FFA State Convention Update
The FFA State Convention was held this spring in Pullman, and there is much to celebrate among our amazing student members! They represented Walla Walla incredibly well and got the opportunity to experience life on a college campus. We are so proud of each of them and their contributions to Walla Walla FFA this year.
Pre-Convention
Several students were recognized on stage for Pre-convention successes, including Agricultural Mechanics, Horse Judging, Agriscience Fair, and Livestock Judging.
Horse Judging Team: Alexis Jones, Madison Worden, Hanna Wright, Teegan Timmons, Ellie Ford, and Makenna Wright placed 2nd in the state CDE competition.
Livestock Judging Team: Jaycee Cox, Baylee Appleford, Kinzey Appleford, Hanna Wright, Alexis Jones, and Reagan Leiferman placed 10th out of 38 teams. Jaycee also placed 4th individually.
Agriscience Teams: Amanda Tilley and Makenna Wright placed 1st in the state competition. Anneliese Triebwasser and Elizabeth Strickland placed 2nd in the state competition.
*See other posts in the 2024 Spring Newsletter for more information on accomplishments by the Agriculture Mechanics teams
Ag Issues: "The Right to Repair" Bill
Tazie Betzler, Parker Morgan, Natalie Lieuallen, Breanna Sweeney, and Kylie Cochran did very well in the presentation but did not advance against tough competition.
First Year Member:
Team 1: Aaden Repoff, Sloane Stemple, Peyton Albert, and Kinzey Appleford placed 1st in their Sub-state flight, advanced to Finals and placed 3rd overall out of 70 teams.
Team 2: Kaiya Witcher, Ellie Edwards, Audrey Haury, and Makenna Wright did well in their sub-state flight but did not advance forward.
Vet Science:
Mahaela Harden, Hanna Wright, Amanda Tilley, Brintel Schwarz, and Reagan Lieferman placed 22nd overall at state out of 63 teams after completing the ID tests, Knowledge and Math Exams, Clinicals and Handling, and Team Presentation
National Chapter:
Tazie Betzler, Breanna Sweeney, and Kylie Cochran presented their national chapter application well and received 7th overall in the Gold Ranking. This contest also allowed for Walla Walla to be named as a Superior Chapter in the state- only 18 chapters can claim this title!
Extemporaneous Speaking:
Parker Morgan gave a strong speech based on the sub-state topic "What cutting edge agricultural technology do you see having the most significant impact on modern-day farming and what are the pros and cons of this new technology?" He met his time allotment (between four and six minutes), however he did not advance forward in this contest - he claims he's seeking vengeance for next year. Parker did compete at multiple local events and placed 3rd and 4th in those!
Agricultural Education:
Baylee Appleford and Teegan Timmons presented their animal science lessons to a room of high school students. Teegan's lesson on animal facilities went well but she did not advance her in her flight. Baylee advanced to the finals with her flight zone lesson and 6th placed overall.
Scrapbook:
Tazie Betzler and Teegan Timmons, our FFA historians, planned and put their creative minds to work on the FFA Scrapbook, placing 3rd overall out of approximately 20 chapter scrapbooks. The scrapbook in on display in Ms. Crane's classroom.
Delegate:
Race Hubbard participated as WaHi’s chapter delegate and contributed to making a difference in our State FFA organization on topics concerning students within the FFA. He was on the State Foundation committee, as well as had a part in electing the 24-25 State Officer Team.
State Degrees:
The Washington State FFA Degree is the second-highest degree students can strive to achieve. Members must have their greenhand and chapter degree, have invested in their future and given back to the community. Walla Walla had six members receive their state degrees and should be recognized for this elite achievement - Sheldon Cooper, Kenny Gabel, Rem McBride, Kylie Cochran, Madison Worden, and Molly Duncan.
100% Membership:
The beauty of agricultural education is that it is intracurricular and integrated into CTE courses - every student is an FFA member. Because of this, WaHi’s chapter is one of very few chapters in the state to be recognized with 100% membership of its agricultural education students in FFA.
Message from WaHi FFA Advisors:
Thank you for your ongoing support for FFA members and their endeavors in the FFA. Our staff and students are appreciative of all those who helped make the entire convention happen. You are invited to celebrate WaHi students' successes at the FFA Awards Night on May 30th, held in the commons! Thank you!
-Jessica Johnson, Peggy Payne, Alyssa Drader, and Jenn Crane
