The Virginia FFA held the 98th Virginia FFA State Convention June 24th - 27th held on the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia.
The chapter received multiple recognition awards. The chapter was rated Gold Level for Public Relations and Silver Rated for the National Chapter Award. The Public Relations award is an award based on how the chapter communicates with the public and the National Chapter Award is based on the chapter’s activities throughout the year.
The Senior Horse Hippology team placed 7th overall and members consisted of Adelynne Baugher, Amiah Porter, Piper Scialdo, and Anna Snoddy. Contestants had to complete a written test about equipment, information about breeds, and anatomy/physiology of a horse. They also had to identify equipment used in the equine industry and judge classes of horses.
Sarah Bryant, Andrew Dorrier, Ben Gilliam, and Noah Jones competed in the Nursery/Landscape Contest. Their contest consisted of identifying plants, insects, and tools, a written exam, and landscaping design estimate. They placed 7th as a team.
The Veterinary Science Team consisted of Grace Martin, Alexandra Morris,Abigail Palmore, and Leigha Pleasants. Members of the Veterinary Science Team had to complete a case study about rabbits that included general knowledge, math practicum, tool identification, breed identification, hands-on practicum, and a team problem. The team placed 22nd overall
This year we had a Jr. Agricultural Mechanics Team that competed as well. The team placed 13th overall. Their contest consisted of identifying tools, a written exam, measuring activity, welding practicum, electrical practicum, and math practicum. Team members included Ryland Carter, Luke Gilliam, Trent Ragland, and Tuck Wooten.
Three members of the chapter received their State FFA Degree on Thursday, June 22nd. The State FFA Degree is the 4th highest of the five degrees a FFA member may earn. Among other qualifications members that receive the State FFA Degree must have a successful S. A. E., be a member of the FFA for the past 24 months and completed at least 360 hours of agricultural education. Members who received their State FFA degree are Andrew Dorrier, Noa Jones and Amiah Porter.
Two members won their division of the Proficiency Award Program. Jenna Oliver was the state winner for the Equine Science Placement Division. This award program was based on her application that was formed from her working at Sprouse's Corner Ranch, LLC. Noah Jones was the state winner for the Forestry Management and Products Placement Division. His application was based on him working at S.R. Jones Logging Company. Both of these members’ applications have been sent to the national level for judging. Results from that judging will be announced in August.
Picture Captions:
Veterinary Science (l to r) Leigha Pleasants, Alexandra Morris, Grace Martin, Abiagail Palmore
State Degree (l to r) Amiah Porter, Andrew Dorrier, Noah Jones
Proficiency (l to r) Jenna Oliver, Noah Jones