Ten student members of Franklin County Technical School chapter of FFA won bronze in the organization’s national 97th Annual Convention in Indianapolis last month.
In order to qualify to go to the annual convention, FCTS requires its students to finish in first place at the FFA state competition, which was held in Framingham. Junior Kasey Kellogg and senior Avery Heathwaite won their individual competitions in Agriscience. Sophomore Lillian Giguere won her Public Speaking Leadership event. A seven-member team won a Conduct of Chapter Meeting competition which required them to master Roberts Rules of Order.
The seven-member team consisted of sophomores Collin Hamel, Aiden Winn, Aidan Pasic, Savanah Von Schmidt, Jadis Jenks, Iris Gochinski, and Makayla Fornier.
Close to 80,000 FFA members from chapters throughout the country, including Puerto Rico, attended the National Convention, which was held October 22-26. Competitions were held on the second day of the event, with the students attending leadership workshops the rest of the week. They also participated in community service projects; some cleared pathways in a conservation area, while others made potholders for Meals on Wheels.
Sara Dugas, FFA faculty advisor and Veterinary Science instructor, said the students learned valuable lessons about leadership and socialized with students from other chapters during the conference.
“The hope is that the FFA members will bring their knowledge and experience back to inspire our chapter members,” Dugas said. “It was good for them to meet like-minded students from around the country who are interested in pursuing a career in agriculture.”