More Than Trivia: A Community Invests in the Next Generation
What do agriculture, skilled trades, and 100 trivia questions have in common? For the small town of Fall River, Wis., the answer is simple: a group of people determined to invest in the next generation.
Formed in 2024, the Fall River CTE Supporters bring local businesses and community members together to support students involved in FFA, SkillsUSA, robotics, and career and technical education (CTE) classes.
Founding member Christine Lindner, a former Beaver Dam FFA member, Wisconsin FFA state officer, and the 63rd Alice in Dairyland, helped revive the Fall River FFA Chapter after Ryan Seichter joined the district in 2022. Seeing members receive their reinstated charter at the 2023 Wisconsin FFA Convention fulfilled a longtime goal for Lindner, but she knew the work was just beginning.
“What makes the event special is bringing together FFA Alumni, community supporters, parents, local businesses, and FFA members to support career and technical education students looking to pursue careers in agriculture, business, healthcare, and the trades,” Lindner said.
But the impact of trivia night reaches far beyond one evening of fun. The CTE Supporters help cover membership dues, competition fees, and travel expenses for students involved in FFA, SkillsUSA, and robotics, making opportunities more accessible. Fall River FFA chapter president and high school senior Clara Mickelson has seen the impact firsthand.
“They also help pay toward trips, like FFA National Convention, CDEs, LDEs, and just stuff like that to help us get more experiences and take advantage of those opportunities,” Mickelson said.
In its first year (2024), Trivia Night raised roughly $13,000 and approximately $15,000 in 2025. This year, the CTE Supporters are aiming to raise $20,000, with much of the funding going toward a new greenhouse at Fall River High School. After being removed from a recent school referendum, the greenhouse project became a fundraising priority for the organization. Once complete, it would provide students with hands-on learning opportunities in plant science and related fields.
“Most of the students that work with me tend to want to learn hands-on; they don’t want to sit in a classroom,” said Ryan Seichter, Fall River’s agricultural education teacher. “So getting the opportunity to have a greenhouse will allow us to do those activities hands-on.”
On Nov. 14, 2026, the CTE Supporters will host their third annual Trivia Night fundraiser at the Columbus Firemen’s Park Pavilion. This year’s theme, “Under the Hollywood Lights,” will feature dinner, 10 rounds of trivia, a costume contest, raffles and a silent auction featuring donations from local businesses. Teams of eight can register for $400 before Nov. 1, or $480 afterward.
Those interested in attending Trivia Night in Columbus, Wis., can register a team here.
For FFA chapters across the country, Fall River’s Trivia Night event shows how even one event can bring together local businesses, families, and community members to invest in the next generation. Whether it’s helping students attend competitions, providing new experiences, or funding new classroom facilities, a creative fundraiser can introduce students to opportunities and careers they may have never considered. Sometimes, all it takes is one idea and a community willing to make it happen.
