Janet Schneider and Dr. Mark Zidon were recognized as Wisconsin FFA VIP recipients at the 93rd Wisconsin FFA Convention held in Madison, Wisconsin, June 13-16, 2021.

Janet Schneider is concluding six years as a member of the Wisconsin FFA Foundation Board where she served as president in 2020. In 2015 she served as the President of the Wisconsin FFA Alumni Association. Janet works for the Chilton School District as well as on the family farm. Even though she was not an FFA member, Mrs. Schneider is an avid promoter of FFA and agriculture. She has been a member of the Campbellsport FFA Alumni, Fond du Lac Agribusiness Council, and Moraine Park Technical College’s ag education advisory board. 

Dr. Mark Zidon has taught students at the high school level and is concluding 32 years of teaching and mentoring at UW-Platteville for those becoming agricultural educators. He pioneered a computer scoring program for CDEs, assists with the CDE event at UW-Platteville each year, served as superintendent for the National Ag Mech CDE for six years, and was the University Representative on the Wisconsin FFA Foundation Board of Directors. Dr. Zidon has received the Wisconsin and American Honorary Degrees and Distinguished Service Award. 

This award has been presented to a select few individuals. Since its inception as a state recognition program has only been presented to nineteen individuals. The VIP award is presented for a lifetime of support, dedication, and leadership benefiting the FFA, the FFA Alumni, and/or the FFA Foundation.