Theresa Dardanell
Twenty-two Catoctin High School (CHS) FFA members, along with FFA Advisor Amy Jo Poffenberger, attended the National FFA convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, this past October. They returned to CHS with multiple awards and recognitions. Over 67,000 FFA members from every state participated in sessions, workshops, and a career expo during the four-day event. According to the National FFA website, “The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.”
The Agricultural Marketing team, Maddie Godlove, Carley McGhee, and Alexis Morgan, earned the bronze award for their presentation on improving a lawn care business.
The Agriculture Sales team also placed bronze. Team members Robert Hahn, Maddie Krantz, Kaleb Mercedes, and Kiah Morgan researched RTVs and developed a sales presentation, based on customer needs.
The silver award was presented to the Farm and Agribusiness Management Team of Hannah Hartness, Tiffany Lenhart, Megan McIntosh, and Stephanie Moreland. Using problem-solving skills, the team answered questions about agricultural businesses.
The Horse Evaluation Team judged different classes of horses and presented reasons for their decision. The team of Tierney Monaghan, Destiny Snedegar, Mackenzie Henderson, and Sierra Weatherly earned the silver award. Weatherly, who was second in the nation for horse judging, received special recognition on the national stage for her achievement. According to Poffenberger, “Many FFA members never get that opportunity.”
Abby Kinnard won the bronze for Creed Speaking, a competition in which participants memorize the FFA Creed and answer three questions about how it reflects agricultural life.
Laura Dutton, Jimmy Kempisty, and Ty Lenhart attended the convention as Chapter Delegates.
In addition, Stephanie Kennedy, Nicki Millbourne, and Megan Millison received the prestigious American FFA Degree. Catoctin was also recognized nationally as a two-star chapter of the FFA.
Poffenberger said, “National FFA Convention is the superbowl of FFA. It is the time of year where members from across our nation come together to celebrate and showcase all of the hard work that they have put into contest, chapter events, and other activities.”
The Catoctin High School FFA Team
