The Adair County FFA traveled to Lexington on June 8-11 to compete in various competitions at the 97th Kentucky FFA Convention.
The Adair County Middle School FFA won second place in the state middle school FFA quiz bowl contest.
Team members were Kylie Thorpe, Kayden Pegg, Ava Froedge, and Weston Willis.
Mason Curry placed fourth in the state middle school extemporaneous speaking contest. Alexandria Pointer gave a stellar performance in the prepared public speaking contest. Mason Curry, Kylie Thorpe, John Gaskins, Myles Spoon, Weston Willis, Michael Hargis, and Kayden Pegg performed wonderfully in the FFA opening and closing ceremonies contest and Myles Spoon, Maria Burton, John Gaskins, and Michael Hargis were amazing in the middle school ag discussion meet debating the topic of whether the aging farmer population is a major concern in today’s agricultural industry.
Kylie Thorpe and Kayden Pegg participated in a community service project creating care packages for residents of the Thompson Hood Veterans Center in Wilmore.
The Adair County High School FFA was recognized in its first ever Chapter Rating as Gold and Top 10%. A chapter rating in the FFA is a recognition tier awarded to local chapters for running a well-rounded, active program. It evaluates how effectively the chapter meets agricultural education standards and involves members in leadership, community service, and agricultural advocacy throughout the year.
A gold rating is the highest in the state and making the top 10% means that the Adair County FFA will compete nationally in Chapter Rating.
FFA member Lane Kelsay received second place in the Diversified Crop - Placement proficiency, and Myla Curry received third in the Beef Production - Entrepreneurship proficiency. Myla Curry was named the Lake Cumberland Region Star Farmer and was a strong competitor for state Star Farmer.
Twelve Adair County FFA members received their Kentucky FFA State Degrees- Myla Curry, Samuel Feese, Brayden Fitzgerald, Isabella Harvey, Kantlee Harvey, James Jessie, Katie Kean, Amelia Martin, Abby Maulden, Brent Moore, Jordan Willis, and Ethan Wooten.
The State FFA Degree is the highest honor a state association can bestow upon its members. Awarded to a highly select group of students, it recognizes active participation in FFA, strong scholastic records, community service, and outstanding growth in their agricultural projects.
Numerous other individuals had exceptional performances on behalf of the Lake Cumberland Region and were recognized on stage: Addie Baker - Dairy speech, Parliamentary Procedure Team- Samuel Feese, Kantlee Harvey, Katie Kean, Alayna Marcum, Amelia Martin, and Abby Maulden, Record Keeping Team- Bailey Holmes, Emma McGuffin, Greyson Pelston, and Mason Taylor, Emma McGuffin in the Quiz Contest and Will Reynolds in the FFA Creed Contest.
It was truly an amazing week. Thanks to all the individuals who helped to make this week possible for our members! Now, time to prepare for FFA Camp and the Kentucky State Fair.
By Robin Hancock
FFA Advisor
