AMBOY — We’ve all seen on television at one time or another a trivia game show. Locally you can tune into Stateline Quiz Bowl. Or, turn on the game show network and watch contestants answer questions to win money and prizes. The local Amboy FFA Chapter Alumni Association are hosting the first ever trivia night on Saturday, March 5, at the Amboy Community Building. The main goal of the event is to raise funds to support the chapter and to bring people together to make them aware of what FFA means to the community.

The national FFA organization provides a unique lesson plan in the high school and it’s considered an intra- curricular and not an extra curricular activity. Meaning; lessons taught about agriculture not only in the classroom but outside of it that the members participate in all happens together and translates into the career development journey that many hope to pursue. Local Chapter President and trivia night coordinator Katie Pratt understands the importance of the program. 

“It’s a full circle model of education where not only are the students getting the classroom teachings but they get to go out into the ‘real world’ and start to apply what they are learning,” she said. 

Testing and learning events happen throughout the program. Students are quizzed on their knowledge of everything from dairy foods to soil health, while honing their salesmanship and leadership skills. Supervised agricultural experiences by the students are expected to be documented to further enhance their record keeping skills while exploring their interests and passions along the way. Agriculture employs approximately 21 million people across the country. The industry encompasses everything from seed to the food on your plate. Adam Henkel, named ‘Team Captain’ to his eight person trivia team, is both an Amboy High School and FFA alumnus back in the 90’s, and a seventh generation corn, soybean, and seed corn farmer. Henkle is also currently the Lee County Farm Bureau President and has put his knowledge and experience to good use over the last 25 years. 

“FFA definitely gave me opportunities that I otherwise didn’t know or thought about at the time,” he explained. “I’m comfortable and have confidence with my public speaking and leadership capabilities. I’m glad to be a part of what should be a fun evening while also raising money for the organization.”

Pratt and a small group of volunteers have been meeting for several months now, collecting sponsors reaching out to the media, public and alumni in hopes of having enough teams to hold the event. 

There will be eight rounds of questions that will cover a variety of topics including FFA trivia. 

Prizes will be given for both high and low team scores. Along with best dressed and best team name. Steve Hartley, the very first Amboy Chapter state reporter and officer back in 1991-92, will serve as MC and moderator for the event. 

“I was contacted by the school board to see if I would be willing to get involved,” said Hartley. “I will play a small role. I hope to move the contest along, keep it lighthearted and make sure that it’s an exciting and fun event for everyone.”

The funds raised from the festivities, benefit current FFA member participants to help them achieve scholarships and to participate in conferences and conventions as well as attendance at future college and trade schools. The committee hopes to make this an annual event. Food, a cash bar, dessert auction will be available. Doors open at 6 p.m. All are welcome.