The Blountstown FFA Chapter had a very successful week at the 85th Annual Florida FFA State Convention. Several teams received recognition for their accomplishments made earlier in the year.
The Blountstown FFA Agribusiness Management team consisted of team members Mitchell Darnell, Kristen Jenkins, Donavan Ebersole, and Heather Yoder. Mitchell Darnell was the 1st high individual in the state contest and the team was named state champions! They will travel to Louisville, Kentucky in October to compete in the national contest.
Our chapter was named "one of Florida's Finest Chapters" by receiving a National Chapter Award. We also were named a premier Florida chapter. Five students received their state FFA degrees- Mitchell Darnell, Hayden Jeppson, Kayla Prowant, Brandon Purvis, and Gordon Yoder.
The Agricultural Mechanics team was recognized on stage for placing 4th in the state contest. Team members were Brandon Purvis, who was also the 10th high individual, Morgan Welch, Wyatt Thurman, and Hannah Plazarin.
The Agricultural Sales team was recognized on the stage for placing 3rd in the state contest. Team members were Mitchell Darnell, who was also the 2nd high individual in the contest, J.P. Leonard, Corey Darnell, and Missy Newsome.
The Agricultural Communications team was recognized on stage for placing 2nd in the state contest. Team members were Faith Plazarin, who was also the 2nd high individual, April Rich, and Cassidy Odom. Cassidy Odom was also recognized on stage for placing 8th and the Alumni Essay Contest. She was awarded a free trip to the Florida Leadership Adventures Camp which will be held in Haines City this August.
Mitchell Darnell competed in the state job interview contest while at convention. This contest requires students to make a cover letter and resume, fill out a job application, then complete a phone interview and two formal interviews. Mitchell placed 3rd in the state contest!
Earlier in the year, Gordon Yoder qualified to compete in the state prepared public speaking contest after winning the sub-district and district contests. His speech over the Farm Bill earned him 3rd place in the state contest which was held at state convention.
Members who won their divisions of the BHS Agriscience Fair advanced to the state agriscience fair which is held at the state convention. The following students competed: Colton Purvis, Santana Lee and Shae Hall competed as a team and placed 2nd in their division, J.P. Leonard and Shelly Price won their divisions and will submit to nationals to see if they qualify in the top 15 and earn the opportunity to compete in Louisville. Mitchell Darnell and Kristen Jenkins competed as a team. They won their division then were named the overall state winners for Division IV. They will also submit their project to nationals to see if they qualify to compete in Louisville this fall.
J.P. Leonard was named a state finalist for his proficiency award application in the area of outdoor recreation.
The week was topped off on Friday when Gordon Yoder was elected by the delegates of Area I to serve them as the 2013-2014 Florida FFA Area I State Vice President! He will dedicated this next year to traveling and representing Florida FFA.