Thomas County Central High School’s Future Farmers of America chapter members have proved their agricultural knowledge at state competition.
Members attended the 89th Georgia FFA State Convention in Macon April 27-29. The chapter had one state proficiency winner and five state degree earners. The TCCHS chapter also was recognized for 100 percent membership.
“I am extremely proud of our students and their efforts at state FFA convention,” advisor Robbie Harrison said. “There are many hours of preparation that go into studying for a contest or submitting an application.”
Senior Sarah Moore placed first in the Specialty Crop Production Proficiency competition, receiving a plaque and $100 award. Proficiency awards are given to FFA members who have excelled in their Supervised Agricultural Experience, or SAE, where they practice producing and marketing crops.
State winners also receive $500 travel money to attend the National FFA Convention. Moore is currently prepping for national competition.
State FFA degrees -- which are the highest degree Georgia FFA Association can give -- were awarded to chapter members who met national FFA requirements. Thomas County FFA recipients were Tori Stringer, Riley Stringer, Amber Jackson, Sarah Moore and Brentley Odom.
"Having the opportunity to go to state convention and being awarded the state degree is a life-changer as well as a dream come true,” recipient Amber Jackson said.
To receive this degree, members had to meet various requirements. Some of these include a good academic record, at least 25 hours of community service in different activities, enrollment in an agricultural education class, active involvement in FFA for at least two years, hold his or her chapter FFA degree, participate in at least five different activities above chapter level, demonstration of leadership through performing 10 parliamentary law procedures, and serve as an FFA officer or committee member.
FFA is a good opportunity for students to explore options in becoming “successful adults,” Harrison said.
“This is a great experience to open doors to professionals and specialists in their fields of study,” she said.