Special to the LPJ
Written By Chapter Reporter: Jermanus Lyons
The Ruston High FFA Chapter recently returned from the Louisiana FFA State Convention with numerous awards and recognitions, highlighting another successful year for the chapter and its members.
Among the chapter’s top accomplishments were state championship victories in both the Farm Business Management and Marketing Plan Career Development Events. The Farm Business Management Team, consisting of Joe Aulds, Kaleb Gray, Jermanus Lyons, and Gabe Middleton, under the guidance of advisors Mark Milstead and Kylee Triche, earned the state title and will represent Louisiana at the National FFA Convention. The Marketing Plan Team, consisting of Jake Lary, Emma Medders, and Boston Smith, under the guidance of advisor Cadie Coleman, also claimed a state championship and qualified for national competition. With these wins, both teams earned the opportunity to represent Louisiana at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis this October. Their success reflects months of preparation, dedication, and teamwork from the members and advisors involved.
The chapter also demonstrated strong leadership development throughout the convention. Five chapter members and officers successfully completed the Area Nominating Committee process [Jermanus Lyons, Emma Medders, David Smith, James Spann, and Morgan Walker]. In addition, one member advanced through the State Nominating Committee process [Emma Medders]. Additionally, the chapter was represented by one Area Nominating Committee Chair [Kayden Woods], further showcasing the leadership skills being developed within the organization.
The chapter was recognized at the state level for its overall Program of Activities, earning both the Superior Chapter Award and the Gold National Chapter Award. These awards recognize chapters that excel in developing student leaders, strengthening agriculture, and serving their communities through a variety of activities and projects conducted throughout the year. Chapter leadership team members Jermanus Lyons, Emma Medders, and Gabe Middleton additionally presented the chapter’s POA to a committee of three for judging.
Additional honors included recognition as a Proficiency Award Finalist [Cullen Smith] in the area of Equine Science and the recognition of a Superior Livestock Exhibition Award, highlighting the diverse accomplishments of chapter members in agricultural education, supervised agricultural experiences, and livestock exhibition.
These achievements reflect the hard work and commitment of the chapter’s members, advisors, parents, and supporters. As the chapter looks ahead to the National FFA Convention this fall, members remain committed to pursuing excellence in leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. The Ruston High FFA Chapter congratulates all members who contributed to these accomplishments and extends thanks to the community for its continued support of agricultural education and FFA. Ruston FFA hopes that the community will support their accomplishments as they take on the national stage this October.
