1. The Achiever National Delta Tau Alpha January/February 2013

2. Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible. –Dalai Lama Hi there! I hope everyone is off to a successful start with their service projects this year! Also, now is the time to be finalizing plans for attending National DTA convention in March (see details in this issue). I’m looking forward to seeing everyone there! Be sure and check out the “From Across the Nation” section of this Achiever, lots of exciting things happening. For this issue, the spotlight is on Ms. Gabriella Starr from Middle Tennessee State University-don’t miss that either! - Casteel Kirk Missouri State University

3. From across the nation…  College of the Ozarks  Elected new secretary  Selected dates for Adopt-A-Highway  Discussed annual awards ceremony  Planning chapter ‘fun’ activities  University of Central Missouri  Discussed success with ‘Chance to Dance’ charity event for developmentally handicapped  Assisting with landscape for Habitat for Humanity home this spring

4.  Northwest Missouri State University  Went over National Convention Plans  National Agriculture Awareness Day (March 20 th )  Missouri State University  National Convention plans  The Color Run! Doing this to raise money for charity From across the nation…

5.  Fort Hays State University  Sold Smelly Jellies and Seitz fruit/food in December  Quiz Bowl, Feb. 26 th  Making plans for initiation and National Convention From across the nation… At right, members of the FHSU DTA volunteer at a Trick or Treating activity at the local mall.

6. National Parliamentarian Gabriella Starr Fast Facts: Middle Tennessee State University Major: Plant and Soil Science with minors in Secondary Education and Office Management Senior (Dec. 2013) Career plans: Ag Teacher/ Extension Agent National Officer Spotlight

7.  Member of:  Sigma Alpha  MTSU DTA  Student Ag Government Association  Ag Business Society  Fun facts:  Has a Chiweenie named Rosie  Loves to do volunteer work  Works at Local County Farmers’ Market National Officer Spotlight

8.  March 7-9 th, 2013  University of Louisiana at Monroe in Monroe, LA  Chapters are partially reimbursed for travel to the convention. A separate e- mail will be sent to chapters concerning this issue.  Details and agenda can be found at: http://bigcat.fhsu.edu/agriculture/natdta/convention/index.htmlhttp://bigcat.fhsu.edu/agriculture/natdta/convention/index.html. National DTA Convention

9.  Select and prepare your voting delegate to represent your chapter.  Encourage a student to run for National Office! (Applications found on the website). Send completed application to jgleichs@fhsu.edu by Feb. 24 th.jgleichs@fhsu.edu  Complete and bring a scrapbook for the Corbus award (format found on the website)  Form an Ag Quiz Bowl team of three students SEE YOU THERE! National DTA Convention

10.  Due March 15 th : New member lists & fees ($25/member)  Further directions can be found on the website. Other important dates:

11. Take note…  DTA merchandise available:  Lapel pins  Graduation honor cords/stoles  Graduation medallions  Briefbags  Fleece pullovers  T-shirts  Instructions for ordering can be found here: http://bigcat.fhsu.edu/agriculture/natdta/merchandise/index.html