Blackwell FFA attends National Convention, Grossardt recieves degree

Blackwell’s Future Farmers of America got the opportunity to attend the 96th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana with Austin Grossardt receiving his American FFA Degree in the process.

Oklahoma FFA returned from the 96th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis with 14 national champions, including the National Model of Excellence Chapter and two National Premier Chapter winners.

The National FFA Convention celebrates FFA members from all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The convention includes individual award and degree recognition, chapter award recognition, official delegate business and national officer elections.

Stillwater FFA was named the 2023 National Model of Excellence Chapter and also the 2023 National Premier Chapter: Building Communities. Advisers are Robby Branscum, Bailey Kliewer and Tanner Nipper.

Bartlesville FFA was named the 2023 National Premier Chapter: Growing Leaders. Advisers are Marty Jones, Cameron Dale and Ashley Darsow.

Cushing, Edmond and Marietta FFA chapters were also finalists for National Chapter Awards.

Whitney Glazier, Lomega FFA, received the American Star in Agricultural Placement, Oklahoma’s 21st American Star.

Oklahoma has more American Star recipients than any other state in the country.

Other national champion honors went to Guthrie FFA, Livestock Judging Career Development Event; Westville FFA, Poultry Evaluation Career Development Event; Brant Failes, Cherokee FFA, National Proficiency Award, Diversified Agricultural Production; Madilynn Campbell, National Proficiency Award, Equine Science -- Entrepreneurship; Korbin Smith, Hydro-Eakly FFA, National Proficiency Award, Forage Production; Payton Irick, Seminole FFA, National Proficiency Award, Small Animal Production and Care; Kyriana Beard, Stillwater FFA, National Agriscience Fair, Division 3: Animal Systems; Esther VanOverbeke, Stillwater FFA, National Agriscience Fair, Division 3: Food Products and Processing System; Eliana Timmons, Stillwater FFA, National Agriscience Fair, Division 1: Social Science; and Trinity Blosch and Aubrie McEndoo, National Agriscience Fair, Division 6: Social Science.

Oklahoma also brought home 28 other gold emblem awards: one first place; one second place; one third place; one fourth place; three fifth places; one sixth place; one seventh place; one ninth place; 15 gold emblem individual awards; and three gold emblem team awards.

“We are immensely proud of our Oklahoma FFA members for their outstanding achievements at the 96th National FFA Convention,” said Trevor Lucas, state FFA executive secretary.

“These accolades are a testament to the dedication, hard work and passion our students, advisers and supporters invest in agricultural education.

“Our performance on the national stage reflects the strength of Oklahoma's agricultural roots and the bright future of the industry. These FFA members are not just excelling in competitions; they are preparing to sustain and evolve the agricultural future of our state.”

Eleven Oklahomans were in the national chorus; five were in the band; one was part of the national talent; 200 received the American FFA Degree; and 26 Oklahoma chapters were named National Three Star Chapters.

Monte Womack, Morris, and Michael Craig Edwards, Stillwater, received the National VIP Award.

Oklahoma recipients of the Honorary American FFA Degree were Blayne Arthur, Oklahoma City; Robby Branscum, Stillwater; Nicholas Brown, Tulsa; Robert Carroll, Davenport; Jacey Fye, Comanche; Mason Jones, Edmond; Chris Kellen, Shattuck; and Kenneth Leatherwood, Chandler.

In addition, Karstyn Cantrell, Skiatook, finished her year of service as Central Region vice president.

The Oklahoma FFA Association was also recognized as a 100% Membership State and an Increase in Membership State. Oklahoma FFA has 29,213 members, an increase of 1,317.

FFA is one of seven CareerTech student organizations affiliated with CareerTech programs. It is affiliated with agricultural education. The other six are FCCLA (family and consumer sciences education), DECA (marketing education), SkillsUSA (trade and industrial education), Business Professionals of America (business and information technology education), Technology Student Association (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) and HOSA (health careers education).