Editor’s note: A name was inadvertently left off the list of state FFA degree recipients in the original version of this story. It has been added below.

MOULTRIE, Ga. — The Colquitt County FFA Chapter traveled to Macon, Ga., April 25-27 to attend the 91st 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 “Just One.” Just One opportunity, Just One action can make a change and Just One person can be the difference. FFA members were challenged to see the power in Just One.

Nineteen members earned their State FFA Degree: Presley Hamilton, Victoria Barber, Mackenzie Blair, Aubren Craven, Josie Brightwell, Peyton Donaldson, John Livingston, Jordan Barfield, Tristen Gregory, Tyneisha Howard, Kaleb Spradley, Charlie Collins, Amber Murphy, Lynzi Hall, Halle Walker, Kaitlyn Hart, Garrett Griner, Mitchell Riley and Jake Simmons.

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. Colquitt County’s Garrett Griner was named a State STAR in Agricultural Placement earning a scholarship and state honors. Griner works on his family’s quail farm. Kaitlyn Hart, also of CCHS, was named a State STAR in Agribusiness earning a scholarship and state honors. Hart is the entrepreneur of her own floral business called Kait’s Blossoms.

Four Colquitt County FFA members were named state finalists with their agricultural proficiency project. Agricultural Proficiencies are based off of a student’s Supervised Agricultural Experience Project, which a student completes outside of the classroom that is related to agriculture. All four competed this April at the Georgia State FFA Convention in Macon.

Mary Logan Tostenson, daughter of Kyle and Wendi Tostenson, was a finalist in Specialty Animal Production. Mary Logan has built her own hives and added bees to them from Rossman Apiaries. She is working towards extracting her own honey and eventually selling it, while helping pollinate local farmers’ crops. Mary Logan placed 2nd in the state competition.  

Kaitlyn Hart, daughter of David and Kelly Hart, was a finalist in the area of Diversified Horticulture. Kaitlyn owns and operates her own floral business as well as serving as a horticulture and floral intern for the Colquitt County Agriculture Department. She is responsible for the daily responsibilities of the floral department and greenhouse and managing her own business.

Mitchell Riley, son of Jason and Nancy Riley, was a finalist in the area of Nursery Operations. Mitchell worked at his family greenhouses where they produce transplants for farmers across the Southeastern United States. Mitchell performed many tasks around the farm from running the seed line to mixing fertilizers. Mitchell placed first in the state competition, now advancing to National Judging.

John Vance Livingston, son of John and Angela Livingston, was a finalist in Agricultural Mechanics Maintenance and Repair Placement. John Vance works at Sunbelt Supply where he completes a wide variety of tasks and assist in rebuilding small engines. John Vance placed first, advancing to National Judging.

Kirk Beacham was elected to serve as the 2019-2020 South Region State FFA Vice President for the Georgia FFA Association. Beacham will spend the next year travelling around the state of Georgia advocating for agriculture and visiting with FFA chapters.  

Chase Willis represented the Georgia FFA Foundation and Georgia FFA Association as a student ambassador for the entire weekend. He had the opportunity to meet with sponsors, donors, potential sponsors, judges and special guests throughout the convention.

    Colquitt County had four Career Development Event (CDE) honorees. Bobby Mitchell was recognized for second place in EMC Wiring. Kaitlyn Hart was recognized for third place in Employability Skills. The Ag Mechanics Team, who consisted of Kirk Beacham, Amber Murphy, Chase Willis and Kaleb Spradley was recognized for their third place win. Mackenzie Blair, Vaidehi Patel and Chase Willis was recognized for second place in Marketing Plan.

Mitchell Riley competed in the Prepared Public Speaking CDE and Mackenzie Blair and Kaleb Spradley competed in the Agriscience Fair while at state convention.

Kirk Beacham served as courtesy corps throughout the entire convention. JoJo Johnson was awarded a scholarship to attend the FFA Washington Leadership Conference. Kaitlyn Hart was awarded the Dean Flatt scholarship.

In 2019 FFA members and advisors celebrated 50 years of women being in the National FFA Organization. Katrina McIntosh of Moultrie was interviewed by a Georgia FFA State Officer about her time as a FFA Sweetheart. Mrs. McIntosh was in attendance on stage as her story was shared to thousand of FFA members during the fifth session of the 91st Georgia FFA Convention. She helped pave the way for women to be in the National FFA Organization in 1969.