CN-MR-1-Miss Agby Lorraine Strenkowski
Lebanon Regional Agricultural Science & Technology Center, located at Lyman Memorial High School in Lebanon, CT, finished up their year in style. First, came the “Miss Ag” Competition, in which five lovely candidates competed for the title. Each lady had to compete in four categories: their own introduction, an explanation of their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE), their talent and an answer to an individual question.
The contestants’ special talents were not required to be “Ag” related, so the audience enjoyed a kaleidoscope of performances — roping, speed painting, a poetry recital, music/comedy and a cheer. The event was judged by three teachers from Lyman High. The runner-up was Abby Coutu and the winner of the “Miss Ag 2014” title was Alyna Stober, who was awarded with a crown and sash.
Miss Stober is a junior at Lyman and has been enrolled in the Vocational Agricultural program since her freshman year. Together, she and her mother made the dress she wore for the competition. “I’m a hunter, so the camouflage material we used seemed perfect for the occasion!” explains Alyna. “I wanted to show my true colors!” Miss Stober’s SAE was raising a seeing-eye dog puppy for Fidelco. Now that the year is over and her puppy, Angel, has grown, she has been returned to Fidelco for formal training. Alyna is on the list to receive another pup to continue her work.
On Saturday, June 14, the Lyman Memorial FFA students helped put on a “Farmer’s Breakfast” just in time for Father’s Day. Vo-Ag students who are FFA members as well volunteered to serve at the event. Their catch phrase, “You pay what the farmers make” drew quite a crowd. With the costs of $.02 per egg and $.03 per slice of bacon, they had little trouble collecting the minimal fee, plus lots of tips and donations. More than 100 plates were served.
The First Congregational Church has a large kitchen and dance hall which provided the perfect facility for the event, and with no shortage of farmers and alumni in Lebanon, there was certainly an enthusiastic crowd. “People are always very generous,” says Karen Stober, parent of Alyna Stober. This is the second breakfast of its kind, put on by the FFA. They look forward to hosting again next year.
Both events were sponsored by the Lebanon Regional FFA Parent & Alumni. All monies raised go directly to scholarships for Lyman Memorial High School’s graduating seniors and for stipends for students going to the FFA National Convention.