Harper FFA Chapter members pose in front of farm equipment. (Submitted photo)
REDMOND – Local FFA chapters found success during the recent Oregon FFA State Convention at the Deschutes Fair and Expo Center in Redmond.
Over 3,000 FFA members from more than 100 chapters across the state attended the Oregon FFA State Convention. For four days, students in their blue blazers competed in workshops and career development events for the chance to move on to the National FFA Convention held in the fall in Indianapolis.
Thirty Ontario High School students represented the Ontario FFA Chapter at the state convention to participate in sessions, and many received recognition. Kinsley Kemble, Monica Gomez, Hailee Pearson, Alexis Wilson, Jasmine Salinas, Mayson Bell, Maria Esquivel and Dylon Dean of the Ontario FFA’s Information Team finished in third place. Kiera Dwyer placed third in the Coop Quiz, and Valerie Rodriguez represented Ontario in the Star Farmer Placement.
In the state talent competition, Kiyo Teramura and Kyla Larson finished second and third, respectively. In addition, Dougherty was a finalist in the state for the Star in Ag Placement Award.
The Adrian FFA Chapter won awards including the first place National Chapter Award, the Superior Chapter Award and the Membership 10 plus 10 Growth Award.
Mesa Zimmerman and Claire Wagster prepared the National Chapter application and earned gold. Secretary Syriah Amaral created the chapter secretary’s book and received silver. Chapter treasurer Mesa Zimmerman was responsible for organizing the treasurer’s book and won gold. Kenzie Sorrell, the chapter reporter, won silver for the technology scrapbook.
The Nyssa FFA Chapter took first place in farm business management. Cameron Elguezabal finished fourth in the Manufacturing Art, and Lily Bybee won first place in the Agricultural Processing Proficiency. In addition, Joshua Dorathy was a proficiency finalist in Poultry Production.
Thirteen Harper Charter students represented their chapter, which received a 10+10 award for increasing its membership. The eight members participated in the Food for All event and were invited as ambassadors for next year.
The Vale FFA’s 13-member Backyard Bucket Band placed fifth in state talent. In addition, long-time Vale resident Helen Thomas was awarded an Honorary Oregon FFA State Degree during the convention.
The highlight of the trip for all FFA members was the conferring of the Oregon FFA State Degree, the highest honor at the state level. The degree requirements are based on their supervised agricultural experience program, leadership experience, and FFA and community activities.
This year, Malheur County had 30 FFA members receive that honor:
Adrian: Kenzie Sorrell and Saira Amaral.
Harper: Delanie Tuttle.
Jordan Valley: Trevor Fillmore and Zeke Quintero.
Nyssa: Abigayle Wachtler, Brenda Trujillo, Britain Hartley, Frank Oliver, Makayla Kesler, Myo Castro, Olivia Page, Reece Williams, Samantha Moore, Syriah Trujillo and Wyatt Jensen.
Ontario: Ben Grimaldo, Haylynne Miller, Josh Navarrete, Kiera Dwyer, Kiyo Teramura, Natalie Davis, William Turner.
Vale: Anna Saunders, Clay Siddoway, Ferny Cazales, Mason Recla, Morgan Hager and Matthew McBride.
Vale FFA Chapter members find the spotlight amid the Cat equipment at the state competition in Deschutes County. (Submitted photo)
Reporter Kristine de Leon: [email protected] or 541-473-3377.
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