Sulphur Springs FFA Shines at State Convention

 

Amber Norris, Sulphur Springs AST

 

 

 

 

 

The State FFA Convention was held this last week in Corpus Christi, Texas while 13 members of the Sulphur Springs FFA chapter attended.  During the convention the students competed in various leadership events, participated in banquet and award ceremonies and heard from guest and motivational speakers such as Alicia Hodnik, National FFA Central Region Vice President, and Ag Commissioner Todd Staples.

 

Students attending the convention were Micah Stalcup, Kaitlin Maddox, Veronica Bailey, Talon Bell, Chase Koon, Taylor Swinson, Sarah Halter, Lindsey Froneberger, Ashlin Rosamond, Carly Parker, Colten Froneberger, Ricky Wyly and Maddie Rater.

 

The Sulphur Springs chapter was awarded the gold level in the Golden Horizon Chapter Recognition program.   This award recognizes a well-rounded local FFA chapter with an inclusive, progressive, aggressive program of activities that promotes maximum participation in order to deliver the leadership component of agricultural education. Chapters are placed into Gold, Silver and Bronze categories, with the top 25% of chapters in each division receiving a Gold Ranking.  Gold rated chapters are recognized on stage during the Texas FFA Convention.

 

Other awards which students received included Star Awards, Proficiency Awards, and Agriscience Awards.

 

The star awards recognize outstanding members at each degree level.   Madison Rater was recognized as a state finalist in Star Production.  This award demonstrates entrepreneurial production and active participation in the FFA.   Colten Froneberger was recognized as a state finalist in Star Agri-Business.  This award demonstrates agribusiness focus on sales and service.    Taylor Swinson was recognized as a state finalist and winner of the Star Agriscience category.  This award demonstrates developing higher order scientific knowledge and skills along with active participation in the FFA. Taylor received a $1,000 scholarship for her achievement as State Star Greenhand-AgScience.

 

 

 

 

 

The Agricultural Proficiency Awards program encourages members to set personal goals and learn practical skills. Colten Froneberger won the category of Ag Mechanics Maintenance and Repair.  For his achievement in recordkeeping and production, Colten received a $1,000 scholarship and will compete in October at the National FFA Convention.

 

 

Sulphur Springs had five students compete in the AgScience Fair at the state convention.  In this competition students use the scientific process as they reinforce skills and principles they have learned in agriscience courses. They conduct research projects and prepare a scientific report and display for judging at the state level.

The students participating were as follows:

 

Ashlin Rosamond – 6th Food Science Division with project over bacteria found on organic poultry vs. commercial poultry.

 

Sarah Halter – 4th Plant Science Division with project over homemade preservation of flower materials.

 

Talon Bell – 2nd Sr. Animal Science Division with project over ozone water treatment system for cattle which will reduce the use of antibiotics necessary in cattle production operations.

 

Taylor Swinson – 1st Jr. Animal Science Division with project over genetic testing for spider gene in market lambs using DNA gel electrophoresis.

 

Colten Froneberger – 1st Engineering Division with project over wind energy and pitch vs. voltage output on wind turbines.

 

Colten Froneberger and Taylor Swinson won their division and will go on in October to compete in National Ag Science Fair.  Each state winner was awarded a $1,000 scholarship.

 

 

 

 

 

Additionally Sulphur Springs FFA had four Lonestar Farmer Degrees this year.   This is the highest degree attainable in the state.  The charm awarded to each member is a gold FFA emblem to be worn with their official dress.  To earn this degree the students submitted records for three years and showed to have earned more than $250.00 from their projects in goats, dairy, and ag mechanics.  The student must also show documentation of active participation and 25 hours of community service. The students receiving this honor were Micah Stalcup, Chase Koon, Talon Bell and Colten Froneberger.

 

As the students returned home from this eventful and successful trip, if you see them in the community recognize them for their efforts and success.   Many have spent countless hours on their projects.   We at SSISD are proud of the young agricultural leaders which these students are developing to become. 

 

Congratulations Sulphur Springs FFA!!!

 

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