At the conclusion of the competition, students earned a variety of exceptional awards honoring their tremendous success while also making lifelong memories with fellow FFA students from around the nation.
“The National FFA Convention & Expo is committed to growing the next generation of leaders. FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.”- (convention.ffa.org)
The Natrona County High School Casper FFA chapter provides exceptional opportunities for students to be involved with serving their community, growing their leadership skills, and learning more about all aspects of the agriculture industry. Throughout the year, students work dedicatedly to excel as teams and individuals with livestock evaluation competitions, livestock showing individual competitions, and various other team projects. In addition, Casper FFA students participate in numerous community service and leadership activities throughout the year, including their annual Rake N Run Event, Can-O-Treat Food Drive, and many community service projects.
The official FFA motto, Learning to Do, Doing to Learn, Earning to Live, and Living to Serve, is exemplified by Casper FFA students daily. Timi Reynolds, Casper FFA Advisor, is excited to witness the success of students, “As a past member of the Casper FFA Chapter, it has been such a privilege getting to help the students in the chapter excel in their events, get to experience the National FFA Convention, and show their skills and talents at the national level. Being able to help and witness students develop these skills is incredibly rewarding. I am so proud of how these students did at the National FFA Convention, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for these students and the Casper FFA Chapter as a whole!”
CY Middle School FFA Chapter Members Bridger Haigler and Lorelai Wolfe finished 7th in the Nation for Division II Animal Systems. The CY FFA chapter is made up of 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Their goal is to grow each student to their potential and prepare them for careers of any kind, promote agriculture, and support communities. Their program is focused on the three tenants of chapter development; strengthening agriculture, growing leaders, and building communities. They also learn about agriculture, such as where and how food and fiber are produced in the world. As a part of building communities, FFA members provide support to partners in the community through projects such as trash cleanups and volunteering at the Green Acres Corn Maze. For competitions, they focus on career development with livestock selection and meat, horse, and poultry judging.
Outside of competing, Bridger and Lorelai appreciate the fulfilling opportunities that FFA brings to their academic journey and life, “I like to meet people and have new experiences with friends and family. I like being able to see my lambs grow and grow with me,” Bridger said. Likewise, Lorelai enjoys all the learning opportunities she can participate in, “I like learning more about agriculture, learning new things, and being active.”
Casper FFA Advisor Timi Reynolds shared her admiration for the opportunities FFA provides to students. “ FFA is a special organization that allows students of all backgrounds to learn, share new experiences, and grow. This program creates a place for all students to get the sense of belonging and better themselves to reach their goals, whatever they may be. There are events geared towards farming and livestock, but I have a fondness for the events that focus on developing students' skills in teamwork, leadership, public speaking, problem-solving, critical thinking, and so many other skills that they can use for the rest of their lives.”
Congratulations to all student participants for their incredible success; please see the results from National FFA Convention below:
Congratulations to Kassidy Brooks who walked at the American Degree Ceremony to receive her American Degree, which is the highest degree to be earned in FFA, with less than 1% of members receiving this degree.
Livestock Evaluation
Gold Emblem recognition (top 1/3 of placings) and 4th in the nation.
Team Members:
- Miranda Dickinson
- Brekken Hornecker
- Spencer Hansen
- Nolan Hornecker
- Coached by Heath Hornecker and John Hornecker
Marketing Plan
Silver Emblem recognition (middle 1/3 of placings), scored in the top 18 of teams in the nation.
Team Members:
- Harper Pollock
- Afton Stewart
- Hannah Danford
- Jonathan Danford
- Coached by Jessica Dickinson
Conduct of Chapter Meetings
Gold Emblem recognition and was in the top 12 teams in the nation.
Members:
- Paysen Henderson
- Gage Brooks
- Samantha Toombs
- Madison Dickinson
- Megan Hedges
- Emerson Hornecker
- Garrett Burkett
- Coached by Timi Reynolds and Burt Andreen
“The Future Farmers of America provides the next generation of leaders who will change the world. FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.” - Future Farmers of America