December 20, 2024
Rutherford County Schools
Rutherford County Schools' FFA chapters demonstrated exceptional success at the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo, held October 23–26, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana. This annual event, hosted by the National FFA Organization, brought together over 70,000 students from across the country to celebrate leadership, innovation, and the diverse opportunities within the agriculture industry. Rutherford County students excelled in competitions, earned national recognitions, and engaged in valuable leadership development experiences, reflecting the strength of their local programs in fostering excellence. The convention offered attendees the chance to explore over 350 agricultural careers, network with peers, and debate critical issues like climate change and water management, further emphasizing the organization's commitment to shaping the next generation of leaders.
Rutherford County’s FFA programs continue to exemplify excellence in agricultural education and leadership development across Tennessee and the nation.
Three exceptional FFA members earned top honors for their groundbreaking research and achievements in Agriscience, showcasing their dedication to agricultural innovation, science, and educational research.
Garren Hamby of Eagleville FFA was one of only four finalists nationwide for the prestigious American Star in Agriscience award. This top-tier recognition highlights Hamby’s exceptional work in his Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE), where he conducted advanced agricultural research to solve real-world challenges over the course of his 7-year membership in FFA. The American Star Awards honors a select few who demonstrate excellence in technical skills, management, and leadership while earning the organization’s highest honor, the American FFA Degree. Hamby’s achievement places him among the elite in the FFA community, representing the "best of the best" in agricultural education. He has devoted numerous hours over several years to researching advanced reproductive techniques for livestock and has also conducted both primary and secondary market analyses for resale. Garren has been a trailblazer in agriscience research, making history with this esteemed recognition, a first for both Eagleville FFA and Rutherford County Schools.
Karlee Dunn from Stewarts Creek FFA emerged as the National Winner in Plant Science Agriscience Research Proficiency, a remarkable achievement that reflects her innovative research and dedication to advancing plant science. Through her SAE, Dunn developed specialized skills that have broad applications in agricultural careers. Her research, selected as some of the strongest work in the nation, demonstrates the importance of scientific inquiry and exploration in horticulture and the potential for young leaders to shape the future of the industry.
Oakland FFA member Lily Amstutz achieved the honor of National Winner in the Agriscience Fair, Power, Structure, and Technical Systems category. Amstutz’s research focused on advancing technologies and systems within agriculture, showcasing her technical expertise and problem-solving skills. Lily had the privilege of collaborating with Middle Tennessee State University’s School of Concrete to complete her project, “The Comparison of Water Based, Acrylic, and Epoxy-Sealed Concrete Samples to Standard Concrete in Water Penetration, Abrasion, Rapid Chloride Permeability, and Visual Testing.” Her innovative project not only earned her national recognition but also emphasized the vital role of engineering and technical systems in agricultural innovation. Additionally, she was chosen to present on the Student Showcase Stage, highlighting her impactful research and experiences. Lily makes history as the first National FFA Champion for Oakland.
Other notable National Agriscience Fair achievements include:
Harley Huber and Karlee Dunn (Stewarts Creek FFA) – National Runner-Ups in Plant Systems Agriscience Fair.
Ezra Hall (Oakland FFA) – 7th place in the Environmental and Natural Resource Management Agriscience Fair.
Daniel Light (Stewarts Creek FFA) – 9th place in Food Systems Agriscience Fair.
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Leadership Development and Team Success
The Oakland FFA Agricultural Issues Forum Team achieved a milestone in chapter history, earning the title of National Runner-Up in the highly competitive Agricultural Issues Forum Leadership Development Event (LDE). Team members Abby Deberry, Annabelle Alexis, Emma Millican, Julian Floyd, Lily Amstutz, Kyra Kleparek, and Anna Grace Wells delivered an impactful presentation that examined multiple perspectives on the question, “Should legislators pass the Children's Act for Responsible Employment and Farm Safety Act, or keep current agricultural exemptions?” Their achievement marked the first time the Oakland FFA chapter had reached this level of recognition at the event, highlighting their dedication to excellence and agricultural issues.
The Agriculture Issues Forum assesses students' ability to combine their knowledge of agriculture with public speaking and critical thinking skills. To qualify for nationals, the team spent months preparing a detailed portfolio and presenting to local audiences to gather feedback. Their skill in effectively engaging diverse audiences and articulating various viewpoints on their chosen issue impressed both state and national judges, culminating in their historic placement. In addition to gaining national recognition, they received cash prize earnings at both the state and national level. This remarkable accomplishment not only sets a high standard for future teams but also emphasizes the importance of agricultural education in empowering students to address and lead discussions on critical agricultural issues.
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Paige Jones of Riverdale FFA demonstrated exceptional communication and leadership skills, earning National Bronze in the prestigious Creed Speaking LDE. Paige delivered the FFA Creed from memory and skillfully answered questions to showcase her understanding and passion for agriculture and FFA’s core values. This competitive event challenges new FFA members to present themselves in a confident, professional manner while honing their public speaking abilities. Paige’s success highlights her dedication to excellence and her commitment to the principles of agricultural education, representing Riverdale FFA with pride.
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Eagleville FFA’s Sarah Marshall and Oakland FFA’s Emma Goff had the distinguished honor of representing Tennessee as National FFA Delegates during the 97th National FFA Convention & Expo. This prestigious role brought together 475 student leaders from across the country to shape the future of the FFA. As delegates, Sarah and Emma participated in discussions, shared ideas, and contributed to decision-making processes that ensure FFA remains a grassroots organization supporting members at the local level. Selected through a competitive application process highlighting their leadership, experience, and dedication to FFA’s mission, these outstanding members not only represented Tennessee but also showcased the excellence of Rutherford County FFA chapters on a national stage.
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Two Rutherford County FFA chapters earned national recognition in the 2024 National Chapter Award Program from the National FFA Organization. This prestigious program honors FFA chapters across the nation for their excellence in implementing the organization’s mission and strategies. Chapters are evaluated on their ability to improve operations, foster leadership, build communities, and strengthen agriculture through educational experiences for their members. Oakland FFA achieved the coveted 3-Star National Chapter rating, while Stewarts Creek FFA earned the esteemed 2-Star National Chapter rating, highlighting their dedication to agricultural education and community impact.
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FFA members achieved an exceptional milestone with several students earning the prestigious American FFA Degree—the highest honor awarded by the National FFA Organization. Fewer than 1% of over a million FFA members receive this award, recognizing years of academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to agriculture. To qualify, recipients must complete a rigorous list of criteria, including earning or investing a minimum of $10,000 or working at least 2,250 hours through a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) program. Candidates must also perform 50 hours of community service, demonstrate outstanding leadership skills, and actively participate in both FFA and community initiatives. The following students were presented with a gold American FFA Degree key and certificate during the convention:
- Blackman FFA: Makayla Blythe, Jack Cashion
- Eagleville FFA: Garren Hamby, Katelyn Mosley, Emma Warbritton, Ellie Richter, Molly Ralston, Jacob Sledge
- Oakland FFA: Hannah Harrell, Ashton Reed, Camryn Rucker, Elizabeth Fuqua, Jessie Tucker Vaughn
- Riverdale FFA: Amira Horsley, Dylin Shaffer, Emma Baxter
- Rockvale FFA: Abbie Bowker (first in school history)
- Siegel FFA: Macie Rhinehart
- Stewarts Creek FFA: Tyler Moses
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The National Invitational FFA Quiz Bowl had teams from both Riverdale FFA and Stewarts Creek FFA, with Stewarts Creek placing as high as 11th nationally.
Stewarts Creek FFA Quiz Bowl Team- Ari Mota, Catherine Denton, Jaylyn Dearsman, Riley Van der Woude, Baylee Davis, Tyler Sallee, Brady Lee, Will Hasty, Tristen Hall, Ty Hall, Kasen Miller
Riverdale FFA Quiz Bowl Team- Connor Copley, Cordell Leonard, Amos Wolff, Triniti Shaffer, M'Kayla Johnson-Myatt, Kaylee Carmouche, Maddie Simpson, and Alaina Hill