August 22, 2018 – Hartford, WI – Hartford Union High School is pleased to announce senior Leah Weninger, and her sister, 2017 graduate Sheila Weninger, have been selected to compete in the National FFA Talent Competition October 30 through November 2 at the Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, IN.
Both girls competed with solo performances and a duet at the State FFA Convention in Madison this past June. Their individual performances were both gold rated and their duet was selected as the state winning performance at the convention where they performed on stage in front of more than 2,000 guests.
“We always dreamed of being on the big stage at Nationals for the talent competition, but never thought we would get the opportunity. We are both very excited to be able to share our talent with FFA members from all over the country,” said Sheila.
Sheila has been a part of the Wisconsin State FFA Chorus for four years and Leah has been in the group for three years. Sheila also auditioned for the National FFA Chorus and was a member for two years. Leah Weninger also auditioned and was a member of the same group last year.
“They’re just amazing, driven young women with a great passion for this gift they have and love to share with others. It’s always an incredible experience to listen to them sing, separately and together, and I’m so proud to see them realize a dream they’ve worked so hard for,” said HUHS FFA advisor, Kimberly Schadrie.
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The girls come from a small dairy farm (40 cows) milking cows, doing field work, and daily farm chores. Parents Ken and Mary Weninger are huge supporters of their singing. “We have been singing since we were little girls. It started off just singing along with the radio in the barn to the animals or in the tractor while doing field work. It then grew to being a part of the choir in grade school (Herman School), high school (Hartford Union), and in church,” said Leah.
FFA has made a large, positive impact on their life. Sheila has been an officer for three years: Reporter, Vice President, and President of the Hartford Chapter. Leah has also been an officer for two years: Parliamentarian, Vice President, and currently the President of the Hartford FFA Chapter. Through FFA we got the opportunity to travel to different places of the country, such as Washington D.C. for the Washington Leadership Conference. From these conferences, we were able to meet FFA members with the same passion and interests.