FFA Programs Capture State and National Honors at Annual Convention
June 23, 2022 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Gregory Davis, Public Relations Officer
352.671.7123 ◊ FAX: 352.671.7735 ◊ CELL: 352.246.2278
Email: Gregory.Davis1@marion.k12.fl.us
FFA PROGRAMS CAPTURE STATE AND
NATIONAL HONORS AT ANNUAL CONVENTION
MARION COUNTY – Several Marion County Public Schools’ Future Farmers of America (FFA) programs recently competed in individual, team, and overall program events at the 94th Florida FFA Convention and Expo.
Over 100 FFA students from 14 different Marion County Public Schools attended the week-long event in Orlando.
While dozens of students received honors, the following students captured first-place awards in their respective competitions for the state of Florida, qualifying them for the national competition:
- First Place - Division Six Agriscience Fair Contest - Social Science: Amanda Padgett and Ben Chase Ritten from North Marion High School
- First Place - Extemporaneous Public Speaking Leadership Development Event: Ashlynne Neal from Vanguard High School
Also recognized at the event, 2022 Lake Weir High School graduate Tyler Laib was elected as the Area 3 Florida State Vice President. FFA state officers are new high school graduates who hold their elected position for one year. During this time, officers present workshops and deliver presentations focused on the importance of agriculture and leadership development and coordinate chapter activities over the course of the year.
Finally, North Marion High School received the National Chapter Award, the “gold standard” for FFA programs. The award recognizes FFA chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization.
The Florida FFA Association is governed by a board of directors comprised of teachers and students, charters local chapters, and provides direction, program materials, and support for local chapters. FFA’s mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
For more information, contact Career and Technical Education Program Specialist Kathy Otte at Katherine.Otte@marion.k12.fl.us or the FFA homepage at www.ffa.org.
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