MONTAGUE, Mich. — The Montague FFA Chapter continues to set a gold standard in agricultural education, leadership, and community involvement — earning this year’s Top National Chapter Award at the Michigan FFA State Convention and sending two standout students, Grace Torsch and Annette (Annie) Jensen, to represent Michigan at the National FFA Convention in the fall.
A Championship Night to Remember
While the Montague Wildcats were celebrating a win over Whitehall in the girls basketball district semifinals, news came from East Lansing that the Montague FFA Chapter had taken home the Top National Chapter Award — the highest recognition a chapter can receive in the state.
FFA members Amanda Cederquist, Addison Pranger, and Greta Auch delivered the chapter’s award-winning presentation, competing against other top-tier programs like Hopkins and Lapeer. Their presentation highlighted the chapter’s innovative approach to community service, creative goal-setting, and strong member participation.
Signature Montague events like Giving for Goats and Mother’s Day Planting were key parts of their pitch. Both initiatives blend agricultural education with local engagement — the perfect example of FFA’s mission in action.
State Champions in Public Speaking
Among the chapter’s many accolades at convention, two moments stood out: Grace Torsch winning Extemporaneous Public Speaking and Annie Jensen capturing the Prepared Public Speaking title. Both first-time competitors in their categories, the two seniors now advance to the National FFA Convention this October in Indianapolis.
Torsch delivered a spontaneous speech about biotechnology and GMOs, written just 30 minutes before stepping on stage. Her calm command of the topic and engaging delivery impressed judges — but her success was built on weeks of dedicated preparation behind the scenes.
“Grace worked so hard and practiced so often,” said Montague FFA advisor Kate Feuerstein. “Many times, she would sit in my room and prepare, then find someone — anyone — to listen. She’s spoken to herself, to advisors, to other students, in cars, in hotels… anywhere she could. Sometimes, she’d just sit and research. She’s independent and driven. This is her first adventure out of the world of conduct and parli — and she picked the right contest.”
Jensen, meanwhile, presented a powerful, research-based speech on hearing loss in agriculture — a topic close to her heart. Slightly hard of hearing herself, she explored how common farming tools like tractors and livestock can cause lasting damage without proper protection.
“She wrote her speech and brought it in one day,” Feuerstein said. “It was fabulous. A few things were tweaked, and she set off to memorize it. Annie is one of the hardest-working kids I know. Whether it was parli, conduct, or this speech — she tackled it the same way: methodically, with her notecards, listening to it over and over. I knew it was solid.”
More Than Medals
Montague’s FFA story is one of relationships, resilience, and growth — and their accomplishments this year went far beyond the public speaking stage.
Advisor Kate Feuerstein proudly shared that this year’s team had their first Agricultural Issues team make it to state in 18 years, a milestone achievement for the chapter. This team included Kerri Baker, Carmen Howard, Jocelin Pena, Mari Terrones, Willa VanLoon, Toni Ludwing, Ruth Fouser, and Ashlyn Beck. Additionally, Montague produced a State Star in Agribusiness, earned by Torsch for her landscaping business, and had another finalist for a State Star Award, Brayden Builtema.
Feuerstein also noted that the program’s impact spans grade levels: an eighth grader placed 9th in the state in Creed Speaking, Samantha Scheffler, and the Greenhand Conduct of Meetings team finished 5th statewide. Team included Gavin Grice, Gabe Seaver, Dane Roesler, Steven Aebig, Alex Breed, Evan Francis, Isaiah King, and Callen Krawczyk.
“It’s crazy to think these two [Annie and Grace] are seniors,” Feuerstein reflected. “I’m so thankful for their time in the Montague FFA. There have been ups and downs, tears and laughter, frustration and more. Things didn’t always go their way — but they weren’t meant to, and I hope they can both see that now.
I’ll miss these seniors quite a bit. They are all amazing in their own ways, and I’m thankful they chose to commit their time to the Montague FFA in contests, officer positions, events, van rides and more. I hope they always remember their time in the blue jacket and know they have impacted me in several ways.”
Though the FFA social media hasn’t caught up just yet — “We haven’t gone through all the pictures, so there isn’t much on the FFA page yet (sorry parents lol),” Feuerstein joked — the memories and milestones made this season are impossible to miss.
Best Friends, Big Futures
Torsch and Jensen’s paths have been intertwined for years. Born on the same day, moving to Montague in the same grade, and joining FFA together in middle school, their journey has been one of parallel growth.
Outside of FFA, they’re involved in everything from the school play to music and church activities. Jensen is nursing a track injury while playing in the Grand Rapids Youth Symphony and considering colleges like Hope and Miami of Ohio. Torsch is heading to Hillsdale College with plans to study applied mathematics and help design autonomous farming machinery in the future.
Both credit FFA for giving them the tools to lead and the confidence to try new things.
“FFA is more than just agriculture,” Torsch said. “It teaches you communication, leadership, and how agriculture connects to everything else.”
“Look at our experience with public speaking,” Jensen added. “We tried something new — and it worked out for us.”
A Chapter for the Record Books
Montague’s recognition as Top National Chapter in Michigan, the individual awards, and the countless personal stories shared during the 97th Michigan FFA State Convention all point to one truth: the Montague FFA Chapter is more than just a team — it’s a family of driven, passionate young leaders.
And with a legacy like this year’s seniors are leaving behind, the future looks brighter than ever.
