize Mary Sauder for her role in the success of the Bird Perch Community Hour. While Sauder initially assisted him in hosting the program, she has since taken the lead, helping it grow.
What began years ago with just six attendees has expanded in recent years to welcome as many as 41 participants in one session.
The Bird Perch offers a space for community members to connect over coffee and catch up on the latest Blackbird news.
“It’s a connection to some of our older generation…we’ve been able to showcase a lot of the different things going on,” Waldvogel added.
Students will soon have a wider selection of books to read at the school library, thanks to Mrs. Lammers, who was recently awarded a grant for 100 free titles. The elementary school will also welcome the return of the BOGO Scholastic Book Fair from April 22–25.
The last couple of months of school will be busy for elementary students, with several events on the calendar. On May 6, the 5th and 6th Grade Operetta will take place, followed by the 2nd Grade Consumer Fair on May 7 and the 5th Grade State Fair on May 8.
Elementary Celebration Week will take place May 10–16. Finishing up the school year, the 5th and 6th Grade Band Concert is scheduled for May 20, and the 5th/6th Grade Picnic and Talent Show will be held on May 21.
Junior High/High School Principal Adam Wagner began his report with an update on the Amazing Shake program, which recently held its final round at Worthington Steel.
The results were: 5th Place – Kole Klopfenstein, 4th Place – Adelynn Curtis, a tie for 2nd/3rd Place – Lucy Mendoza and Ali Genter, and Jazlene Hernandez took the 1st place title. To celebrate their hard work, the students will be treated to a half-day off and lunch as a reward.
The senior class will soon head to Sauder Village for the annual Senior Community Service Day, where they will lend a hand in preparing the Sauder grounds for opening day.
Seniors will also be honored at the upcoming Scholarship Night on Thursday, May 8, and at Graduation on Sunday, May 18, at 2:30 p.m.
Addressing routine matters, the board adopted its minutes from the March 2025 meeting, approved the financial reports, and authorized the payment of bills. The board also agreed to reschedule its regular June meeting to June 16, 2025, at 8:00 pm.
In personnel matters, the board approved several items. Lexie Kelley was granted a 12-week maternity leave and was also approved to move to Step Masters on the pay scale. Whitney Short was approved to move to Step Masters +15.
The board accepted the resignation of JH/HS Counselor Sydney Wagenhauser, effective July 31. Zach Morrison was approved to serve as the Junior High Track Coach, and Brady Hoylman was approved as a substitute office aide for the remainder of the school year.
Upon the request of Treasurer Chris Lee, the board also approved offering Karel Wagner a one-year contract to serve as Assistant Treasurer effective July 1, 2025. A per diem rate for any day she may work during the month of June was also authorized.
Pettisville Board of Education will hold its next meeting on Monday, May 12, at 7:00 p.m.