Classroom Feature: Miranda Segner

Written by Miranda Segner | January is one of the busiest months in the agriculture classroom. FFA degree applications are due, contest practices for the first round of Career Development events are going on, and all of the new semester of classes are in full swing. While this can be an exhausting period of time, the fruit of hard work by so many students surely proves to be worthwhile!

On Feb. 4th, four FFA seniors who have met the requirements will interview for their State FFA Degrees. (Anticipated) congratulations to Selah Petersen, Babe Weber, Hunter Svehla, and Caleb Black for this accomplishment!

On Jan. 21st, the first round of Career Development Events was held at Thayer Central. EMF FFA walked away with 3 district champion state qualifying teams in: Agronomy, Agriscience, and Floriculture. Our next round of contests includes district welding on Feb. 16th and the rest of the CDE contests on Feb. 24th. Congrats and good luck to all!

In Mrs. Segner’s classroom, students have been learning a variety of topics. Agribusiness students are in the middle of a financial unit to understand the basic documents, terms, and equations needed to operate and manage an agricultural enterprise. In welding, the introductory students are trying their hand at the process of TIG welding while the advanced students are completing the MIG curriculum from Southeast Community College. The floriculture classes have practiced, planned, and executed a Valentine’s Day themed floral arrangement offered to teachers and are creating their own floral shops through an online design project. In 8th grade, exploratory students are spending a few days on each career pathway within agriculture as well as learning the basics of FFA, SAE, and Ag Classes for their future in high school. 

FFA Officer Feature | Aniston Meints, Vice President

Aniston Meints, a junior,  serves as a vice president of the EMF FFA Chapter, where she helps lead and support members throughout the year. As an officer, Meints takes on the responsibility of being a leader, role model, and helper for all chapter members. She also works with the officer team to plan chapter meetings, organize events, and design activities for members to participate in.

Meints chose to become an FFA officer because of her passion for involvement and leadership. “I wanted to become an officer to be a leader in our FFA chapter. I enjoy participating in our events and competitions, and being an officer for our chapter would further involve me in these events,” she said. She also credits past chapter leaders for inspiring her to step into the role and hopes to be a source of support and encouragement for other members.

What Meints loves most about FFA is the strong sense of community it provides. “Within our chapter and through connecting with other chapters at events and competitions, I have met many new people,” she shared. Meints also values the communication and leadership skills she has gained through FFA, skills she plans to carry with her throughout her life.

Kaydence Haase to Continue Volleyball Career at Midland University

Kaydence Haase, a senior at EMF, will be continuing her academic and athletic career at Midland University playing volleyball.

EMF Girls v. Pawnee City

 Photos courtesy of Leesa Bartu.

EMF Boys v. Pawnee City

 Photos courtesy of Leesa Bartu.

FFA Officer Feature | Selah Petersen, Vice President

Selah Petersen, a senior, serves as a vice president of the EMF FFA Chapter and plays an active role in planning and encouraging participation within the organization. Her responsibilities include planning chapter meetings alongside fellow officers, writing reports for meetings, and motivating members to take part in various FFA activities.

Petersen became an FFA officer to serve as a role model and leader for younger members. “I wanted to be a leader to the kids who participate in FFA. There are many opportunities to reach out to younger members and help them learn how to become leaders through this organization,” she said.

What Petersen loves most about FFA is seeing members discover and grow in their individual interests. “I love seeing what everyone has become the most interested in through different FFA activities. Everyone has their own views and interests and watching them excel in these areas has been fun to see,” Petersen shared. Her leadership helps foster growth, confidence, and enthusiasm throughout the EMF FFA Chapter.

Death Notice: Tim Thomsen

A Memorial Service will be Friday, February 27, 2026 at 2:00pm at Fairview Manor in Fairmont, Nebraska. Pasting Michele Kanzaki will preside over the Memorial Service.

A book signing and visitation will be Thursday, February 26, 2026 from 4:00-8:00pm at Farmer Funeral Home in Exeter, Nebraska.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial donations to be made to: Church on the Rock, Texarkana, Texas; Fairview Manor Lighted Cross Fund, Fairmont, Nebraska; or University of Nebraska-Lincoln Athletic Fund/Men's Basketball. 

Tim's service will be live-streamed to Farmer & Son Funeral Home's YouTube page.

https://www.youtube.com/@FarmerSonFuneralHome

Happy Valentines Day

 

FFA Officer Feature | Jacob Spohn, Vice President

Jacob Spohn, a junior, serves as a vice president of the EMF FFA Chapter, helping support chapter leadership and member involvement. In his role, Spohn is responsible for being on time to meetings, participating in Leadership Development Events (LDEs), and assisting with other responsibilities as needed to help the chapter operate smoothly.

Spohn chose to become an FFA officer to both educate others and grow as a leader. “I wanted to help people learn about agriculture and to learn about being a leader,” he said.

What Spohn enjoys most about FFA is the trust and teamwork it builds among members. “Being with people I can trust and working together with other leadership groups,” Spohn shared. Through his involvement, he continues to develop leadership skills while contributing positively to the EMF FFA community. 

FFA Officer Feature | Caleb Black, Treasurer and Vice President

Caleb Black, a senior, serves as both treasurer and vice president of the EMF FFA Chapter, taking on important leadership and financial responsibilities. As treasurer, Black keeps track of the chapter’s account balance and oversees financial records. In his role as vice president, he also helps fund and support chapter meetings, activities, and other FFA events, ensuring the chapter’s programs are run smoothly.

Black decided to become an FFA officer because of the positive impact he hoped to make. “I mainly wanted to become an FFA officer because of the positive influence I could have on my peers and community,” he said.

What Black appreciates most about FFA is the strong sense of unity within the organization. “The thing I love most about being in FFA is how much of a family-life bond we have together. We learn together, support together, and compete together. It’s such a wonderful community to be part of to advance our leadership abilities and teamwork,” Black shared. Through his leadership roles, he continues to help strengthen the EMF FFA Chapter while growing alongside his fellow members.