Washington County Enterprise-Leader
Local FFA Students Win State Awards
Lincoln High School’s FFA chapter brought home numerous awards from the 89th Arkansas FFA State Convention, held June 1-3 in Hot Springs.
Cole Umberson was named Star Farmer for his outstanding achievements in production agriculture. He raises registered and commercial beef cattle, operates a wood cutting business, and works on his family’s poultry farm.
Ashlyn Jackson was named Star Ag Placement for her dedication and career experiences working on a broiler farm over the past four years. The Star State Degrees are the highest awards that FFA members can achieve at the state level.
Lincoln FFA members were also named Ag Communications Career Development Event State Champions. Members of this team include Ayden Massey, Lauren Cole and Shaina Denton.
Members Kaitlyn Kelly, McKenna Cunningham, Natalie Howard and Jennifer Avellenada were named Food Science Career Development Event State Champions.
Several members were also state champions in their proficiency areas.
Kelby Biswell won the area of nursery operations for her internship experience with Westwood Gardens. Dakota Walker won the area of turf grass management for owning and managing his own business, One Man and a Mower.
Cole Umberson won the areas of forestry management and poultry placement. He received a gold emblem in beef cattle production. Ashlyn Jackson also received a gold emblem for her diversified livestock application.
Umberson also received a $1,000 national scholarship from Tyson Foods. Jackson received a $500 scholarship from the FFA License Plate fund. Shaina Denton was awarded the Jack Justice Memorial Scholarship for $500.
Senior members Col Burden, Denton, Umberson, Jackson and Walker received their State Degrees.
Devan Ramsey was recognized because she will receive her American Degree at National Convention in Louisville, Ky., this October.
In addition, Lauren Cole and Jackson participated in the talent show. Cole was selected to sing on stage with an audience of approximately 1,300 FFA members and guests. She chose to sing Martina McBride’s “Anyway.”
The chapter was also recognized as an affiliated chapter, national chapter award and participating in the FFA for Food, Fiber and Shelter initiative.
The National FFA Organization is a national youth organization of 629,367 student members as part of 7,757 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.