COLUMBUS – The Versailles FFA Chapter traveled to Columbus on April 30 and May 1 to participate in the 98th annual State FFA Convention. The convention recognizes the accomplishments of FFA members and chapters throughout the state. Versailles FFA had an outstanding convention, winning five State FFA Proficiency Awards and earning recognition as a Top 3 FFA Chapter in the state in Strengthening Agriculture, Growing Leaders, and Building Communities. In addition to these achievements, member Paige Gehret earned election as the next Ohio FFA State Vice President. Lincolon Winner was named the State Star in Agriculture Placement.
Before the convention, Versailles FFA Chapter officers presented three 15-minute PowerPoint presentations highlighting the three categories of the National FFA Chapter Application: Growing Leaders, Strengthening Agriculture, and Building Communities. Paige Gehret and Monica Evers presented the Growing Leaders portion, Greta Broering and Rhylan Broerman presented the Strengthening Agriculture portion, and Jayna Luthman and Eden Barga presented the Building Communities portion. As a result of the presentations and interviews, Versailles FFA ranked among the top 10 chapters in each division. In addition, the chapter hosted a booth as a Top 10 Chapter in the state.
The State FFA Degree represents the highest degree awarded in the state of Ohio. To receive the State FFA Degree, members must submit record books and applications while meeting requirements in SAE, chapter involvement, and leadership roles. This year, eight Versailles FFA members received the award and earned recognition Friday night at the convention. The members who received the degree included Lucy Schmitmeyer, Rhylan Broerman, Ben Pitsenbarger, Nathan Timmerman, Hank Smith, Grace Borchers, Gracie Henry, and Patrick McGlinch.
Versailles FFA also earned strong recognition through State FFA Proficiency Awards. The chapter had 11 State FFA proficiency placers and five winners, marking an exciting accomplishment for both the members and the chapter. Members who placed first in their proficiency area will advance their applications to the national level for further competition.
Lincoln Winner was named the State Star Ag Placement and American Star in Ag Placement, Ohio’s candidate. This award means that Lincoln has the overall best SAE in agricultural placement throughout the whole state of Ohio. The award of American STAR in Agricultural placement means that he will proceed to the national level to represent Ohio.
Members were also recognized for awards received at the 2025 National FFA Convention. Collin Batten National Proficiency winner in Dairy Placement. He is the son of Susan and Chris Batten. Blake Schmitmeyer was recognized as the National Proficiency winner in Ag processing. He is the son of Matt and Liz Schmitmeyer. Lincoln Winner received recognition for being the National Proficiency Winner in Diversified Agricultural Placement. He is the son of Brian and Lisa Winner.
Lincoln Winner placed 1st in the state for Beef Production Placement. His SAE consists of working at Brian Winner Farms. He is the son of Brian and Lisa Winner. Paige Gehret placed 1st in Vegetable Production. Her SAE consists of operating and owning Paige’s Patch. Paige is the daughter of Jill and Gary Gehret. Cody Billenstein placed 1st in Swine Production Placement. His SAE consists of working at Billenstein Family Farms. Cody is the son of Jason and Kelly Billenstein. Nathan Timmerman placed 1st in the state in Organic Agriculture. His SAE consists of working at Heckman Family Farms. He is the son of Bob and Gary Timmerman. Allison Pierron placed 1st in Agricultural Sales Placement. Allison’s SAE consists of working at Koenig Equipment.
Ben Pitsenbarger placed 2nd in the state for Agricultural Services. His SAE consists of pulling and analyzing soil samples through First Choice Ag (FCA). He is the son of Matt and Emily Pitsenbarger. Shawna Schmitmeyer placed 3rd in the State FFA Diversified Livestock Production Proficiency Award. Her SAE consists of working at Line-View Farm. Shawna is the daughter of Doug and Brenda Schmitmeyer. Cale Henry placed 3rd in Dairy Production Placement. His SAE consists of working at Indian Stone Farms. His parents are Beth and Charlie Henry. Roger Winner placed 2nd in the Proficiency Award area of Diversified Agricultural Production. His SAE consists of working at Brian Winner Farms. He is the son of Brian and Lisa Winner. Jake Bergman placed 2nd in Diversified Crop Entrepreneurship. His SAE consists of raising his own corn and soybeans. He is the son of Jon and Julie Bergman.
In addition to SAE success, Versailles FFA also performed exceedingly well in Career Development Events throughout the year. At the convention, three first-place individuals earned recognition. Rhylan Broerman placed 1st in the Job Interview and will advance to the national-level contest in November. Paige Gehret placed 1st in Agricultural Sales, and Monica Evers placed 1st in the Beginning Prepared Public Speaking Contest. Teams also earned banners for top-five placings, including the Agricultural Sales team, Floriculture team, and Ag Communication team. Congratulations to all involved.
Another highly commendable accomplishment came when Paige Gehret earned election as State Vice President. This office represented the highest position she was eligible to receive at this year’s convention. The election process began with an in-depth application followed by rigorous interviews to secure a place on the ballot. After advancing to the state ballot, Paige presented a speech to the Ohio FFA delegates, who elected her to the position. During the 2026–2027 year, she will travel throughout the state, visit chapters, help run FFA Camp Muskingum, and motivate Ohio FFA members. Congratulations, Paige, and best of luck on this journey.
Other accomplishments recognized at the State FFA Convention included three officers receiving Gold Rated Officer pins from the Ohio FFA Association. Those officers included Eden Barga, Gold-Rated Treasurer; Greta Broering, Gold-Rated Secretary; and Rhylan Broerman, Gold-Rated Reporter.
Versailles FFA had 41 members attend the State Convention. The students who attended included Hank Smith, Paige Gehret, Lucy Schmitmeyer, Grace Borchers, Jayna Luthman, Eden Barga, Josh Henry, Shawna Schmitmeyer, Rhylan Broerman, Greta Broering, Patrick McGlinch, Lincoln Winner, Drew Farver, Dylan Hemmelgarn, Nathan Timmerman, Jake Bergman, Allison Pierron, Cale Henry, Cody Billenstein, Trina Tuente, Monica Evers, Margaret Schmitmeyer, and Roger Winner. A special thanks goes to Jill and Gary Gehret, Julie Bergman, and Mark Henry for serving as chaperones.
