Palmer students compete in national FFA competition

Recently, nine Palmer Future Farmers of America (FFA) students attended the National FFA Convention in Louisville, Ky., along with more than 46,000 other FFA members and advisors from across the country.

Jessica Nolin was awarded a bronze medal in the Creed competition, and the livestock judging team of Keith Kenley, Quintan and Amber Hecimovich also won a bronze award. Other students attending were Coulton Bowman, Chris Forrester, Skyler Fishback, Calvin Kenley, and Holly Willardson.

The students were all very busy attending sessions, competitions, seminars, workshops, a career and college fair, as well as assisting in sessions and at an Alaska information booth. Willardson, the state FFA president, was also busy with delegation activities.

FFA is an organization devoted to youth interested in the natural and agricultural sciences, and emphasizes leadership training, educational opportunities, career preparation, competition and more, with extensive awards and scholarship opportunities. The Palmer FFA chapter is active with leadership and educational activities and has a long history of community service and outreach.

On Nov. 15, youth development was discussed in Palmer as part of an effort to plan an agenda for a nationwide program. Among the ideas discussed at the Mat-Su/Copper River District Conversation were the creation of a community youth Web site, awareness of youth opportunities with local businesses, sharing resources and information with youth-development agencies and organizations and promoting youth and teen events.

For more information on how to become involved in FFA as a student or adult volunteer, please contact Lan Hecimovich at 745-8009.