White County FFA wins big at State Convention

 The White County chapter of Future Farmers of America (FFA) was very busy over spring break. While other high school students were enjoying beaches, cruises, or just some well-earned rest, members of White County High School’s FFA were competing at the 96th Tennessee FFA State Convention, in Gatlinburg.

The chapter, as a whole, won State Superior Chapter, National Chapter Award – 3 Stars, and the Platinum PLOW Award for their work in Agriculture Literacy.

The chapter was well represented as members competed in various competitions, activities, and a science fair. Competitions included Environmental and Natural Resources, a Quiz Bowl, and Bullpen. In addition to the competitions, the FFA members were also able to represent White County on the big stage for Proficiency Awards in their respective SAEs, State Talent, and Star in Placement. Five of White County’s FFA club members were declared winners in their individual proficiency divisions for the Middle Tennessee division of the state.

After winning the Middle Tennessee proficiency divisions, Marlo Selby, Dustee Savage, Austin Davis, Daniel Austin, and Hunter Rigsby all competed against the winners from both East and West Tennessee. While all of the White County FFA members did well, it was Daniel Austin who was the overall winner as he won the Tennessee State Veterinary Medicine Proficiency award.

“This week was very successful for Daniel as he also won the Tennessee State Star in Placement award,” Kim Eller, one of White County’s Agriscience faculty members and FFA sponsors, said. “He will be able to go around with other Stars from Tennessee and visit agriculture businesses and industry professionals.”

The State Agriscience Fair was another area in which the White County FFA members excelled during the convention. Katie Eller and Lily Herren were State First Runner Up in the Environmental and Natural Resources Division 4, while Alivia Hart placed third in the state for Animal Systems Division 3. Mallery Riddle and Alondra Ornelas teamed up to take fourth in the state for Animal Systems Division 4, and Chase Lewis placed fifth in the state’s contest for Environmental and Natural Resources Division 5.

While all of White County’s FFA members represented their school well at the State Convention, for Daniel Austin, there is more work to do. Austin will travel to Indianapolis, in November, to compete against other active FFA members from around the country as he represents the state of Tennessee in the 2024 National Convention.

“We are very proud of the White County FFA members for all of their dedication and hard work,” Eller said. “All the success this week has shown just how dedicated they are and how willing to work at achieving their goals.”