Members of the Southmont FFA Chapter recently traveled to the 96th Indiana FFA State Convention, where they joined thousands of FFA members from across the state to celebrate agriculture, leadership, and personal achievement. Throughout the week, our members represented our school and community with professionalism, enthusiasm, and pride while participating in competitions, leadership activities, and recognition events.
The Indiana FFA State Convention provided members with valuable opportunities to develop leadership skills, network with fellow FFA members, and celebrate the accomplishments of students who have worked hard throughout the year. Convention sessions featured inspiring keynote speakers, award presentations, leadership workshops, and recognition of outstanding FFA chapters and members from across Indiana.
Our chapter had an outstanding convention, earning recognition in several areas.The floriculture team of Daniel Simpson, Marin Rhoads, Hayleigh Boots, and Ethan Smith brought home a state championship winning the contest. Southmont also had the third place floriculture team consisting of McKiah Lairson, Sophia Shannon, Emily Simpson, and Madelyn Roberts. The junior floriculture team consisting of Boten Hagenow, Andrea Allen, Adelle Shannon, and Thatcher Cass brought home 4th place.
The chapter also competed in the Ag Marketing contest. The team of Sophia Shannon, Amarah Shannon, and Tyler Walls placed third in the state. The chapter was also represented in the leadership development events. Amarah Shannon competed in the Ag Mechanics Demonstration and the Ag Sales contest and brought home top 4 finishes in both! The chapter was also represented by Sophia Shannon in the Premier Leadership Contest, Abby Smith & Emily Campbell in the Ag Business Demonstration, Lennon Woods in Employability Skills, and in the Ag Communications Contest. The chapter was also named a Big 10 Chapter and qualified as a Model of Excellence in Growing Leaders. These achievements reflect the dedication, countless hours of preparation, and commitment our members have shown throughout the year.
In addition to being competitive in numerous contests, our members found great success with their proficiency applications. Six of our members were named state champions in their proficiency areas. These members included Sopia Shannon, Claire Kessler, Kylee Reeves, Daniel Simpson, Amarah Shannon, and Lennon Woods. Ethan Smith and Emily Campbell also brought home top four finishes. The chapter also had six members receive their state FFA Degree, which is the highest degree a member can receive from the state. State Degree Recipients include Claire Kessler, Trent Reeves, Madelyn Roberts, Amarah Shannon, Daniel Simpson, and Lennon Woods.
In addition to receiving awards, members attended educational sessions, explored the career show, and connected with colleges, universities, agricultural businesses, and industry professionals. These experiences allowed students to learn about future career opportunities while strengthening their leadership and communication skills.
One of the highlights of the convention was celebrating the accomplishments of fellow Indiana FFA members and witnessing the impact that agricultural education continues to have across the state. The convention served as a reminder that FFA is about much more than competitions — it is about developing premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.
The success of our chapter would not be possible without the continued support of our parents, school administration, alumni, local businesses, and community members. Their encouragement and investment in our agricultural education program allow our members to pursue opportunities that prepare them for successful futures.
