Plymouth High School is excited to announce 10 of their FFA student along with two of their teachers/FFA sponsors attended the 87th Indiana FFA State Convention at Purdue University last week.
PHS teachers and FFA sponsors Scott Michel and Samantha Steele attended the conference and announce this year’s PHS award recipients.
PHS junior, Austin Bachtel took 1st place in the Turf Grass Management Proficiency Category at the Indiana FFA State Convention. He was recognized on Wednesday at the State Convention and received a framed certificate and a $250 cash award, which he decided not to accept, due to his decision to not compete at the National FFA Convention that will be held in October in Indianapolis this year.
Steele said, “Students build up their proficiency year after year, and winning as a Sophomore, Austin felt he would like to try competing again during his junior or senior year. He had the option to attend or defer, he decided to defer. Once you compete at nationals FFA members can’t compete again in that specific area. Austin wants to build up his proficiency and then earn the opportunity to compete at nationals again. Since he not competing at national, he will not receive the cash award.”
Although Bachtel will not compete at national, Michel and Steele plan to attend the conference with the Plymouth High School FAA members.
The Plymouth FFA Chapter competed on March 16, 2016 in the District II Convention at Argos Jr./Sr. High School. During the district competition, Bachtel earned 1st place in the Turf Grass Management Proficiency category as well.
Samantha Zechiel, placed 3rd at State in Freshman Creed Speaking and was recognized Friday on stage during the 5th General Session. During the District II Convention in March, Zechiel earned 1st place in Freshman Creed Speaking.
Also during this year’s District II Convention, Cameron Riddle, an 8th grade student at Lincoln Jr. high School at the time, earned 1st place in Discovery Degree Prepared Public Speaking. Riddle competed in the Discovery Degree Public Speaking category at the 87th Indiana FFA State Convention. However at this time, results are unknown on the results of this category.
This year, FFA members had the opportunity to compete in 47 proficiency areas that showcase the members’ skills and work, along with a variety of Career Development Events.
2016 PHS graduate Lauren Goddard, who was not present, was recognized for receiving the Hoosier Degree. Receiving a Hoosier Degree is a tremendous accomplishment for a FFA member. The degree recognizes what FFA members strive for in their careers. The honor is awarded to FFA members who achieve high-level success in their Supervised Agriculture Experience program, leadership development, and community service. 409 FFA members received their Hoosier Degree at this year’s convention. (Lauren Goddard’s senior headshot attached)
All of our PHS student who attended this year’s convention are listed below:
· Austin Bachtel- Competed in Turf Grass Management Proficiency
· Frannie Bottorff
· Kassie Dickey
· Carrie Grossman-Norris
· Kendra Langfeldt
· Wryanne Leed
· Trevor Pletcher
· Cameron Riddle – Competed in Discovery Degree Public Speaking
· Macy Warren
· Samantha Zechiel – Competed in Freshman Creed Speaking
Each year, the Indiana FFA Association invites the over 11,000 Indiana FFA members to attend the three-day convention, filled with leadership workshops, banquets, and trade shows. Outstanding Indiana FFA student members are recognized at the annual FFA Convention. It is an exciting and enlightening event that Plymouth High School’s FFA looks forward to taking part in each year.
GROUP PHOTO:
Front Row: Kassie Dickey, Kendra Langfeldt, Samantha Zechiel, Frannie Bottorff and Carrie Grossman-Norris.
Back Row: Trevor Pletcher, Cameron Riddle, Austin Bachtel, Wryanne Leed and Macy Warren.
