Schuylerville FFA members earned numerous honors and recognitions at the 2026 New York FFA Convention, including individual state titles, team awards, and national qualifications.
Timothy Cox elected NY FFA State Vice President, will compete at national convention
Schuylerville High School senior, Timothy Cox, earned two of the highest honors awarded at the 2026 New York FFA Convention: being named the New York State winner in Employment Skills and elected the 2026-27 New York FFA State Vice President. Cox will represent New York at the National FFA Convention and serve more than 30,000 FFA members statewide during the coming year, traveling throughout New York to represent the New York FFA Association at conferences, conventions, leadership events, chapter visits, and agricultural industry functions. In his role, he will help lead workshops, advocate for agricultural education, inspire FFA members, and work alongside fellow state officers to support the future of FFA in New York.
“From the moment he began his FFA journey, Timothy has demonstrated an incredible passion for agriculture, leadership, and service,” said Schuylerville FFA Advisor, Mary Foote. Watching him take the stage and accept the honor of serving over 30,000 FFA members across New York was truly a moment we will never forget.”
Agricultural Issues Team earns first place in NYS, advances to nationals
Schuylerville’s Agricultural Issues Team, consisting of team members Shane Barraclough, Bella Buettner, Kyla Brady, Peyton DeLisle, Ella Eichorst, Juliet Letzring, and Anika Laciokova earned first place in New York State and will advance to nationals.
“These members have spent countless hours researching, presenting, practicing, and refining their issue,” said Schuylerville FFA Advisor, Mary Foote. “We are so proud of the dedication, professionalism, and passion this team has shown throughout the year.”
Four students earn individual state titles and advance to nationals
- Shane Barraclough — Equine Science Entrepreneurship State Winner
- Barraclough’s family operation, Saratoga Glen Farm, specializes in breeding and marketing thoroughbred horses. The farm manages 50–85 horses annually and foals approximately 35–40 mares each season. Through his own breeding and sales enterprise, Barraclough has gained hands-on experience in horse management and business operations while working toward his goal of one day owning and managing the farm himself.
- Emily Gingrich — Equine Science Placement State Winner
- Emily works for Jaymes McAssey Racing Stable in Saratoga Springs, a Standardbred harness racing operation that trains and cares for client-owned racehorses. The stable manages 25–30 horses each season, and Emily helps maintain the horses’ health, conditioning, and performance while also assisting with travel and competition logistics throughout the Northeast.
- Peyton DeLisle — Nursery Operations Placement State Winner
- Peyton’s award-winning SAE takes place at Grasshopper Gardens, her family’s landscaping and nursery production business. The operation includes three nurseries totaling 150 acres and six greenhouses. Through her work, Peyton has developed skills in nursery production, plant care, landscaping operations, and equipment use.
- Timothy Cox — Employment Skills
Additional state convention recognitions
- The Food Science Team, consisting of team members Shane Barraclough, Jordan Battle, Peyton DeLisle, and Anika Laciokova placed third in New York State among more than 40 teams.
- Henry Peck: 4th place, Junior People in Agriculture
- Anna Schwerd, Gracie Wood, and Kyla Brady: Marketing Plans competitors
Supervised Agricultural Experience
The Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project is a hands-on, student-led agricultural business or work experience that allows FFA members to apply classroom learning in real-world settings while developing career and leadership skills. Shane Barraclough was selected as one of just 12 statewide finalists to present his SAE project in a “Shark Tank”-style competition. Shane received grant funding to support “Dean’s Delicious Dog Treats,” a business he co-owns with his brother.