Valley FFA students compete at convention

FAIRBANKS — Mat-Su Borough School District students from two chapters were among the 100 members statewide who participated in the 37th annual State Alaska FFA Association Convention in Fairbanks April 24-27.

FFA members involved in agricultural and natural resource education competed in leadership and career development events, participated in a service project and joined in interactive workshops.

Here are the results from the 37th annual State Alaska FFA Association Convention:

Prepared Public Speaking — Lauren Terrell, Palmer, third; Creed Speaking — Gabe Waldhaus, Palmer, second; Job Interview — Johnathan Biggerstaff, Midnight Sun, first; Floriculture — Palmer, first; Floriculture Top Individuals — Ariel Olsen, Palmer, first; second, Palmer; Gabe Waldhaus, Palmer, third; Agricultural Mechanics & Technology — Palmer B, first and Palmer A, second; Agricultural Mechanics and Technology Top Individuals — Alex Madar, Palmer, first and Asa Striken, Palmer, third; and State Degree Recipients — Johnathan Biggerstaff, Midnight Sun, second.

Winners at the state level go on to compete at the National FFA Convention in October in Louisville, Ky. During the Envirothon, students will compete in soils, wildlife, aquatics, forestry and current issues. The winning team will have the chance to compete at the National Envirothon in Bozeman, Mont.

The Alaska FFA Association is part of the National FFA Organization (formerly the Future Farmers of America). Founded in 1928, FFA is an intra-curricular youth organization dedicated to preparing students for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For the past 37 years, Alaska FFA has provided students across the state with valuable hands-on education opportunities in an effort to produce the next generation of leaders in the agricultural and natural resource industries.