Twelve members from the Lexington-Richland School District Five Future Farmers of America traveled to Greenville for the annual state FFA convention.

While at the convention, members participated in legislative procedure sessions as well as industry-based competitions.

Six out of the 12 members were honored with their state FFA degrees. These members are Spring Hill High students Emily Darden, Josef Merillat and Makalya Jane Sweet and Chapin High students Jonah Bickley, Rachel Gentry and Jefferson Harmon. Two advisors for the FFA, John Asbill and Jessica Hidalgo, were also awarded with honorary state degrees.

While at the convention, the local school district chapter was recognized as a superior chapter and for having 100% chapter membership. The chapter’s Envirothon team placed second at the competition and the farm business management team placed sixth overall.

Kate Marsh received first place in the state at the agriscience fair and employability skills competition. Rachel Gentry placed first in the prepared public speaking competition and Brooke Alcorn placed sixth in the extemporaneous public speaking competition. Gentry was also selected to serve as state FFA secretary for the 2024-2025 school year.

Because Marsh and Gentry placed first in their competitions, both will move on to compete at the National FFA Convention and Expo in October.