Cato-Meridian FFA Alumni and Supporter Group

05/17/2026

At the 101st NY State Convention Cato-Meridian was involved in various tours, competitions promoting agriculture, and leadership.

We had teams competing in the Forestry, Vet Science, Maple, Ag Sales, Floriculture, JR. Tool, Jr. and Sr. Quiz bowl, Shark Tank, and Talent CDE competitions as well as our state finalist for the Jr. People in Ag LDE.

Congratulations to Kinsey Gochanour for placing 3rd in the State for the Jr. People in Agriculture LDE competition.

Everret Cox and Eli Zappala also wowed the crowd with their talent performance where they placed 1st in the State.

Tucker Nasholts was selected to win $900.00 to invest in starting his small engine repair business in the Shark Tank competition.

Special shout out to Megan Kyle who was chosen to serve as the 2026-2027 NY State Secretary. The Cato-Meridian FFA is very proud of you and we wish Megan luck on her year of service.

Congratulations to all of our members who attended the 101st NYS FFA convention.

04/24/2026

04/19/2026

🚜🔥 ONE OF A KIND GIVEAWAY 🔥🚜

Our FFA chapter is raffling off a custom, one-of-a-kind Bush Hog—and it could be yours! 🌟

🎟️ Tickets are just $20 each
💥 Built with pride, made to stand out, and ready to work

Don’t miss your chance to own something truly unique while supporting our chapter and future agricultural leaders. 🌱

📩 Message us to get your tickets or stop by to purchase!

04/17/2026

Good luck to Megan Kyle and Everett Cox as they represent Cato-Meridian this weekend at Camp Oswegatchie during state officer interviews. The next three days will be full of interviews and speeches for both of them. We all wish you the best of luck!

03/26/2026

Today, our chapter had the opportunity to read Seasons on the Farm to elementary students. Our members shared how each season impacts farm life, from planting and growth to harvest and daily operations. It was a rewarding experience to connect with younger students, spark their curiosity, and continue advocating for agriculture in our community!

03/25/2026

Last Saturday Cato-Meridian had the chance to host the regional sub-state competition. Our members worked hard throughout the season to prepare their presentations and speeches. Congratulations everyone on all your hard work and dedication. Special thank you to our judges, volunteers, state staff, and administration for making this event possible.

Congratulations to

🥉Alexa Hernandez in Jr. Prepared speaking.

🥈 Kinze Gochanour in Jr. People in agriculture

As well as our 2 chapter of conduct teams and our Parliamentary procedure team.

Chapter of Conduct A:
Carleigh Hirvela
Patrick Minde
Annabelle Edlestein
Griffin Aukema
Tucker Nasholts
Mia Castellino

Chapter of Conduct B:
Stella Nasholts
Graham Hunt
Alexa Hernandez
Kinze Gochanour
Luke Kyle
Brigham Dello Stritto
Camden Dells

Congratulations to all of our members!

03/13/2026

📢 EVENT UPDATE: Date Change

The FFA Central Region Substate Competition has been postponed due to severe weather impacting several participating regions across New York. The competition will now take place on Saturday, March 21, 2026.

With the new date, we are still in need of judges, timers, and volunteers to help the event run smoothly. This competition gives FFA members the opportunity to showcase their public speaking skills, and we’d love to have community members involved.

Event Details
📅 Date: Saturday, March 21, 2026
⏰ Time: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Location: Cato-Meridian Jr./Sr. High School
2915 State Route 370, Cato, NY 13033

👥 Who Can Volunteer?
Anyone interested in listening to and helping evaluate student public speaking presentations. No prior FFA experience is required.

If you're willing to help support our students and agricultural education, please sign up here:
🔗 https://forms.gle/QDPf4EtjmkcinJyZ6

02/08/2026

On Saturday, the Cato-Meridian FFA had the districts competition for district 7! We had multiple teams compete in conduct of chapter meetings, a parliamentary procedure team and multiple individual competitors. Thank you to our district president and Southern Cayuga!
Jr. Prepared speaking:
3rd place: Alexa Hernandez

Jr. Extemporaneous speaking:
1st place: Mia Castellino

Jr. People in ag
Tied for second: Kinsey Gochanour

Jr. Creed speaking:
1st place: Anabelle Edelstein
4th place: Mia Castellino

Conduct of Chapter meetings:
3rd place: Cato B
Stella Nasholts
Alexa Hernandez
Camden Dello-stritto
Brigham Dello-stritto
Luke Kyle
Ava Enderly
Kinsey Gochanour

4th place:Cato A
Patrick Minde
Anabelle Edelstein
Carleigh Hirvela
Mia Castellino
Griffin Aukema
Matthew Minde
Ethan Nasholts

Sr. Prepared:
5th place: Allison Kyle
Carleigh Hirvela

Parliamentary Procedure:
Advancing to Substates: Cato-Meridian
Megan Kyle
Allison Kyle
Eli Zappala
Morgan Mansfield
Emmilou White
Meghan Gunnip

Sr. Creed speaking:
Eli Zappala
Everett Cox

Employment Skills:
Megan Kyle
Morgan Mansfield

01/31/2026

Our Half Hog Raffle Winner is Cato-Meridians very own Mr. Kroll. Thank you to all that purchased tickets and supported the Cato-Meridian FFA Chapter! Thank you to Carey farms for donating the hog.

01/21/2026

Cato-Meridian FFA needs your support!

We are seeking community volunteers from surrounding areas to help judge our FFA contests on March 14, 2026, at Cato-Meridian Jr./Sr. High School. You do not need to be from Cato or have any prior FFA experience to participate. This is a great opportunity to support agricultural education and make a direct impact on our students.

Details:

Time commitment: 8:30 AM – 1:00 or 2:00 PM (varies by contest)

Breakfast and lunch will be provided

No prior FFA experience required

If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the interest form at the link below:
https://forms.gle/N28PUDJR8piSCZYG8

Your time and expertise—regardless of your background or where you live—are greatly appreciated.

Join us at Cato-Meridian Jr/Sr High School on March 14, 2026 to help judge FFA contests during our substates competition! No FFA experience necessary! This is a series of professional development events that focus on the development of public speaking skills in FFA members from grades 6 to 12. These...