Pendleton County FFA members returned home with numerous awards and accomplishments after a successful week at the West Virginia FFA State Convention July 8-11 in Ripley. This year’s convention, themed “Built in the Hills,” brought together FFA members from across the state to compete, develop leadership skills, and celebrate agricultural education.
Ty Heavner captured first place in the large tractor driving competition, earning the opportunity to represent West Virginia at The Big E in Springfield, Massachusetts.
The chapter posted an impressive performance in soil evaluation events. Pendleton County placed third overall in the homesite evaluation contest and fifth in the land judging contest, earning a combined third-place overall finish. The team’s performance qualified them to compete at the National Land and Range Judging Contest in El Reno, Oklahoma, for the first time in chapter history.
Team members included Heavner, who placed 10th individually in homesite evaluation, Katie Heavner, who earned sixth place in land judging and fifth place in homesite evaluation, Alex Adams, who finished fifth individually in land judging, and Katie Keyser.
The chapter received second place in the chapter scrapbook competition.
Several members were recognized for individual achievements during the convention.
Sam Eason served on the State Courtesy Corps, while Wyatt Hinkle earned fourth place in zero turn tractor driving.
Four Pendleton County members were awarded the prestigious State FFA Degree, recognizing their accomplishments and commitment to Supervised Agriculture Experiences. Those recipients were Adams, Cole Harper, Ty Heavner and Emily Schell.
Additional participants representing Pendleton County included McKenzie Vandevander in the freshman creed competition, Jax Bennett, Callie Dunn, Eason, Lani Fertig, Keyser and Kaylee Teter in parliamentary procedure, and Ty Heavner in extemporaneous speaking.
Pendleton County FFA members represented their school and community with distinction throughout the week, showcasing their hard work and passion, proving they are of the state’s best agricultural education students.
