MOULTRIE, Ga. — The Colquitt County FFA Chapter traveled to Macon, Ga., on April 26th-28th to attend the 90th Georgia FFA State Convention. Students had the opportunity to celebrate accomplishments of their fellow members and practice their skills of premier leadership, personal growth, and career success with this year’s theme of “I Can We Will.”

Several members received awards, and some earned their way to the national convention to be held in October.

Ten members earned their State FFA Degree and seven members were in attendance at the Convention: Logan Moore, Mary Logan Tostenson, Patti Mitchell, Libba Johnson, Lori Ann King, Kirk Beacham, and Montana Hall. Also receiving their state degrees but not in attendance were Harrison Bell, Kalee Riggins, and Jordan Kozlowski.

Among the 750 Georgia FFA State Degree recipients, all have the opportunity to become State Stars in their specific area. Only three students, one from North Region, one from Central Region, and one from South Region of the 750 are selected to be the Stars. Libba Johnson was named a State Star in Agricultural Placement earning a scholarship and state honors. Johnson works at Pineywoods Veterinary Hospital under Dr. Amanda Perry.

Five students competed in different proficiency categories. Each student was named a south region finalist winning all of South Georgia. Garrett Griner placed first in the area of wildlife management, advancing to national judging. Mary Grace Harbin placed second in the area of outdoor recreation. Montana Hall placed second in the area of equine science. Libba Johnson placed first in the area of small animal production, advancing to national judging. Mary Logan Tostenson placed second in the area of speciality animal production.  

Mackenzie Blair, Kaitlyn Hart, and Logan Moore represented the Georgia FFA Foundation and Association as student ambassadors for the entire weekend. These students had the opportunity to meet with sponsors, donors, potential sponsors, judges and special guests throughout the convention.

Colquitt County had six Career Development Event (CDE) honorees. Kirk Beacham was recognized for first place in EMC Wiring and Lawn Mower Operation and Maintenance. Kaitlyn Hart was recognized for second place in Floral Design and third high individual in Ag Sales. Vaidehi Patel was recognized for her first place win in Job Interview and will represent the state of Georgia at the National FFA Convention in October. The Ag Sales Team, who consisted of Presley Hamilton, Kaitlyn Hart, Logan Moore, and Mary Logan Tostenson was recognized for their first place win and will represent the state of Georgia at the National FFA Convention in October. The Marketing Team, who consisted of Victoria Barber, Patti Mitchell, and Mitchell Riley was recognized for their first place win and will represent the state of Georgia at the National FFA Convention in October. The Ag Mechanics Team, who consisted of Kirk Beacham, Amber Murphy, Daniel Sellers, and Kaleb Spradley, was recognized for their second place win.

Three students competed in CDE completions while at state convention. Kirk Beacham competed in the the Senior Prepared Public Speaking CDE. Beacham placed first and will represent the state of Georgia at the 91st National FFA Convention and Expo in October. Patti Mitchell competed in the Agriscience Fair and placed second in her division, and Mary Logan Tostenson competed in the Discussion Meet CDE and placed second.

Mary Logan Tostenson served as courtesy corps throughout the entire convention. Chase Willis was awarded a scholarship to attend the FFA Washington Leadership Conference.

Tyler Robinson has spent the last year traveling around the state of Georgia serving as a 2017-2018 FFA State Officer. He concluded his year of service at the 90th FFA State Convention, delivering a retiring address in front of 6,000 FFA members and guests as well as chairing a session during the convention.