North Central District FFA Banquet
The NC District Banquet took place in Chapman this past April. Nearly 20 FFA Members and parents attended the event. Students were recognized for their achievements throughout the year in CDEs, State FFA Degrees, Proficiency Awards and other highlights included speakers, presentations and the installation of the 2026-27 North Central District Officer Team. Of which, our own Rowley Keesecker was elected as the NC District Reporter for the upcoming year! Congratulations Rowley!
The NC District Banquet took place in Chapman this past April. Nearly 20 FFA Members and parents attended the event. Students were recognized for their achievements throughout the year in CDEs, State FFA Degrees, Proficiency Awards and other highlights included speakers, presentations and the installation of the 2026-27 North Central District Officer Team. Of which, our own Rowley Keesecker was elected as the NC District Reporter for the upcoming year! Congratulations Rowley!
2026 State FFA Career Development Events Results - Washington County FFA Chapter.
The WCHS FFA had a great run this year in the State FFA Competitions in early May. Highlights Include:
State Champion Nursery/Landscape Team!
Jonathan Wright - 1st
Dawson Strunk - 2nd
Alyssa Jueneman - 3rd
Michael Peterson - 4th
Sweeping the top four placings of the event, it is obvious that their effort to prepare this year was outstanding! This group will compete at the 2026 National FFA Nursery/Landscape CDE this fall. Congratulations!
Veterinary Science CDE - 3rd Place Team!
Rowley Keesecker finished in 4th, Witt Keesecker finished 7th Individually. This CDE has grown to become the 2nd largest CDE the Kansas FFA offers each year, with over 280 students registered for the event (Livestock Judging is still the largest at 325). Additional team members were Joree Bentz and Madison Linck. Great job!
Agronomy CDE - 3rd Place Team!
As first year members of the Agronomy Team, this crew worked really hard to battle their way into the top 3 in a really tough field of competitors this year. Additionally, they had a lot of fun along the way. Fueled by McDonalds for each meal and Star Wars Themed Team T-Shirts (May the 4th was the day of the competition), they represented our chapter very well, with three members earning top ten placings. Gavyn LeDuc - 5th, Tanner Baker - 6th, and Gatlin Willbrant finishing 9th overall. Additional team members included Braylen Meier and Madisyn LeDuc. Great work!
Dairy Cattle Evaluation - 7th Place Team
Rowley Keesecker finished in 3rd Place, Witt Keesecker placed 9th and the team ended up 7th Overall. Dawson Strunk and Jonathan Wright also rounded out this group. Excited to see our team finish in the top 10 again this year!
Floriculture Evaluation - 10th Place Team
This group has really worked hard to place in the top 10 this year in the state Floriculture CDE. This is the highest placing that WCHS has had in the past decade in this CDE area and we were led by Zoe Sawin, Emma O'Rourke, Hayden Lohse, Shevy Swaim, and Liz Elder. The team placed 2nd in the North Central District CDE in mid April, with Zoe Sawin finishing in 2nd, Hayden Lohse 5th, and Emma O'Rourke 8th. Great work!
Livestock Judging - 18th Place Team
Team members included Rowley Keesecker, Easton Finlayson, Witt Keesecker and Lucas Thompson, Alternate was Dawson Strunk. The Livestock Team didn't do as well as we had hoped for this spring at state, but that should not take away from the spring that they have had. This group finished first in Smith Center, 2nd at the North Central District Competition in Clay Center, and had the Greenhand Team won the District Livestock Contest this spring, with Madison Thompson placing 2nd, and Carter Cole placing 4th, and Kane Scheer in 15th. Great work Livestock Team!
The WCHS FFA had a great run this year in the State FFA Competitions in early May. Highlights Include:
State Champion Nursery/Landscape Team!
Jonathan Wright - 1st
Dawson Strunk - 2nd
Alyssa Jueneman - 3rd
Michael Peterson - 4th
Sweeping the top four placings of the event, it is obvious that their effort to prepare this year was outstanding! This group will compete at the 2026 National FFA Nursery/Landscape CDE this fall. Congratulations!
Veterinary Science CDE - 3rd Place Team!
Rowley Keesecker finished in 4th, Witt Keesecker finished 7th Individually. This CDE has grown to become the 2nd largest CDE the Kansas FFA offers each year, with over 280 students registered for the event (Livestock Judging is still the largest at 325). Additional team members were Joree Bentz and Madison Linck. Great job!
Agronomy CDE - 3rd Place Team!
As first year members of the Agronomy Team, this crew worked really hard to battle their way into the top 3 in a really tough field of competitors this year. Additionally, they had a lot of fun along the way. Fueled by McDonalds for each meal and Star Wars Themed Team T-Shirts (May the 4th was the day of the competition), they represented our chapter very well, with three members earning top ten placings. Gavyn LeDuc - 5th, Tanner Baker - 6th, and Gatlin Willbrant finishing 9th overall. Additional team members included Braylen Meier and Madisyn LeDuc. Great work!
Dairy Cattle Evaluation - 7th Place Team
Rowley Keesecker finished in 3rd Place, Witt Keesecker placed 9th and the team ended up 7th Overall. Dawson Strunk and Jonathan Wright also rounded out this group. Excited to see our team finish in the top 10 again this year!
Floriculture Evaluation - 10th Place Team
This group has really worked hard to place in the top 10 this year in the state Floriculture CDE. This is the highest placing that WCHS has had in the past decade in this CDE area and we were led by Zoe Sawin, Emma O'Rourke, Hayden Lohse, Shevy Swaim, and Liz Elder. The team placed 2nd in the North Central District CDE in mid April, with Zoe Sawin finishing in 2nd, Hayden Lohse 5th, and Emma O'Rourke 8th. Great work!
Livestock Judging - 18th Place Team
Team members included Rowley Keesecker, Easton Finlayson, Witt Keesecker and Lucas Thompson, Alternate was Dawson Strunk. The Livestock Team didn't do as well as we had hoped for this spring at state, but that should not take away from the spring that they have had. This group finished first in Smith Center, 2nd at the North Central District Competition in Clay Center, and had the Greenhand Team won the District Livestock Contest this spring, with Madison Thompson placing 2nd, and Carter Cole placing 4th, and Kane Scheer in 15th. Great work Livestock Team!
The Kansas FFA State Convention wrapped up yesterday, and your FFA School year is now complete. We have finalized and completed results to share....some from mid April, some from Early May, and some from yesterday. Several photos to share of our groups at various events as well. Here we go!
2026 State FFA Convention Results!
WCHS had Three State Proficiency Award Winners!
McKenzie Baker - Forest Products and Management - District Winner, State Finalist, State Winner!
Dawson Strunk - Forage Production - District Winner, State Finalist, State Winner!
Jonathan Wright - Small Animal Production/Care - District Winner, State Finalist, State Winner!
Each will receive a $250 Cash award and will be on to the next round to represent Kansas at the National Level this summer!
WCHS FFA Has Four 2026 State FFA Degree Recipients!
Joree Bentz, Gavyn LeDuc, Alyssa Jueneman, and Jonathan Wright. This is the highest degree the Kansas FFA Association can bestow on its members, and with this honor, our Local WCHS FFA Alumni Association will pay for their Lifetime membership dues into National FFA Alumni and Supporters Organization!
Five Seniors Earned State and National FFA Scholarships!
National FFA Scholarship - FMH, Alyssa Jueneman - $1500
National FFA Scholarship - Beck’s Hybrids, Joree Bentz - $2000
National FFA Scholarship - AGCO Finance LLC, Destyni Christenson - $2500
National FFA Scholarship – Tractor Supply Company, Jonathan Wright - $10000
Kansas FFA Scholarship – June Beaver Scholarship, Gavyn LeDuc - $1000
Four Members Earned State and National SAE Grant Awards in 2025-2026!
National SAE Grant Award Winner, Witt Keesecker - $5000
National SAE Grant Award Winner, Rowley Keesecker - $1000
State SAE Grant Award Winner - Sponsored by United Bank and Trust, Zoe Sawin - $500
State SAE Grant Award Winner - Sponsored by Central Valley Ag, Tanner Baker - $500
State FFA Band Member - Zoe Sawin!
State FFA Chorus Members - Emma O'Rourke, Anna L'Ecuyer!
22 of our FFA Members participated in the State FFA Convention this week at some point, it was a great ending to a great year. Congratulations everyone!
2026 State FFA Convention Results!
WCHS had Three State Proficiency Award Winners!
McKenzie Baker - Forest Products and Management - District Winner, State Finalist, State Winner!
Dawson Strunk - Forage Production - District Winner, State Finalist, State Winner!
Jonathan Wright - Small Animal Production/Care - District Winner, State Finalist, State Winner!
Each will receive a $250 Cash award and will be on to the next round to represent Kansas at the National Level this summer!
WCHS FFA Has Four 2026 State FFA Degree Recipients!
Joree Bentz, Gavyn LeDuc, Alyssa Jueneman, and Jonathan Wright. This is the highest degree the Kansas FFA Association can bestow on its members, and with this honor, our Local WCHS FFA Alumni Association will pay for their Lifetime membership dues into National FFA Alumni and Supporters Organization!
Five Seniors Earned State and National FFA Scholarships!
National FFA Scholarship - FMH, Alyssa Jueneman - $1500
National FFA Scholarship - Beck’s Hybrids, Joree Bentz - $2000
National FFA Scholarship - AGCO Finance LLC, Destyni Christenson - $2500
National FFA Scholarship – Tractor Supply Company, Jonathan Wright - $10000
Kansas FFA Scholarship – June Beaver Scholarship, Gavyn LeDuc - $1000
Four Members Earned State and National SAE Grant Awards in 2025-2026!
National SAE Grant Award Winner, Witt Keesecker - $5000
National SAE Grant Award Winner, Rowley Keesecker - $1000
State SAE Grant Award Winner - Sponsored by United Bank and Trust, Zoe Sawin - $500
State SAE Grant Award Winner - Sponsored by Central Valley Ag, Tanner Baker - $500
State FFA Band Member - Zoe Sawin!
State FFA Chorus Members - Emma O'Rourke, Anna L'Ecuyer!
22 of our FFA Members participated in the State FFA Convention this week at some point, it was a great ending to a great year. Congratulations everyone!
We have our first state medalist!! Anna tied her pr from yesterday of 15.49 giving her a 4th place finish in the 100 hurdles. Way to go Anna!!!
State track day one:
Anna made finals in the 100 hurdles and is sitting 5th.
Anna made finals in the 300 hurdles and is sitting 5th there as well.
Maggie cleared 4'8" in high jump and tied for 20th.
Anna cleared 4'8" in high jump as well and tied for 18th.
Witt gave opening height in pole vault three good tries, which would have been a pr.
Keira gave opening height three tries as well, but had trouble getting her steps rite.
Macie cleared 9' and will end in 10th place.
Gavyn was scheduled to throw today but got pushed to tomorrow at 5 because of weather.
A good day one and we are focused and ready for day two tomorrow.
💪 Summer Weights kicks off Monday, June 1!
Students — get ready to put in the work this summer! Jake Pannbacker will be in the gym and ready to help athletes train, improve, and prepare for the upcoming seasons. Let’s get stronger together, Tigers! 🐅🏋️♂️🏋️♀️
Students — get ready to put in the work this summer! Jake Pannbacker will be in the gym and ready to help athletes train, improve, and prepare for the upcoming seasons. Let’s get stronger together, Tigers! 🐅🏋️♂️🏋️♀️
Tucker has qualified for the second day at 2A golf. We will tee off around 10 in the morning. Let's see if Tucker can go low in his last round as a Tiger golfer!
🐾🏅 STATE TRACK BOUND! 🏅🐾
Best of luck to our 9 Tigers heading to the State Track Meet this weekend at Wichita State University!
❤️ Girls competing:
• Alyssa Jueneman
• Anna Goeckel
• Macie Gepner
• Maggie Lutjemeier
• Keira Cheely
• Emerson Kearn
🖤 Boys competing:
• Gavyn LeDuc
• Tanner Baker
• Witt Keesecker
Congratulations on an incredible season and earning your spot at State! The Tiger community is proud of you and will be cheering you on all weekend long! 🐅🔥
#TigerPride #StateTrack #RoadToState #GoTigers
Best of luck to our 9 Tigers heading to the State Track Meet this weekend at Wichita State University!
❤️ Girls competing:
• Alyssa Jueneman
• Anna Goeckel
• Macie Gepner
• Maggie Lutjemeier
• Keira Cheely
• Emerson Kearn
🖤 Boys competing:
• Gavyn LeDuc
• Tanner Baker
• Witt Keesecker
Congratulations on an incredible season and earning your spot at State! The Tiger community is proud of you and will be cheering you on all weekend long! 🐅🔥
#TigerPride #StateTrack #RoadToState #GoTigers
Tucker is off and running at 2A State Golf @ Quail Ridge. Follow at Prep.Golf
State track qualifier shirts, orders are due Tuesday at 11:00 to be sure they are ready for 11:00 pick up.
https://idntiteez.chipply.com/wchsstate/store.html?eid=541989&apid=26074451
Thank you to the Animal Health Center and the Washington Veterinary Clinic for sponsoring the third grade class this year. Your kindness allowed us to purchase math resources for our classroom.
Well, after the dust settled from the other two regionals yesterday we have four more athletes punching tickets to state!!! They qualified with the next best 6 marks across all four regionals. Macie in the javelin and pole vault, Keira in pole vault, Witt in pole vault, and Maggie in high jump. That brings us to a total of 9 athletes headed to Wichita next week. LETS GO TIGERS!!!
During our annual End of Year celebrations, staff are honored for their years of service.
Presented with 1-year certificates: Brooke Rosebaugh, Christina Pope, Trevor Kirby, Lyle Thompson, Ryan Sanneman, Andrea Anderson, Nancy Otott and Nicole Avila-Gonzalez
Presented with a 5-year pin: Chelsea McCall, Kenny (KP) Pospichal, Ali Busch and Brandy McCubbin.
Presented with a 10-year apple: Denise O’Dea, Connie Durst, Charlotte Cardenas-Hanekom, Nikki Goeckel and Jill Keesecker.
Presented with a 15-year apple: Jessie Doll and Angie Richard (not pictured)
Presented with a 20-year apple: Jay Kearn (not pictured)
Presented with a 30-year bell: Michelle Bruna
Presented with 1-year certificates: Brooke Rosebaugh, Christina Pope, Trevor Kirby, Lyle Thompson, Ryan Sanneman, Andrea Anderson, Nancy Otott and Nicole Avila-Gonzalez
Presented with a 5-year pin: Chelsea McCall, Kenny (KP) Pospichal, Ali Busch and Brandy McCubbin.
Presented with a 10-year apple: Denise O’Dea, Connie Durst, Charlotte Cardenas-Hanekom, Nikki Goeckel and Jill Keesecker.
Presented with a 15-year apple: Jessie Doll and Angie Richard (not pictured)
Presented with a 20-year apple: Jay Kearn (not pictured)
Presented with a 30-year bell: Michelle Bruna
At the USD 108 2026 End-of-Year Celebration, our retirees were honored with personalized plaques in recognition of their dedicated service. Their supervisors shared heartfelt and humorous stories, celebrated their many contributions, and expressed gratitude for their years of commitment to Washington County Schools.
Left to right in the picture below:
Mary Fuhrken, Bus Driver 23 years
Joanna Novak, Bus Driver 36 years
Jill Keesecker, 6th Grade Teacher 10 years
Tina Savage, JH & HS Science Teacher 14 years
Left to right in the picture below:
Mary Fuhrken, Bus Driver 23 years
Joanna Novak, Bus Driver 36 years
Jill Keesecker, 6th Grade Teacher 10 years
Tina Savage, JH & HS Science Teacher 14 years
After serving as Superintendent of USD 108 for 10 years, Superintendent O’Dea was presented with a gift and heartfelt hugs from the principals, who expressed their appreciation for her dedication, compassion, and unwavering support of students and staff.
We have three more tickets punched on the track! Anna in the 100 hurdles, Alyssa in the 100, and Anna in 300 hurdles!! Way to go girls!!
We have some state qualifiers!!! We have 5 that punched their tickets in the field events and a few that are on the bubble and won't find out until tomorrow. Already punched in the field events we have Alyssa in the long jump, Tanner in triple jump, Emerson in javelin, Gavyn in javelin, and Anna in high jump!!
Mrs. Otott's second grade class visited our Classroom to Careers sponsor, Elements Salon.
Mrs Baker is so very proud of her class this year. They have grown in maturity, independence, academics, and of course in size. They know how to have fun, support each other, resolve conflicts, and do well in school. Have fun this summer. "See ya later, 4th grader!"
Tiger Designs was extremely busy the first 2 weeks of May making 578 shirts for 4 area events. The red shirts were made for the speaking engagement heard by Washington County, Linn, and Hanover students. The sponsors shown on the shirt are wonderful supporters of our area schools. The gray shirts were for the 4th graders in the county in honor of ag day and they had a long list of sponsors also interested in the success of our youth. The Best Team Ever shirts were in honor of our dedicated hospital staff during hospital appreciation week. Finally, the green shirts were for the Jim Clark Memorial tournament hosted each year for family in need. Thank you to all these individuals for letting make shirts for you. Look for pictures from area baseball/ softball teams next!
