The Southmont FFA Chapter traveled June 13-16 to the Indiana State Fairgrounds in Indianapolis to attend the 93rd Indiana State FFA Convention. During the convention students were able to listen to motivational speeches from both state and national FFA officers, attend award sessions, serve as delegates and attend leadership workshops. Students also had the chance to meet other FFA members from across the state and visit with numerous agricultural businesses and colleges.
The week started off with a bang as the chapter was recognized as a Silver Donor. The chapter also was recognized for its state winning crops, soils and floriculture teams. Additionally, Southmont was recognized for its livestock skill-a-thon team and crops teams that placed third at state. Members of the state winning soils and crops teams consisted of Cole Rhoads, Gabriel Little, Levi Brush and Kelsey Thompson. The state winning floriculture team consisted of Cole Rhoads, Gabriel Little, Levi Brush and Caden Sixberry.
Southmont was also fortunate to have three members place in the top four in the state with their proficiencies. Caden Sixberry placed third in outdoor recreation; Lauren Tricker placed second in swine production; and Jenna Bushong placed third in equine production. Brady Largent and Levi Brush also served as the chapter delegates where they participated in voting to elect the 2022-23 state officer teams, as well as other official delegate business.
The Southmont FFA Chapter had two of its members, Brady Largent and Caden Sixberry, receive their State FFA Degree. This is the highest degree a member can be awarded from the state association. Caden Sixberry also was elected to serve as the District IV FFA President for the 2022-23 school year. Being elected to serve as the district president allows him the opportunity to serve on the State FFA Executive Committee. Jenna Bushong was also elected to serve as the District IV vice president.
While at convention, Southmont had several members participate in state LDE contests. Mallory Leach was able to secure another state championship for Southmont in the animal science demonstration. Southmont had an additional three members finish in the top four at state: Gabriel Little, third in natural resources demonstration; Amarah Shannon, third in the discovery degree horticulture demonstration; and Lennon Woods, third in the discovery degree prepared public speaking contest. Southmont also was well represented in other contests with the following members: Jenna Bushong in ag sales; Sophia Shannon in discovery degree creed; and Caden Sixberry and Levi Brush in the food science demonstration, multimedia scrapbook and discovery degree quiz bowl with members Natalie Rhoads, Ethan Smith, Lennon Woods and Amarah Shannon comprising the team.
On the last day of convention, the chapter was recognized as a Gold Emblem chapter and was ranked as a “Big Ten” Chapter. This recognition classified the chapter as being in the top 10 of all chapters in the state. The chapter now qualifies to compete as a National Chapter Award applicant. Those results will be released in October at the National FFA Convention.
The Southmont FFA chapter would like to thank all of its members, supporters and alumni for all of their continued support. Southmont FFA would also like to extend a big thank you to the South Montgomery School Corporation for all of its support and encouragement.
