Two FFA members from Kewanee High School have received state awards from the organizartion.

Kalleigh Gale was selected as the state FFA proficiency winner in food service entrepreneurship, and Kashen Ellerbrock finished in the top five in the Illinois Association FFA’s sheep production competition.  

Kalleigh Gale is a junior and a member of the Kewanee FFA Chapter of the Illinois Association FFA.  Illinois FFA recognizes students in 48 areas based on their work-based learning, also known as Supervised Agricultural Experiences or SAE. 

FFA members who demonstrate outstanding agricultural skills and competencies through record keeping, leadership, and scholastic achievement may be considered for this award. 

SAEs allow students to learn by doing by either owning and operating an agricultural business, working or serving an internship at an agriculture-based business or conducting an agriculture-based scientific experiment and reporting results.

Gale was selected as the state winner by a committee of agriculture industry representatives and teachers knowledgeable in this work-based area at the State FFA Awards Selection process in Mt. Zion on Saturday.  

She is the daughter of Kraig and Dawn Gale.

Kalleigh was previously chosen as the chapter, section and district awardee in this area. She is the current Kewanee FFA Chapter president. 

Shelby Bailey, Ella Cagwin, Kindra Callahan and Annie Johnson are the agriculture teachers and FFA advisors at KHS.

Gale will receive plaques and be recognized as the state winner at the 97th Illinois Association FFA state convention. 

Ellerbrock competed Saturday at Mt. Zion High School with his Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) record book in the sheep production proficiency area. 

Making it to State Awards Day is a huge milestone for an FFA member, Mrs. Callahan said. Of the more than 42,000 FFA members in Illinois, only 240 qualify for state awards day; Ellerbrock has made it to state awards day twice.

But, what is even more impressive about his success is that it has been in two different categories, Callahan said.