(Morgantown, WV) Friday, April 15, 2023 – Agriculture teachers from across the state, West Virginia Department of Education Staff, and National FFA Staff met at WVU’s Davis College of Agriculture last Thursday and Friday to evaluate applications for the West Virginia FFA Association’s State Proficiency and State Star Award Programs.
Agricultural Proficiency Awards honor FFA members who, through supervised agricultural experiences (SAE), have developed specialized skills that they can apply toward their future careers. Students compete for awards in nearly fifty areas ranging from agricultural communications to wildlife management.
This year, five members of the South Harrison FFA Chapter claimed state titles which is a record for the program and for Harrison County. Students Katie Rogers won for sheep production, Holly Rogers in agriculture services, Cooper Folmsbee won beef production, Michael Radcliff for agricultural education, and Madison Stonestreet won agricultural saless. In addition, Cooper Folmsbee was named the West Virginia State Star in Placement, the third consecutive year a South Harrison FFA member has claimed the Star Placement title. Madison Stonestreet and Parker Bunch were selected as candidate’s for Star American Awards in agribusiness and placement, and will compete for those titles this summer.
Fourteen Chapter members were awarded the West Virginia State FFA Degree, also a record for the program and for Harrison County. The State FFA Degree is awarded by State Associations and is open to members in 11th grade or higher who are involved in chapter leadership, state–level activities, community service, complete a set number of hours of instruction, and SAE growth and productivity. Those members were Dylan Butcher, Cooper Folmsbee, Luke Hall, Cameron Hall, Luke Hefner, Caleb Law, Olivia Marshall, Ashley Martin, Cody Martin, Mahaliegh Mearns, Holly Rogers, Taylor Smith, Sam Titus, Hope Woods.