Slater FFA holds annual barnwarming

On Wednesday November 23rd, that Slater FFA Chapter held it annual Barnwarming at the Glasgow Community Lanes. A few years ago the chapter took a different direction with its Barnwarming to get more participation among all of its members. The chapter chose to bowl instead of having a traditional dance. More than 50 FFA members and their guests attended this year's event and spent most of the afternoon bowling, socializing, and relaxing before everyone went their different ways for Thanksgiving break.

The chapter has tried to focus on community service at all its different activities this year. Instead of paying for bowling, members each brought a toy valued at $5 or less that will be donated to the Saline County Holiday Project. Over 50 toys, books, and other items will be given to needy families in Saline County from the members' donations.

This year's candidates for Barnwarming King and Queen were: Ivory Dobbins, Elizabeth Owens, Olivia Knox, Kurt Taylor, Spencer Peel, and Layne Clemons.

Ivory is the daughter of Jim Dobbins and Angie Arms of Slater. She is a junior at Slater High School where she is an active member of various organizations including: Student Council, SADD and serves as the FFA Chapter's Treasurer. Ivory's SAE project includes mowing yards and helping at home with various jobs.

Elizabeth Owens is the daughter of Debbie Heying of Slater. She is a junior at Slater High School. Elizabeth is an active member of 4-H, where she serves as an officer and she also is the FFA chapter Secretary this year. Elizabeth's SAE includes raising a variety of poultry and working at City Pharmacy.

Olivia is the daughter of Robert and Jacqulynne Knox of Gilliam. She is a junior at Slater High School, where she is active in softball, basketball and manages baseball. She is also in 4-H and serves at the FFA Chapter's Historian this year. Olivia's SAE project includes showing market lambs and a baking business.

Kurt is the son of Kim and Lisa Taylor of Slater. He is a junior at Slater High School where he serves at the President of the Class of 2013, is in student council and is the Vice-President of the FFA Chapter. Kurt's SAE project includes a few head of beef cattle and mowing lawns.

Spencer is the son of Jim Ed and Lori Peel of Slater. He is a freshman at Slater High School where he is the president of the class of 2015, plays football, basketball and is on the student council. Spencer plans to work with his dad on the farm and have some beef cattle for his SAE project.

Layne is the son of Raylene Clemons of Slater and Troy Clemons of Gilliam. He is a freshman at Slater High School where he plays basketball and plans to play baseball. Layne's SAE project is working as a summer pollinator at Pioneer Hybrid near Miami.

Ivory Dobbins and Kurt Taylor were named the 2011 Barnwarming Queen and King and were crowned by the 2010 queen Casey Short.

Every member enjoyed themselves at this year's event and look forward to more events after Thanksgiving break.