The Garden Spot FFA Leaves the PA FFA State Convention With Medals on Their Jackets

On June 7-9th, 2022, the Pennsylvania FFA held their 93rd PA FFA State Convention on the Penn State Campus, where FFA members got to participate in their Career Development Events (CDE) and Leadership Development Events (LDE) throughout the three days.  Members also attended sessions where guests were honored and where members were inspired after listening to keynote speakers.  The Garden Spot FFA, of the Lampeter-Strasburg High School, had 18 members participate in a variety of events. 

During the Horse Evaluation Career Development Event, FFA members solved problems related to everything from the nutrition and reproduction of horses to the tack/equipment and feed used to care for horses. They also evaluated 6 classes of horses. In this CDE, Ava Immel (9th grade) placed 3rd in the state and received a gold medal, Sarah Firestone (9th grade) placed 10th in the state, receiving a gold medal as well, and Sydney Albright (10th Grade) placed 28th in the state, receiving a bronze medal. 

In the Veterinary Science Career Development Event, members demonstrated their technical competency with small and large animals by completing a written exam, critical-thinking scenario questions, identifications and hands-on practicums. Kylie Bryan (9th grade) placed 40th in the state out of 81 participants. 

During the Junior Prepared Public Speaking Leadership Development Event, students write and deliver a four to six-minute speech about a current agriculture-related topic. Sarah Blount (10th grade) placed 1st in the state, receiving a gold, with her speech titled, “A Constant Battle Over Milk.”

In the Small Gas Engine Career Development Event, students had to complete a written exam and identification of parts and tools and used problem solving and mechanical skills to fix an engine. In this event, Devin Miller-Baum (10th grade) placed 11th in the state and received a silver medal and Jonathan Conrad (10th grade) placed 12th in the state, receiving a silver medal as well.

Participants in the Agricultural Communications Career Development Event worked as a team of communication consultants to develop a written media plan, present the plan to a panel of judges, and, as individuals, apply what they have learned during practicums, a quiz and editing exercise. In this CDE, the Garden Spot FFA team placed 1st in the state and will compete at the National FFA Convention in October. For Individual placing, Gracie Albright (11th Grade) placed first in the state, receiving a gold medal, Rachael Lee (11th Grade) placed second, receiving a gold medal, Katie Ranck (11th grade) placed third, receiving gold medal, and Melanie Cox (12 grade) placed fourth, receiving a gold medal. 

The Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems Career Development Event required students to complete a written exam and identification of tools/equipment that covers five agricultural technology and mechanical areas: compact equipment, electricity, environment and natural resources, machinery and equipment and structures, and the team also worked to solve different problems and completed a construction project.  The Garden Spot FFA team placed 4th overall at states. The team consisted of the following members: Owen Risser (12th Grade) placed 11th in the state, receiving a gold medal, Owen Williams (9th Grade) placed 14th in the state, receiving a silver medal, Connor Welk (9th Grade) placed 15th in the state, receiving a silver medal, and Katie Barge (10th Grade) placed 17th in the state competition, receiving a silver medal as well.

FFA Members participating in the Wildlife CDE identified various animals, plants, signs, bird calls and more. They also completed a written exam. Sara Tobler (11th grade) placed fifth in the state, receiving a silver medal. Sarah Blount (10th Grade) also participated in this CDE. 

The Garden Spot FFA Chapter was also represented by Jackson Price (12th Grade) who applied for a PA FFA State Officer position. After a grueling two days of interviews, although he didn’t receive an officer position, Jackson further developed his leadership skills and proudly represented our school and chapter to the best of his ability. 

FFA member Ian Lyons (9th Grade) was our Chapter’s Delegate, and over the course of two days, he debated important issues at the state level and helped to develop a committee report to go to the State FFA Board. 

FFA Member Sydney Albright was honored for her participation in the PSU “Teach Ag Essay Contest”. She taught a lesson on “Purpose of Pruning” in her Agriculture Science I class with Mrs. Holly Oberholtzer.  Her lesson plan, essay, and video reflection won her third place at the State Competition. 

Garden Spot FFA Advisor, Mrs. Janae McMichael, was honored for receiving the Golden Owl Award for the Eastern Region and she also received the State Honorary Degree. We are very proud of her. 

Thank you to all the alumni who helped to prepare and coach the different teams in preparation for the state competition, and thank you to Mr. Bryce Johnson and Advisors Mrs. Holly Oberholtzer and Mrs. Janae McMichael for chaperoning the trip.

-written by Kylie Bryan, 2022-2023 Reporter

The Garden Spot FFA of the Lampeter-Strasburg High School attended the 93rd PA FFA State Convention on June 7-9, 2022.

Congratulations  to the Agriculture Communications team. They placed 1st in the state and are qualified to go to the National FFA Convention in October! The team consisted of (from left to right) Rachael Lee, Gracie Albright, Katie Ranck, and Melanie Cox.

Great job to Sarah Blount for placing 1st and receiving a Gold in the Junior Prepared Speaking Leadership Development Event at the PA FFA State Convention. 

Congratulations to Ava Immel for placing 3rd and receiving a Gold Medal at the PA FFA State Horse Evaluation Career Development Event.