FREDERICKTOWN — Recently, members of the Fredericktown FFA chapter attended to 95th Ohio FFA State Convention.
The event was held at the Ohio Expo Center in Columbus. It was open to FFA chapters from all parts of the state and gives recognition to those who have accomplished great tasks within their state and community in the past year. It is a celebration of the Ohio FFA’s growth and achievements and a leadership experience for those in attendance.
The Ohio FFA State Convention consists of leadership workshops, a career show, and sessions that include award recognition and motivational speakers. Speakers discuss leadership topics such as how to make an impact in your community, ways to make your journey in FFA better, and even important life lessons (like how your decisions can affect those around you).
This year was an especially successful and important year at convention for the Fredericktown FFA chapter. Many members were recognized on the state level for their accomplishments.
Three of the officers were given gold ratings this year. Kacie Rook received a State Gold Secretary Award. Jessica Cummings was awarded the State Gold Treasurer Award and Chloe Wells was awarded a State Gold Reporter Award. In order to receive any of the three awards mentioned above, members must serve in one of the offices and keep the necessary records and receive a gold rating when the books are evaluations by the District and State FFA. They must show outstanding qualities of leadership in their position and complete all of the tasks and duties that are a part of their role.
Additionally, one of our members was selected a one of the top finalists in Ohio for his State Agriscience Fair project, Lane Dugan. Lane was recognized on stage where he received fourth place overall in the Power, Structural, and Technical Systems, Division III.
For this project, participants in this activity are required to use the scientific theory to conduct a test or experiment regarding an aspect of agriculture. They must do research before the trials, form a hypothesis, test their hypothesis, and complete records on their findings. Contestants present their findings to judges with a display, which includes an agriscience board that summarizes the results for display.
Andrea Smith completed the interview process and was a candidate for a position on the Ohio FFA Association Officer team but unfortunately wasn’t elected to office.
Members also explored the FFA Career Show and Expo as well as attended a leadership workshop hosted by the National Western Region Vice President, Ryan Williamson where they learned about “Building CommYOUnity” and how they could make an impact in their local chapter and community. Fredericktown FFA Advisor is Debra Burden.
Members of the Fredericktown FFA that attended were:
Thursday attendees: Lauren Neighbarger, Charley Beheler, Nevaeh Ward, Lane Dugan, Logan Miller, Mason Flack, Keith Rogers, JJ LeBlanc, Andrea Smith, Austin Frazier, and Raegan Blanchard
Friday attendees: Lauren Neighbarger, Chloe Wells, Lane Dugan, Jessica Cummings, Kacie Rook, Mason Flack, Keith Rogers, Raegan Blanchard, and Austin Frazier.
