Catoctin FFA Attends 95th Maryland State FFA Convention

Nineteen Catoctin FFA members attended the 95^th Maryland State FFA Convention on June 27-29. The state convention was held at the University of Maryland in College Park. This year’s theme was “Making Waves.” All students attended workshops and sessions, industry tours, and participated in CDE/LDEs (contest) and got to network with over 390 members from across the state!

Agriculture Sales — The Ag Sales team placed 2^nd in the state. This team had to research different types of utility trailers. They then had to sell the different products to potential consumers. Team members included Sophia Chism, Taylor Knott (8^th place ind.), Ryleigh Ruch (2^nd place ind.), and Trinity Spidle (4^th place ind.).

Ag Marketing — Ella Burrier, Caroline Clark, and Peyton Davis are members of the Ag Marketing Team. This team met with the owner of Sunny Acres Rabbitry. They made a marketing plan to help the owners make a larger profit and reach his goals in the future. The team placed 2^nd in competition.

Ag Issues — Our Ag Issues Team placed 1st in the state. The team consisted of Annalise Abruzzese, Kaitlynn Bentz, Alyssa Costa, Carly Ridenour, Savannah Ridenour, and Katie Topper. This team created a presentation about including an agriculture class to the MD high school graduation requirements. They will travel to the National Convention in October/November for national competition. 

Agriculture Communications — Owen Cook, Cadence Lovejoy, Abby Moreland (9^th place ind.), and Drew Potter participated in the Agriculture Communications Contest. The team placed 4^th. They had to  work as a team of communication consultants to develop a written media plan, present the plan to a panel of judges, and, as individuals, apply what they have learned during practicums, a quiz, and editing exercise.

FFA Knowledge — This team placed 4^th. Students had to take a written exam on FFA history and work together to complete a team activity. Team members include Annalise Abruzzzese, Ellie Baker, Kaitlynn Bentz, and Carly Ridenour (8^th place ind.).

Sr. Prepared Speaking — Ellie Baker participated in this event. She wrote a six-eight-minute speech. She had to present it and answer questions about it. Her topic was about the floral industry.

Jr. Extemporaneous Speaking — Annalise Aburzzese and Kayla Delcid participated in this event. They picked a topic out of a hat and had 30 minutes to write a four-six-minute speech about the topic. They were allowed to use five resources. Kayla was 6^th in the state and Annalise was first!

Employment Skills — Savannah Ridenour participated in the Employment Skills Contest. She had to create a resume and cover letter before attending the convention.  At convention, she participated in a job interview and had to write a follow-up letter afterward. She placed 8^th in the state.

State FFA Degree —Ellie Baker, Abby Moreland, Savannah Ridenour, Colt Sanders, and Payton Troxell earned their state degree. This is the highest degree our state can bestove to its members. 

Honorary State FFA Degree — Alumni members Matthew Wayne Dellinger and Carrie Wivell Wolf were honored with their Honorary State FFA Degree this year. Both individuals are huge supporters of Catoctin FFA and help Maryland FFA throughout the year in various ways.

American FFA Degree — Cadin Valentine was recognized for being an American FFA Degree candidate.

National Chapter — Catoctin FFA was recognized for being a top chapter in Maryland. Their application will be forwarded to the National level for competition.

Retiring Maryland State FFA President, “Our chapter was proud to have Kendall Abruzzese represent us throughout the year as the 2022-2023 Maryland State FFA President.  She spent the year traveling nationally and internationally to promote Maryland and American Agriculture. She worked closely with FFA members in the state and with National leaders in our country to tell our story.”