Items in this listserv:

HOT TOPICS - REMINDERS:  

• CORRECTION to last week to the Eldon Witt Scholarship - ****NEW this year, that application is DUE May 1, 2023.  

• Spanish Creed Speaking LDE 

Please click here for the Spanish Creed Speaking LDE Rules.  Please click here to complete the intent to participate in the State Spanish Creed Speaking LDE DUE February 1, 2023.  

• Officer Candidate and Parent Orientation - Saturday, February 18, 2023

Click here to view that listserv posted on 11/15/2022.  Click here to RSVP to the orientation.  

• 2023 Illinois FFA Selection Committee - STUDENTS NEEDED

Selection Committee is an amazing opportunity for FFA members and friends of the FFA, click here to check out an awesome video about being on Selection Committee.  The State FFA Officer Selection Committee application is due March 15, 2023.  If you have students that are interested in being on the 2023 Selection Committee click here to apply.

• Town Hall during March 1, 2023, CREW Meeting - The Illinois FFA Board in reply to the IAVAT resolution to revisit and provide more information regarding the Illinois FFA Constitutional Amendment -  to Replace the word Section with Region, will be holding a Town Hall during the March 1, 2023, CREW Meeting.  Please click here to provide your testimonials or submit your question. 

****NEW Information****

1.  Alumni Annual Meeting, Auction, and Chapter Baskets Instructions

2. Ground Zero Participation Form & C.A.R.E. Form Reminder

3. 2023 Illinois FFA Leadership Camp Registration

4. Ed Curry Memorial Camp Scholarship

5. Illinois FFA Alumni Camp Scholarship

6. State FFA Convention Hotel Room Blocks for the Wyndham & President Abraham Lincoln Hotel

7. ILAGED Account Balance Reminder 

1. Alumni Annual Meeting & Auction Chapter Basket Contest 

The IL FFA Alumni Annual Meeting Registration and the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel Room Block links are located here.  The hotel room block closes on Friday, January 27, 2023.  The Live Auction is open to the public.

Chapter Basket Contest at the Illinois FFA Alumni Annual Meeting & Auction, February 10-11, 2023 at the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel, Springfield, IL.  

Once again this year, the Alumni Council will be hosting the chapter basket contest

in conjunction with the Annual Meeting and Auction. We ask that the Alumni

Chapters that will be attending the Annual Meeting to participate in the basket

contest. Each affiliate, FFA Chapter, or non-traditional affiliate is encouraged to

put together a basket that represents your area, FFA, or the FFA state theme of

“Electrify”.  Chapter Baskets judging will take place at 5:30.

Illinois FFA Camp Scholarship will be given to the Best Basket. If enough

money is raised from the chapter basket auction then additional scholarships could

be announced.

Even if you are unable to attend the Alumni Annual Meeting you can drop off a chapter basket with one of our alumni council members or at the IL FFA Center.

Please check out the Illinois FFA Alumni Facebook page for pictures of last year’s

Chapter Baskets for ideas.

Contest Rules:

• All items must fit securely into the basket and be wrapped with clear cellophane.

• The bottom of the basket cannot be larger than 3x4 ft.

• A list of the items included in the basket must be clearly visible.

• Affiliate, FFA Chapter, or non-traditional affiliate’s name should be clearly labeled on the basket.

• The basket can be of any creation.

*We will allow alcohol to be in the baskets, just add “21 & Over” to the label.

If you have any questions, please contact Patti Davis at the FFA Center at (217) 753-3328 Ext. 107 or by e-mail at pdavis@illinoisffa.org.

2.  Ground Zero Conference Participation Form & C.A.R.E. Form

Required Student Participation Form - Please have the Student/Parent sign the participation waiver (the student signs in the middle of Page 2).  Please upload Page 2 to the Ground Zero Conference Registration or bring the signed form to the conference for each student attending the conference.   Please note that if we do not have the signed waiver on the day of the event then the student(s) cannot participate in the conference.   

Upload Instructions:

• Event Registration

• Past Events, 2023 Ground Zero Conference

• Arrow down to the bottom and upload under Documents.  

• Choose File/Upload

• Patti Davis will approve or reject the waivers.  If rejected, you will receive an email.

C.A.R.E. Form - We also would like the C.A.R.E. Form signed by the student/parent through AET before the conference - (CARES Listserv).  We do not need copies to be brought to the conference, we can view them in AET.

3. 2023 Illinois FFA Leadership Camp Registration

The IL FFA Leadership Camp will be held from Monday, July 24 - Thursday, July 27, 2023, at the 4-H Camp in Monticello.  Registration for Camp is the same as last year's $215.00 and registration will open on Wednesday, February 1, 2023.   

4. Ed Curry Illinois FFA Leadership Camp Memorial Scholarship

Ed Curry was a long-time ag teacher and FFA advisor from Section 1 whose passion was to find the best in everyone.  He lived to make every moment count and to instill in his students that they were valued and they can make a difference.  His passion for camp was infectious.  

HE LOVED CAMP!  Every part of it.  He always loved a good challenge to try to have someone attend who was unsure about stepping outside of their comfort zone.  Mr. Curry was an FFA advisor, who taught with kindness, compassion, and inclusion. He volunteered his time as a staff member of the Illinois FFA Leadership Camp every year, beginning in 2006.  Camp was a place where Mr. Curry was able to become a trusted mentor, advisor, and friend to many more students than he had in his chapter or section. He was always willing to lend an ear to listen or give advice and direction to anyone who sought him out.  He was a great friend to not only the FFA members attending camp but also to the other camp staff and the FFA Center staff, as well. Mr. Curry used his time at camp to impact as many members as he could.

To honor his work and life, camp scholarship(s) in the amount of $215.00 will be awarded to attend  Illinois FFA State Leadership Camp in Monticello.     

Please click here to complete the Ed Curry Memorial Camp Scholarship.  Applications are due by May 1, 2023. Once a student completes the application the FFA Advisor must complete and submit a letter of recommendation stating why you think your student should be a recipient of the Ed Curry Memorial Camp Scholarship via email to intern@illinoisffa.org by May 15, 2023, for their FFA member who submits an application for the Ed Curry Memorial Camp Scholarship.  

Applicants and teachers will be notified by late May.  

5.  Alumni FFA Leadership Camp Scholarship Applications - Due March 1, 2023

The IL FFA Alumni and Supporters is offering a scholarship for the FFA Leadership Camp (Freshman-Junior, Sophomores & Juniors get priority).  The applications must be completed through the google form below, and we are once again requesting the FFA Advisor to write a short paragraph on the student that has sent in the scholarship application.  The scholarship application and the short paragraph needs to be sent by email to pdavis@illinoisffa.org by Friday, March 1, 2023.

Before starting to complete the scholarship application(s), please review the instructions and rubric.

• Alumni Scholarship Application for the 2023 FFA Leadership Camp 

If you have any questions, please contact Patti Davis pdavis@illinoisffa.org.

6.  State FFA Convention Hotel Room Blocks for the Wyndham & President Abraham Lincoln Hotel

Both the Wyndham and the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel have room blocks available.  The Wyndham Hotel Rooms are $112 plus tax and please use this link to book your hotel rooms.  The President Abraham Lincoln Hotel, hotel rooms are $113 plus tax, please call (217) 544-8000 and the code is “FFA”.  If you need 8 or more hotel rooms, please call Amber Paoni directly at (217) 321-2453.  We have requested a hotel room link so please watch the calendar area of the listserv for the updated hotel link.

7. Avoid August Stress - Check Account Balances NOW - Midyear Reminder all Account Balances need to be paid by August 1, 2023

Please take this time to review your account balances on www.ilaged.org to make sure those balances are paid.  If outstanding bills are not paid by August 1, 2023, login access to www.ilaged.org will be turned off until the outstanding debt is paid in full.  Turning off this access will not allow a program or teacher to login to register for events, access the curriculum online or begin the FFA roster process.   Knowing your school's process for paying invoices and planning accordingly will help prevent your school from losing access. 

If you have any financial questions or inquiries about your balance, please contact Jannette Allotey at jallotey@illinoisffa.org
**** PREVIOUS Information Shared - WORTH Sharing Again****

• CLICK HERE to view

****DATES & DEADLINES - Remember**** 

*Please NOTE, that if you click on Dates & Deadlines it will take you to the www.ilaged.org calendar.  

2023 IL FFA State Convention Wyndham (Downtown) Springfield Hotel Room Link

2023 IL FFA State Convention - President Abraham Lincoln Hotel Contact Information:  Reservations (217) 544-8000 Code “FFA”.  The rooms are $113 plus tax.  If you need 8 or more rooms, please call directly Amber Paoni at (217) 321-2453.

2022-2023 CDE Calendar and General Information-Updated 12-5-22 & 2022-23 Trading Post

Instructions on How To Register for Events, CDE's-Adding/Editing Participant Names, and Waiver Uploads for Events

Start/Reactivate an Alumni with Illinois FFA Alumni and Supporters

2022-23 C.A.R.E.S Waiver Form Listserv with Instructions - Required for all students attending conferences, the leadership camp, and conventions.

• January 23-27, 2023 - American Degree Applicants will be notified of any issues or errors to correct and address in their application prior to their interview.  Applicants will be notified of their scheduled interview date

• January 27, 2023 - Illinois FFA Alumni and Supporters Annual Meeting Hotel Room Block closes at the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel, Springfield, IL.

• January 27-28, 2023 - Ground Zero Conference, Southern Illinois University, College of Agricultural Sciences, 1205 Lincoln Dr, Carbondale, IL 62901.

• January 28, 2023 - Illinois FFA Alumni and Supporters Annual Meeting Registration for Full Conference Registration Fee increases to $135.

• February 1, 2023 - Spanish Creed Speaking LDE  intents DUE

• February 3-4, 2023 - Ground Zero Conference, I-Hotel & Conference Center Champaign, IL.

• February 3-4, 2023 - Ground Zero Conference, Western Illinois University, 1 University Cir, Macomb, IL 61455

• February 6-8, 2023 - Virtual American FFA Degree Interviews

• February 7, 2023 - Illinois FFA Board Meeting, 3:30 p.m. - Virtual

• February 10-11, 2023 - Illinois FFA Alumni and Supporters Annual Meeting and Auction, President Abraham Lincoln Hotel, 701 E Adams St, Springfield, IL 62701.

• February 16-17, 2023 - IACTE Conference

• February 18, 2023 - Parent/Candidate Orientation Meeting, IL FFA Center

• February 18, 2023 - Early Bird Registration ends at 11:59 p.m. for State Meats Evaluation & Technology CDE.  Registration will continue at regular registration rates.  Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• February 18, 2023 - Early Bird Registration ends at 11:59 p.m. for State Veterinary Science CDE.  Registration will continue at regular registration rates.  Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• February 18, 2023 - State Ag Ed CDE - Lesson Plans DUE 

• February 18, 2023 - Parent/Candidate Orientation Meeting, IL FFA Center, Start Time 1:00 p.m., Conclude by 4:00 p.m.

• February 18 - 25, 2023 - National FFA Week

• March 1, 2023 -  CREW Meeting - Virtual - 3:30-4:30 p.m.  Please click here to provide your testimonials or submit your question.  

• March 1, 2023 - Illinois FFA State Officer Candidate Applications & Resumes Due to Illinois FFA Center - click here for more information.

• March 1, 2023 - Sam Taylor Scholarships Application DUE

• March 1, 2023 - Illinois FFA Alumni and Supporters FFA Leadership Camp Scholarship Application DUE - Freshmen & Sophomores get Priority Judging, Juniors can apply but will be considered after the Freshmen & Sophomores.

• March 2, 2023 - Illinois FFA Board Meeting, 3:30 p.m. - Virtual

• March 3, 2023 - Women Changing the Face of Agriculture Conference

• March 4, 2023 - State Meats Evaluation & Technology CDE, University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign Stock Pavilion, 1380-1476 W Pennsylvania Ave, Urbana, IL 61801.  Registration 8:00-9:30, Event starts at 10:00 am.  Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• March 4, 2023 - State Vet Science CDE, University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign Stock Pavilion, 1380-1476 W Pennsylvania Ave, Urbana, IL 61801.  Registration 8:00-9:30, Event starts at 10:00 am.  Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• March 4, 2023 - State Ag Ed CDE, University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign Stock Pavilion, 1380-1476 W Pennsylvania Ave, Urbana, IL 61801. By Appointment Only.

• March 8, 2023 - District Proficiencies

• March 11, 2023 - Illinois FFA Alumni and Supporters Council Meeting, IL FFA Center, 10:00 a.m.

• March 13, 2023 - Top 10 Section President Award Application DUE

• March 14, 2023 - IAVAT Board Meeting, 3:30 p.m. - Virtual

• March 15, 2023 - Selection Committee Applications DUE  - click here for a flyer

• March 17, 2023 - Mandatory Registration ends at 11:59 p.m. for State Dairy Cattle/Handlers CDE - Please utilize the Trading Post if your chapter has additions/cancellations. Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• March 18, 2023 - Mandatory Registration ends at 11:59 pm for State Food Science CDE - Please utilize the Trading Post if your chapter has additions/cancellations. Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• March 31, 2023 - State Dairy Cattle/Handlers CDE, Kaskaskia College, 27210 College Rd, Centralia, IL 62801.  Registration 8:00 - 9:30 a.m., the Event begins at 10:00 a.m.  Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• April 1, 2023 - TENTATIVE State Food Science CDE, Site TBA. Registration 8:00 - 9:30 a.m., the Event begins at 10:00 a.m.  Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• April 1, 2023 - Honorary State Degree DUE - Teacher Application; Non-Teacher Application 

• April 6, 2023 - IL FFA Center CLOSING at 12:30 for the Easter Holiday

• April 7, 2023 - Mandatory Registration ends at 11:59 p.m. for State Livestock Reasons CDE - Please utilize the Trading Post if your chapter has additions/cancellations. Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• April 7, 2023 - Mandatory Registration ends at 11:59 p.m. for State Horticulture CDE - Please utilize the Trading Post if your chapter has additions/cancellations. Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• April 7, 2023 - Early Bird Registration ends at 11:59 p.m. for State Livestock Non-Reasons CDE - Registration will continue at regular registration rates.  Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration A

• April 7, 2023 - Early Bird Registration ends at 11:59 p.m. for State Poultry CDE - Registration will continue at regular registration rates.  Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• April 7, 2023 - IL FFA Center CLOSED for Holiday

• April 12, 2023 - IAVAT Board Meeting at the IL FFA Center

• April 14, 2023 - Chapter President Application DUE

• April 17, 2023 - IL Foundation FFA Board Meeting at the IL FFA Center

• April 18, 2023 - IL FFA Board Meeting at the IL FFA Center

• April 19, 2023 - Early Bird Registration ends at 11:59 p.m. for State Ag Business Management CDE.  Registration will continue at regular registration rates.  Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• April 20, 2023 - Mandatory Registration ends at 11:59 p.m. and Results are Due for State Ag Mechanics CDE.  Please utilize the Trading Post if your chapter has additions/cancellations. Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• April 20, 2023 - Results Due for Parliamentary Procedure LDE

• April 20, 2023 - Results Due for Conduct of Chapter Meetings

• April 21, 2023 - State Livestock Reasons/Non-Reasons CDE, University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign Stock Pavilion, 1380-1476 W Pennsylvania Ave, Urbana, IL 61801.  Registration 8:00 - 9:30 a.m., the Event begins at 10:00 a.m.  Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• April 21, 2023 - State Poultry CDE, University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign Stock Pavilion, 1380-1476 W Pennsylvania Ave, Urbana, IL 61801.  Registration 8:00 - 9:30 a.m.  The event begins at 10:00 a.m.  Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• April 21, 2023 - State Horticulture CDE, Parkland College, 2400 W Bradley Ave, Champaign, IL 61821.  Registration 8:00 - 9:30 a.m.  The event begins at 10:00 a.m.  Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• May 1, 2023 - Top Section/Chapter Reporter Application DUE

• May 1, 2023 - Eldon Witt Student Teaching Scholarship Applications DUE

• May 3, 2023 - State Ag Business Management CDE, District Sites TBA.  Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• May 4, 2023 - State Ag Mechanics CDE, Illinois Central College, 1 College Drive East Peoria, IL 61635.  Registration 8:00 - 9:30 a.m., the Event begins at 10:00 a.m.  Please add/edit participants’ names on your registration before the CDE at www.ilaged.org (instructions above).

• May 4, 2023 - Parliamentary Procedure LDE, Illinois Central College, 1 College Drive East Peoria, IL 61635.  By Appointment Only

• May 4, 2023 - Conduct Chapter of Meetings LDE, Illinois Central College, 1 College Drive East Peoria, IL 61635.  By Appointment Only

• May 17, 2023 - IAVAT Board Meeting, 3:30 p.m. - Virtual

• May 26, 2023 - IL FFA Center CLOSING at 2:30 p.m. for the Holiday

• May 29, 2023 - IL FFA Center CLOSED for Holiday

• May 30-31, 2023 - State FFA Officer Meeting, IL FFA Center

• June 13 - 15, 2023 - Illinois FFA State Convention, Bank of Springfield Center, 1 Convention Center Plaza, Springfield, IL 62702

• June 20 - 22, 2023 - IAVAT Conference, Sheraton Lisle Naperville Hotel, 3000 Warrenville Rd, Lisle, IL 60532, 

• July 24 - 27, 2023 - Illinois FFA Leadership Camp, 4-H Memorial Camp, 499 Old Timber Road, Monticello, IL 61856

• August 1, 2023 - Joint FFA & IAVAT Board Meeting, IL FFA Center