The 2023 Proficiency Winner in Outdoor Recreation is Ben McMeeken of the Slinger FFA. This proficiency is sponsored by the Delavan – Darien FFA Alumni & Supporters and Odling Plumbing. 

Ben’s passion for winter sports and skiing led him to be an adaptive and traditional alpine ski instructor for a variety of organizations and businesses. At Little Switzerland Ski Resort, Ben is an assistant manager for ski lessons, where his responsibilities include teaching both public and private lessons and managing the children’s ski program. Additionally, Ben volunteers with the Wisconsin Adaptive Ski Program and the Blind Outdoor Leisure Development to teach individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities how to ski through modified equipment and instruction methods. Ben was also able to use the knowledge he gained through his employment to coach the Slinger Middle School Ski Team.

His advisor is Katelyn Dei.

We would like to recognize the state finalists in Outdoor Recreation:

Second: Sam Hetzel, Delavan Darien

Third: Josh Zak, Bonduel

Fourth: Ryther Gehrke, Kickapoo

Fifth: Alaina Sina, Ripon

McMeeken will find out this summer if he is selected as one of four national finalists. If selected, Ben will compete at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., in November.