Appomattox FFA state-winning Agronomy team of Tyler Martin, Timothy Henderson, Peyton Garrett and Niki Ballagh. Image: Elizabeth Duncan/Contributed

The Appomattox Senior and Appomattox Middle FFA chapters traveled to the campus of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg to participate in multiple statewide Career Development Events (CDEs) June 20-23. CDEs assess the knowledge and skills of FFA members on various agricultural topics. Participating in these events allows FFA members to develop industry-driven career skills.

Middle school chapter members participated in the Junior Horse Hippology, Food and Fiber, and FFA Quiz Bowl contests. High school chapter members participated in the Agronomy, Avian Bowl, Creed Speaking, Employment Skills, Farm Business Management, Floral Design, Horse Hippology, and Livestock Evaluation CDEs. The members of each team spent several weeks of their summer vacation studying and preparing for these events.

Both Appomattox Middle School (AMS) and Appomattox County High School (ACHS) FFA were recognized with the “100% Membership Award” for ensuring that every agriculture student is also an FFA member. This was made possible through the generous support of the Appomattox County Farm Bureau. The high school chapter received a gold rating in the public relations award and was named the Southeast Area Chapter Forestry and Wildlife award. Chapter Reporter Niki Ballagh prepared a scrapbook detailing chapter events over the past year that earned a gold rating.

Appomattox Senior FFA also received a gold rating in the superior chapter contest, earning the opportunity to attend the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind., this November. Additionally, the chapter was the state champion in the Growing Leaders divisions of the chapter contest. The chapter was also declared the overall top chapter in the Southeast Area for the fourth year in a row.

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