Jones Senior FFA members recognized at 93rd NC FFA State FFA Convention

TRENTON, North Carolina – Twenty Jones Senior FFA members recently participated in the 93rd North Carolina State FFA Convention, held June 21-23, 2022 at the Raleigh Convention Center. After three years without an in-person convention, Jones Senior FFA members were recognized for their participation and success in several Career Development Events (CDEs) and other accomplishments.

Middle school members, Kyleigh Bahr, Shealyn Clark, and Emily Arriaga were recognized during the First General Session for earning first place in the NC FFA State Exploring Biotechnology event. The team, trained by Mary Murphy, earned three perfect scores in the competition to make school history and bring home the state-winning title. The Middle Grades Exploring Biotechnology CDE is designed to test middle grades FFA members’ knowledge of biotechnology tools, processes, and practices. Members are tested on their ability to identify biotechnology tools, performance on a written test, and their ability to perform a lab practicum as a team.

The Agricultural Tools and Materials Identification team placed 10th in the State and 1st in the Southeast Region in their contest. Team members include Ben Davis, Erik Sanchez-Valdez, Diesel Pickett, and Mary Grace Murphy.

The Meats Evaluation team placed 11th in the State and 1st in the Southeast Region in their contest. Team members include Edgar Peñaloza-Ruiz, Malik Toutah, Benjamin Davis, and Diesel Pickett.

The Milk Quality Products team placed 26th in the State and 5th in the Southeast Region in their contest. Team members include DJ Hall, Kendall Aloia, Briana Jackson, and Dustin Taylor.

The Food Science team placed 37th in the State and 7th in the Southeast Region in their contest. Team members include Edgar Peñaloza-Ruiz, Kaitlyn Crompton, Mary Grace Murphy, and Luke Jones.

Five FFA members received their Old North State FFA Degree during the NC FFA State Convention. This is the highest honor the North Carolina FFA Association can bestow upon its members and recognizes them for outstanding work in their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE), Career Development Events (CDEs), and their community service efforts. Members recognized as Old North State FFA Degree recipients include: Madison Aloia, Maitland Howard, Briana Jackson, Ashleigh Smith, and Dustin Taylor.

Madison Aloia placed third overall in the State in the NC FFA Diversified Livestock Proficiency Award area for her work with livestock production in her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) at the Farm on Grape Creek in Cove City, NC. Aloia was also recognized as one of twelve NC FFA State Officer Candidates during the Convention, a first for the Jones Senior FFA Chapter.

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. If you have any questions regarding the Jones Senior FFA Chapter, please contact Mr. Christopher Hicks, chapter advisor, at christopher.hicks@jonesnc.net.