Tucker County FFA Chapter at the 91 Annual State Convention held at Cedar Lakes. Members include, Front Row (L to R) Madison Watts, Shelby Beavers, Second Row (L to R) Kevin Barb, Robby Shupp, Jacob Hauser, and Ethan Carr.
By Heather Clower
The Parsons Advocate
During the week of July 8 through July 13, the Tucker County Chapter of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) attended the 91 Annual WV State Convention held at Cedar Lakes Conference Center. Those attending were President Shelby Beavers, Treasurer Ethan Carr, Reporter Madison Watts, Historian Robby Shupp, and Kevin Barb.
Just like last year, Carr competed in the large tractor driving contest and Barb showed his skills in the zero turn mower competition. At the awards ceremony, Barb was awarded first place in the region for his efforts. Watts competed in the upperclassman creed speaking contest, also receiving the honor of second place regional award.
There were several sessions hosted during the week along with guest speakers. The speakers consisted of the National FFA President from California Luke O’Leaey, WV Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt, Chairman of the FFA Foundation Ben Cummings, and many more. Watts recalled how inspiring the speakers were in their messages to the FFA members in attendance. “Overall the week was very exciting and FFA members are looking forward to next year’s State Convention,” she said.
Throughout the convention, there were several other contests being held, such as parliamentary procedure, public speaking, a quiz bowl, and much more. FFA sessions were offered that covered a variety of topics. Including, but not limited to, presentations of scholarships and awards, a career show, a talent show, and a performance by the FFA Band.
With a new Ag Teacher and FFA Advisor taking over this year, there are a multitude of plans for the upcoming years within the chapter. Members are working diligently on the Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects over the summer to showcase at the Tucker County Fair. Mums are doing well in hopes to be mature enough to offer for sale at fair time, and if not pre-orders will be offered for discount prices. If available, the group has the intentions of offering rolls of sausage for sale again as well as a meat raffle fundraiser.
The Chapter plans to attend next year’s annual convention which is slated for July 8 through 11, but you are sure to see a lot of this group between now and next State Convention.
