Kentucky FFA was well represented at the 96^th Annual National FFA Convention, which was held October November 1-4 in Indianapolis.  Nearly 73,000 FFA members, advisors, and guests attended the Convention, which is the largest youth organization gathering in the United States. 

Paxton Boldry of McCracken County was one of four National Finalists for the American Star in Agribusiness Award.  The American Star Awards are the highest honors presented by the National FFA Organization and are based on a student’s work-based learning experience, FFA involvement, and school and community involvement. 

Spencer County FFA placed second in the Nursery Career Development Event.  Members of the team were James Tobbe, Hunter King, Evan Waller, and Seth Monroe.  Hunter King was the 2^nd high individual.  The coach was Daniel Dunaway. 

Emerson Tucker and Sarah Wells of Bourbon County placed second in Animal Science Division Four of the National Agriscience Fair. 

McKenzie Dixon of Taylor County FFA placed third in the nation in the Employment Skills Leadership Development Event.  Her advisors are Ryan Williams, Lindsay Wayne, and Andy Hunt. 

Aidan Griffith of Boyle County Middle School placed 4^th in Animal Systems Division 1 of the National Agriscience Fair. 

Lauren Ellington and Sophia Combs of Montgomery County placed 5^th in Animal Systems Division 2 of the National Agriscience Fair.   

Woodford County FFA placed sixth in the Agricultural Sales Career Development Event.  Team members were Callie Hudson, Maura Wyatt, Addison Cooper, and Natalie Kerr.  Callie Hudson was the 9^th place high individual.  The coach was Conner Richardson. 

Spencer County FFA placed sixth in the Dairy Cattle Evaluation Career Development Event.  Team members were Aaron Alcorn, Jackson Tobbe, Katelyn Tabor, and Ryann Truax.  Katelyn Tabor was the 9^th place high individual.  The coach was Bland Baird. 

Russell Lux and Cecelia Rogers of Nelson County Schools placed 7^th in Animal Systems Division 6 of the National Agriscience Fair.   

Christian Ashby and Warren Zabenco of Nelson County Schools placed 9^th in Environmental Systems Division 4 of the National Agriscience Fair. 

Riley Hall of Nelson County Schools placed 10^th in Power Structural and Technical Systems Division 5 of the National Agriscience Fair. 

Two Kentucky FFA members were selected as national proficiency award finalists in their respective areas meaning they were in the top four nationally.  Proficiency awards are based on a written application detailing the student’s accomplishments and learning related to his or her Supervised Agricultural Experience Program.  National Finalists complete an in depth interview with industry leaders as part of the selection process.

            Nathan Clark- Locust Trace- Beef Production Entrepreneurship

            Austin Quinn- Nicholas County- Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance

Leslie Monhollen of Whitley County represented Kentucky as a National FFA Officer Candidate.

The teams/individuals below competed in National Career Development and Leadership Development Events:

The American FFA Degree was awarded to 89 Kentucky FFA members.  This honor is the highest award the organization can bestow on a member. 

Eighteen Kentucky FFA chapters were recognized in the National Chapter Contest.  Boyle County Middle School, Clark County, Grant County, Graves County, Harrison County, Henderson County, Jessamine County, Madisonville North Hopkins, Menifee County, Nicholas County, Rockcastle County, and Taylor County were recognized as National Three Star Chapters.  Carlisle County, Franklin Simpson, John Hardin, Seneca, and Spencer County were recognized as National Two Star Chapters.  Caldwell County was recognized as a National One Star Chapter. 

For a complete listing of National Convention winners, visit https://www.ffa.org/96th-convention-event-results/

For more Information Contact:

Matt Chaliff, Executive Secretary

matt.chaliff@education.ky.gov

502-564-3472