Newcomer to ways of FFA named state’s outstanding young member

When she first began helping out at FFA events for the Granton FFA Chapter a few years ago, Jamie Elmhorst did not think about any future awards or recognition she would receive. The kids and their success were always forefront, and will remain that way in the years ahead.

For her work as an FFA Alumni member, Elmhorst was the recipient of the State Outstanding Young Member Award during the Wisconsin FFA Alumni Convention held on Feb. 13. To receive the award, the individual must be under 35 years of age and be nominated by their local FFA chapter.

“I was very surprised to be nominated,” she said.

Originally from Marshfield, Elmhorst said unlike her husband, Jeff, who was a 2001 Granton High School graduate and an active member of the FFA Chapter, she did not grow up with any experience with the FFA. That came after she met Jeff, who brought her into the world of the FFA and convinced her to become an Alumni member.

“I have been a member for two or three years,” she said. “My husband has been a member for about 20 years. He was active in it ever since high school, he brought me into it.”

Despite not being in the FFA long, Elmhorst got right into it, helping out wherever she could. Whether it was volunteering at events the Granton FFA held such as Dairy Breakfast or the Haunted Forest, filling in as a judge at speaking contests, or creating new events like Ladies Paint Night, Elmhorst said she just wanted to help whenever there was a need.

“Whatever they needed, whatever they asked, I tried to help,” she said. “It is a very welcoming group of people, fun and friendly. I try to help in different areas, just helping out for the kids.”

Elmhorst was informed about her nomination earlier in the year before the convention on Feb. 13. After that, she said things came together very quickly.

“It was pretty quick,” she said. “We tried to get to the convention, but with life on the farm, we attended by Zoom. It was so exciting.”

After receiving the award, Elmhorst said she and her family plan to continue to help the Granton FFA out as much as they can. Many events typically held by the chapter were not able to be held in the past year due to COVID-19 restrictions, but with things opening back up again, she said there is hope that more can be done to help the kids on their FFA journeys.

“Being there for the kids is important,” she said.

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO