Blue & Gold Bulletin
Fall 2024
EDITORS
Annie Kelly
Piper Roberts
Sydney Morgan
NEWS WRITERS
Colton Reed
Kai Warriner
Rebecca Taylor
Seth Dunivan
Kye Gallaway
Rico Rodriguez
Alexis Dean
Joelee Woods
AGthletes of the Month
Jaxon Sanders
Crossword
Gavin Sansspree
Good Eats
Koltin Smith
CDE Spotlight
Callie Wilbourn
FFA Throwback
Brendon Swoboda
FFA Member Spotlight
Taleah Williams
Tips & Tricks
Landon Riley
Joke of the Month
Mya Mitchell
Photos
Eli Tubele - On the Cover
Brady Petree
Braylin Kahle
Kent Rossander
Kort Stuever
Robin Mooreman
A Message from your Advisors
Hey there Wildcats! Congratulations on the completion of a successful fall semester. We are so proud of all of your accomplishments thus far, and are looking forward to a BUSY spring. Keep up the great work, it does not go unnoticed.
Jfur & Snapp
GOING ONCE
GOING TWICE SOLD!
MORRISON FFA MEMBERS COMPETE IN NEW AUCTIONEERING CDE
In the month of December two
Morrison FFA members, Jaxon
Pickens and Karsten Skaggs participated and competed in an auctioneering workshop and contest hosted by the Oklahoma State Auctioneers Association and the Oklahoma Auctioneer School.
Though this competition is new to Oklahoma FFA, the art and craft of auctioneering runs deep in Pickens blood. Pickens family owns and operates Pickens Auctions out of Stillwater Oklahoma. “For as long as I can remember, I have been traveling throughout the state with my dad helping him put on auctions,” said Pickens.
In 2020, Pickens spent a week in Billings Montana to attend auctioneer school. “Auctioneer school was an awesome opportunity,” said Pickens. “It was really fun to learn about the chants, how to get my rhythm, and meet new people who also have an appreciation for the industry.”
Jaxon has recently began recruiting other members to participate in the contest. One of those members being Karsten Skaggs.
Like Pickens, Skaggs is also an 8th grader at Morrison Junior High School and is in Ms. Furlong’s 8th Grade Ag Class. Although Skaggs does not have a background in auctioneering, the thought of learning a new skill and
OKLAHOMA FFA AUCTIONEERING CDE
The purpose of the Oklahoma FFA Auctioneering CDE contest, is to provide an avenue to explore and bring awareness to the auction industry. This contest aims to shine a spotlight on the rich traditions and valuable bid-calling skills associated with the auction industry, promoting its significance as an industry that not only fosters commercial transactions, but also serves as a vibrant platform for verbal and interactive communication.
Information gathered from Oklahoma CareerTech
getting to travel throughout the state, competing in these contests, was exciting to him. “Jaxon mentioned that he thought I might enjoy the contest, so I thought I would give it a try,” said Skaggs.
Karsten’s first time trying out a chant was during Ms. Furlong’s class the week before the two attended an auctioneering camp and contest in December. When asked what he learned at camp, Skaggs said, “I learned about how to breath while I chant, how to warm-up my voice, and how to tell a story.”
Pickens enjoyed the contest as well and enjoys seeing so many Oklahoma FFA members interested in pursuing a career in the auctioneering industry “This contest allows me to preserve my families rich history in the auctioneering industry,” Pickens said. “I am so thankful that the OSAA and the OAS made this contest a reality for Oklahoma FFA members ”
The two will compete next at the state competition on February 6th in Oklahoma City.
This contest allows me to preserve my families rich history in the auctioneering industry. I am so thankful that the OSAA and the OAS made this contest a reality for Oklahoma FFA members.
JAXON PICKENS
Colton Reed 10TH GRADE MORRISON HS
JaxonPckens(right)andKarstenSkaggs (left)attheOklahomaFFAAuctioneering CDEworkshopandcontest nDecember PhotobyJeanetteFurlong
GIVE A
HAM
OKLAHOMA FFA MEMBERS ARE GIVING BACK TO THEIR COMMUNITIES
This holiday season, Perry FFA challenged Morrison FFA to give a
ham to their local food bank as part of the Oklahoma Pork Council’s annual “Give a Ham” challenge. This challenge begins every year on Giving Tuesday and concludes the week of Christmas. This year FFA chapters from across the state participated, and eventually, it found its way to Morrison. When asked why she enjoyed participating in this challenge, Morrison FFA Chapter Sentinel Ava Williams said, “It felt good to donate to something that would contribute to a greater purpose. I always enjoy putting some good back into the world.”
Kai Warriner 10TH GRADE MORRISON HS
GIVING BACK
Each year, the Oklahoma Pork Council proudly spearheads the Give-A-Ham Campaign, a heartfelt initiative dedicated to spreading joy and providing essential support to communities across our great state. With a commitment to giving back, fostering unity, and combating food insecurity, this annual tradition embodies the true spirit of the holiday season.
Information gathered from Oklahoma Pork Council
360LEAD
FFA MEMBERS LEARN NEW LEADERSHIP SKILLS
FFA members from all over Oklahoma gather each year at Camp
Cargill in Sparks, OK for a two day leadership camp known as Lead 360. Lead 360 is designed for 8-12 graders who are looking to develop their selfesteem, personal growth, motivation, goal setting, and teamwork. During the conference, attendees heard from four professional speakers, a keynote speaker, and got to mingle with the current Oklahoma FFA State Officer Team.
This year, Morrison FFA had 9 members in attendance. One of those members was Morrison FFA Vice President, Sydney Morgan.
“I highly recommend this conference for other FFA members who are eager to meet new people, learn leadership skills, and prepare for their future,” said Morgan.
Morgan has attended Lead 360 for the last two years. “I never fail to leave having learned something new about myself,” said Morgan. “This year, I learned about the importance of taking risks and not being afraid to fail in the process.”
Rebecca Taylor 11TH GRADE MORRISON HS
SUCCESS OPENING DOORS TO
MORRISON FFA QUALIFIES FOR STATE OCC FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 3 YEARS
The Morrison FFA Opening and Closing Ceremonies team worked
very hard this fall, and qualified for the state contest for the first time in three years.
Members of the state qualifying team included: Evy Siebert (9th), Emma Haken (9th), Kinsley Sammons (9th), Emory Cowley (9th), Raegan Luter (8th), and Addison Woolf (8th).
This contest is a staple for many FFA chapters in Oklahoma, and serves as a great opportunity to get younger members excited about public speaking. “I was so scared at our first contest,” said Raegan Luter, an 8th grade member on the state qualifying team. “The Fairview OCC contest was my first time ever public speaking at a FFA contest,” said Luter.
Luter competed all OCC season, and really enjoyed her time on the team. “It was a great experience. I am so glad that Jfur pushed me to try it and then continued to encourage me to compete,” said Luter.
The team placed second at regionals, securing them a spot at the state contest which was hosted at Oklahoma State University. Making the State Contest for OCC is a huge accomplishment for FFA members Not only does it show students’ dedication to succeeding, but also the heart our students have for upholding the character of a Morrison FFA Wildcat. Morrison FFA is very proud of these individuals! #WeWantMore
Seth Dunivan 10TH GRADE
MORRISON HS
TARGET N
MORRISON FFA SHOOTING SPORTS TEAM TRAVELS ALL OVER OKLAHOMA TO COMPETE
Morrison FFA’s Shooting Sports team competed in two competitions
this fall. Members of the senior team included Kye Gallaway, Wyatt Crispin, Kent Rossander, and Jackson Frank. Members of the Junior team included Braylin Kahle, Jace Mills, Garret Pickering, and Colton Reed.
The teams held practice weekly and saw a lot of improvement throughout the duration of the season. Kent Rossander, a member of the senior team this year said, “This year was a very productive season. I can't wait for next year.”
At the regional contest in Fort Supply, both senior and junior teams averaged 15/20 skeets. The following week at the State contest in Kingfisher, the senior team brought home a $300 check and the Junior team a $600 check, both for their scores.
Junior team member Braylin Kahle has participated in Shooting Sports since he was in 9th grade. When asked what his favorite part about shooting sports was, Kahle said, “My favorite part about shooting sports, is the people.” Kahle continued, “It is really fun to be on the team, so I encourage you to join. However, it has to be taken seriously for success.”
The Shooting Sports team is only expected to get better in years to come. Members look forward to get back to practice this summer to begin preparing for next season!
Kye Gallaway 11TH GRADE
MORRISON HS
ACHIEVING ACADEMIC
EXCELLENCE
HOW MORRISON FFA ENCOURAGES GOOD GRADES
It is a tradition for Morrison FFA to host a bi-annual academic
achievement dessert bar for those students who excel academically throughout the semester. This fall, the event was organized for those who achieved a GPA of 3.8 or higher, reflecting their hard work and dedication to their studies.
The dessert bar included a variety of ice cream flavors and had an impressive selection of toppings from sprinkles and syrups to mini brownies and whipped cream.
Students look forward to being apart of this event. One member said, “I was genuinely pleased by Morrison FFA’s efforts to recognize and celebrate academic achievement for the first semester.”
When asked why this event is important, Ms. Furlong said, “It is no secret that our FFA members miss school throughout the year to attend different FFA-related events. We designed this event to encourage our members to keep their grades up so they can continue to travel with us.”
Ms. Furlong also noted that her and Mr. Snapp always tell their students, “grades first”.
Seth Dunivan, a current member of Morrison FFA, achieved remarkable success in his studies this fall. Dunivan said that his favorite part of the lunch was the chocolate ice cream.
Landon Riley, another member of Morrison FFA who achieved academic excellence in the fall said, “My favorite part of the ice cream party was the ice cream itself, specifically the vanilla ice cream and the fact that there was lot of people.” When asked how hard Riley works at his studies to keep a 3.8 GPA, he said, “I work really hard for it, and stay ahead and on top of my assignments, so I didn’t get behind.”
Alexis Dean 10TH GRADE MORRISON HS
LIGHTS PARADE OF
HOW THE TOWN OF MORRISON GETS INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT
Every year in mid-December, Morrison FFA members work to build a float for the Town of Morrison’s annual Parade of Lights celebration. After some
Morrison FFA members of all ages came to the parade to ride on the float through downtown Morrison.
Morrison FFA member and 9th grader Emory Cowley stated, “The parade of lights got me excited for Christmas.” Cowley has rode through downtown Morrison on the FFA float for 2 years now
“I always love to throw candy to the kids, and spend the evening with my family,” said Cowley. “Overall, the parade of lights was a great evening spent with fellow FFA members and members of the community who support our program.
Ricardo Rodriguez 10TH GRADE MORRISON HS brainstorming, and a vote, it was decided that the theme for their float this year would be: Santa’s Sleigh.
LEAVING A
LEGACY
VIRGINIA EGGARS MAKES GENEROUS DONATION TO MORRISON FFA
Morrison FFA was truly blessed with the donation of $105,610.32 from
the estate of Virgina Eggers. This donation is imperative to our chapter in many ways, and will allow Ms. Furlong and Mr. Snapp to take our program to the next level.
Mrs. Eggers was a long time resident of Morrison and was once a Morrison FFA member herself. Mrs. Eggers was always willing to help anyone, and if you had the opportunity to meet her, you would agree. Mrs. Eggers spent lots of her time attending livestock shows and sales, along with agricultural seminars, it was truly fitting for this donation to come from her.
This donation came as a shock to Morrison FFA advisors Ms. Furlong and Mr. Snapp. When asked in an interview how this donation would impact Morrison FFA, this is what Ms. Furlong had to say, “First and foremost, Mr. Snapp and I both want to express how grateful we are to Mrs. Eggers and her family for their generous and transformative donation to our program. It is going to change the trajectory of what we can offer our students, and will allow our program to
grow in ways that Mr. Snapp and I have only dreamed of. Ensuring the longevity of this donation and the continued success of our program is at the forefront of our minds. We plan to use these funds thoughtfully and strategically to create lasting impacts for current and future generations of Morrison FFA members, to ensure our program remains a cornerstone of agricultural education in our community for years to come.”
The chapter would also like to extend a thank you to school board member Phil Berkenbile for presenting us with this generous donation on behalf of the estate of Virginia Eggers and for assisting in ensuring the future of the success in the Morrison FFA chapter.
Joelee Woods 12TH GRADE
MORRISON HS
Spring 2026
MorrisonFFACalendar
February
2: Morrison FFA Local Show
3-7: Morrison FFA Week
5: NWD Livestock Judging
6: State FFA Auctioneering Contest
10-13: Noble County Fair
18-24: NWD Livestock Show
March
7: FFA Day at the Capitol
11-21: OYE
25: NWOSU Interscholastic
27-28: Eastern OSU Interscholastic
April
1: Murray State Interscholastic
2: NEO Aggie Days (Livestock Judging)
3: Conners State Interscholastic
4: NEO Interscholastic
10: Seminole State Interscholastic
16: NW Area Quiz Bowl
22: Area Speech Contest
25: State Quiz Bowl and State Speech
26: Oklahoma FFA State Interscholastic
May
1: State Agriscience Fair
6-7: State Convention
12: Morrison FFA Banquet
16: Last day of school
17: Graduation
*Any and all dates are subject to change.
Good Eats
AGTHLETES OF THE MONTH
Sport: Basketball
Favorite FFA
Memory: Winning State Agriscience in 2021
Funfetti Cookies
Ingredients
1 cup UNSALTED butter, room temp
2/3 cup + 3 tbsp granulated sugar
2 cups + 1 tbsp. AP Flour
1 tsp. vanilla rainbow sprinkles
Directions
Preheat oven to 325F Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper
Beat together butter and 2/3 cup sugar until combined
Add in flour and blend well Add vanilla
Roll dough into 1-in balls
Gently roll the balls in the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar until lightly coated
Press down on the balls to flatten. Add sprinkles.
Bake for 14-16 minutes or until just slightly golden around the edges and on the bottom
Let sit for 10-15 minutes, or until completely cooled
Enjoy!
Sport: Basketball Kent Rossander
Favorite FFA
Memory: When the shooting sports team went to state in 2021
FFA Throwback
On January 10th, 1983 Jan Eberly from the state of California became the first female National FFA President
Joke of the Month
What did the cow say to the calf?
Answer: It’s PASTURE bedtime!
Tips & Tricks
Get involved beyond meetings! Volunteer, lead, compete, and serve to grow as a leader, boost your resume, and make a lasting impact. The connections you build will stay with you for life!
WORD SEARCH
Agribusiness
Agronomy
Animal Husbandry
Agribusiness
Agronomy
Animal Husbandry
Barley
Beef
Crop
Crop Rotation
Cultivate
Culture
Farm
Fiber
Harvest
Irrigation
Livestock
Ranch
Rice
Rural
Sheep Poultry
Member Spotlight
Emory Cowley
This months member spotlight is Emory Cowley! Emory has been involved in FFA since she was in 8th grade
T
Q
B
CDE Spotlight: Cattle Grading
Let’s learn a little bit more about Emory
Grade: 9th
SAE: Vermiculture and Beef Cattle
Favorite CDE: Milk Quality
Favorite FFA Memory: Making it to state this year for OCC!!
Future Plans: Attend Oklahoma State University to work towards a degree in Ag Education! #teachag
Outstanding work Emory!! and is an active member of our chapter!
Cattle grading is the evaluation of a beef animal, and to increase knowledge on how to select the best livestock. In an interview, Colton Reed, a competitor in cattle grading, explained what happens during the contest to help others better understand. Reed said “a beef cow is run through a pen, similar to a sale barn, and then I judge the animal based on its weight and how high the market is” The contestants' job is to determine if buying this animal is worth the amount of money, for the amount of beef they would get once the animal is slaughtered
Morrison FFA competed in this CDE for the first time this year Morrison's favorite part of this contest is that it teaches students how to select and evaluate the best livestock Kort Stuever, another competitor in cattle grading was interviewed Stuever said he enjoyed this contest and may participate in it next year. Concluding, if cattle grading sounds like a CDE you would be interested in, don’t be afraid to get involved.
AlexisDean,10 SethDunivan,10 KyeGallaway,11 BraylinKahle,10
AnnieKelly,10 MyaMitchell,10 SydneyMorgan,11 RobinMooreman,12
BradyPetree,11 ColtonReed,10 LandonRiley,10 PiperRoberts,10
RicoRodriguez,10 KentRossander,10 JaxonSanders,10 GavinSansspree,11
KoltinSmith,11 KortStuever,10 BrendonSwoboda,11 RebeccaTaylor,11
JoeleeWoods,12
ElinaTubele,10 KaiWarriner,10 CallieWilbourn,12 TaleahWilliams,10
