FFA students making a name for themselves

March 13, 2012

Schuylerville’s FFA students are making a name for themselves throughout the state, both in agriculture-related competitions and in the political arena.

 

In Granville, a dozen Schuylerville FFA students performed well in 10 different career development events during area FFA competitions. The contests were judged by local professionals. Here’s a rundown of the top placements:

Megan Benn: first place in Jr. High People in Agriculture Contest;

Liam Hanehan: second place in Senior Extemporaneous Speaking;

Janet Hanehan: second place in Junior Extemporaneous Speaking and second place in Jr. High Creed Speaking Contest;

Schuylerville Team consisting of Nick Daus, Justin Hanehan and Liam Hanehan: second place in the Agricultural Issues Debate Contest;

Lily Quartraro: third place in Jr. High People in Agriculture Contest;

Susie Hanehan: third place in Junior Extemporaneous Speaking;

FFA students visit with state lawmakers at the Capitol in Albany.

Kelly Ackerman: fourth place in Jr. High People in Agriculture Contest;

Laura Wilbur: fourth place in Job Interview Contest;

James Stine: fifth place in Job Interview Contest

Schuylerville students who placed fourth or better will move on to the Sub-State FFA competitions in Oxford, NY at the end of March.

Getting political
The local competitions followed Schuylerville’s FFA representation at the Governmental Awareness Institute at the Capitol in Albany. Schuylerville FFA officers Kayla Brenz, Janet Hanehan, Laura Wilbur and Nick Daus joined more than 75 other FFA members to sit among members of the New York State Assembly and Senate to discuss agricultural issues. The students spoke with Assemblyman Tony Jordan and Senator Betty Little about the farm labor legislation, hydrofracking and genetically modified organisms. The students also took advantage of an opportunity to hold discussions with Assemblymen Ken Blakenbush and William Magee and observe the passing of a resolution recognizing FFA Week.

 

“This was a great opportunity for the students to realize that we all have a voice in state government and that our legislators are willing to listen to input from our state’s future leaders,” said Levi Cahan, an agriculture teacher at Schuylerville Jr.-Sr. High School.

 

With more than 540,000 members in the United States, FFA (also known as Future Farmers of America) is dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.