Post Messenger Recorder -

The Monroe FFA made a huge splash in Louisville, KY, at the National FFA Competition during the Career Development Events. The 2015 Monroe Ag Mechanics team consisted on Joel Faith, Nick Maveus, Traiten Gorr and Mitch Millner. Together, they competed at various levels earning several awards along the way. They are required to preform an individual written test as well as group hands-on, problem-solving tests at each level of competition. Each is timed and graded giving scores to both individuals and the team as a whole.

Their first event for the year was the sectional competition in Platteville, WI. The team placed 4th overall with Joel Faith placing 3rd individually. That allowed them to advance to the State competition in Madison, WI. There, the team placed 1st overall, with Joel Faith placing 1st individually as well. Doing well at the state level guarantees the participants a spot for the Nationals, held this year in Louisville, KY. Their final scores placed them 7th of the 50 state teams competing, earning them Gold in the team event.

In the individual competitions, Joel placed 4th in the nation and Traiten Gorr received a Gold ranking, with Mitch Millner and Nick Maveus both receiving individual Silver rankings.

The team is advised by the Monroe High School Agriculture Education teacher Danielle Pernot and coached by Jim Faith, Faith Engineering, Inc. Together, they have worked with the team to encourage strong work ethics as well as striving to continue their education in the Agricultural and Manufacturing industry. Joel and Traiten work at Faith Engineering, Inc., under an apprenticeship program through School To Work. Joel and Traiten have been accepted to UW-Platteville in the Fall. Nick also works at Faith Engineering, Inc., and is currently attending Blackhawk Technical College in their Manufacturing Information Technology Program. Mitch is a junior at the Monroe High School with plans to further his education after high school.