HAVRE DE GRACE, Md. — Maryland FFA Association honored local chapters and members for their outstanding achievements during the 92nd annual Maryland State FFA Convention held virtually, June 23-26.
The convention, dedicated to Dr. Ronald Seibel, for his lifetime of service to the Maryland FFA, was coordinated by the 2019-2020 MD FFA State Officer Team – Jill Allen, State President; Ryan Mondonedo, Vice-President; Sierra Wean, Secretary; Rylee McConville, Treasurer; Jaclyn Bryant, Reporter; Mallory Anderson, Sentinel. The convention opened with greetings from Dr. James Woodard, National FFA Advisor; and keynote address from Ms. Mamie Hertel, National FFA Central Region Vice President.
During this event, FFA members were recognized for their accomplishments and participation in the Maryland FFA:
The State Star Greenhand Award: Jayci Mitchell from the Cecil County School of Technology FFA Chapter, Region 5. Other Regional Star Greenhand Finalists: Region 1- Kara Rinker, Oakland FFA; Region 2- Abby Moreland, Catoctin FFA; Region 4- Hope Mullins, North Harford FFA;
The State FFA Proficiency Award Winners –Gold Awards: Avery Dull, Westminster, Diversified Livestock Production Placement; Lynne Thomas, North Harford, Agricultural Science Research; and Austin Welty, Linganore, Agricultural Sales Placement. Silver Award: Helen Leadingham, Boonsboro, Diversified Livestock Production. Bronze Awards: Mackenzie Grove, Frederick, Equine Science, Emma Rush, Oakland, Beef Production and Trenton Tasker, Oakland, Swine Production.
The State Agriscience Fair Award: Kacie Pulsy and Leslie Ennis from the Parkside FFA Chapter.
The State Talent performances: Madison Miller, Howard County FFA; Shea Cencula, Linganore FFA Chapter.
Wiley G & Carrie A. Griffith Scholarships: $1,000 awarded each to Makenzie Heret, Howard County FFA; Kelly Spicer, Howard County FFA; and Samantha Wilt, North Garrett FFA Chapter.
MD FFA Foundation & University of Maryland College Park, College of Agriculture State Officer Scholarship: $2,000 awarded to each of the 2019-2020 State officers to continue their education at the University of Maryland, College Park for their outstanding leadership to the Maryland FFA Association.
National Chapter Awards: Gold Level to Boonsboro FFA, North Garrett FFA and the Parkside FFA Chapter.
The Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation is a 501c3 non-governmental nonprofit established in 1989. Through the Maryland FFA, teacher workshops, scholarships, grants, Mobile Labs and Showcases, and revenues from the Ag Tag license plate sales, the Foundation pursues its mission to promote the understanding and appreciation of the importance of agriculture in everyone’s lives. The Maryland FFA Association’s staff team is partially funded through a $40,000 federal Perkins grant facilitated by the Maryland State Department of Education. The Maryland FFA Association has 2,500 student members in 54 local chapters throughout the state.
–Amie McDaniels, Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation