Schlosser family traditions continue

Special to the Jasper County Tribune

Wayne and Karen Schlosser of Colfax have always been proud of their eight grandchildren. Each of them has excelled in their local FFA chapters over recent years. At the annual Iowa FFA State Leadership Conference held in April, their youngest grandchild was awarded his Iowa degree, the highest degree the state awards with less than 5 percent of all active members achieving it. For all eight of the Schlossers’ grandchildren to achieve this is quite the accomplishment. Both of Wayne and Karen’s children, Greg and Lisa Schlosser also received their Iowa degrees more than 30 years ago at the state FFA convention.

There were 682 Iowa degrees awarded this spring in Ames for members with qualifying FFA projects in the area of ag production, ag business, ag placement, or agriscience. Within each of those four areas, the top six FFA members with the most outstanding FFA projects receiving their Iowa Degrees are recognized on stage as a ‘Star Over Iowa’ finalist in their respective area. Being recognized as one of the top six individuals as a Star Over Iowa is an incredible accomplishment, the cream of the crop, the best of the best. The extremely proud Schlosser grandparents had their sixth grandchild featured on stage in the spotlight receiving a prestigious Star Over Iowa finalist plaque recently in Ames at Hilton Coliseum. Wayne says watching from the stands as each one of their kids and grandkids received their Iowa degree was an honor. Watching six of eight grandkids receive a Star Finalist plaque is the icing on the cake. The prestigious wooden plaque presented is in the shape of the state of Iowa with a burnt-in engraving of the FFA members’ name, photo and FFA chapter along with the sponsor of the award.

During a little downtime at the convention, State FFA President Sam Martin presented Wayne with a surprise on behalf of the Schlosser and Holdgrafer grandchildren with a Star plaque of his own. It recognized Wayne and Karen Schlosser as ‘Star FFA Grandparents’ for all of their love and support in assisting each grandchild with their FFA projects. Karen has missed the last couple of state FFA conventions as she now resides in Newton at Traditions Memory Care facility. Wayne was honored to receive his new wooden achievement, promises to share it with Karen, and claims he simply couldn’t be prouder as all of his grandchildren are stars in his eyes and those eyes were a little welled up with proud tears with his much appreciated new plaque sponsored and presented by grandchildren: Brad, Todd, Calvin, Camilla, Kesley, Katie, Kenny and Luke. The future of agriculture is bright with the eight Schlosser grandkids taking over the next generation.