James River High School FFA experienced what chapter advisor Zach Wakeman called “a remarkable week” at the 92nd Annual Virginia FFA State Convention June 18-21 on the campus of Virginia Tech.

For the second year in a row, the JRHS chapter was named the No. 1 FFA program in Virginia.

The chapter was also recognized as the top chapter in the state in two of the three FFA Program of Activities areas— Growing Leaders and Building Communities. James River also received gold ratings for the National Chapter Award, Superior Chapter Award and Public Relations Award.

With 15 students in attendance, the chapter competed in four state level Career Development Events (CTE) and one Leadership Development Event.

By the final session of convention last Thursday, James River FFA members also walked away with three state championships.

Also, Mason Sowers, a 2017 James River FFA graduate and 2017-2018 Virginia FFA State Secretary, worked with his fellow teammates to plan and carry out the convention as one of his final duties as a Virginia FFA State Officer.

“Our members experienced much success at the Virginia FFA State Convention,” Wakeman said.

Bailey Marshall placed first and was named the state champion in the Employment Skills Leadership Development Event. Marshall now has the opportunity to represent Virginia in the national event in October during the National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, Ind.

Daniel Holter placed first and was named the state champion in the Virginia FFA Talent Event after singing “Get Along” by Kenny Chesney. Holter performed on stage during the fourth session of the Virginia FFA State Convention, performing to over 1,200 FFA members, advisors and guests.

Ryan Borer also became a State FFA champion by placing first in the Junior Livestock Evaluation Career Development Event.

All of the chapter’s state champions were recognized on stage during the convention.

The chapter also had four members receive Virginia FFA State Degrees— Skyler Camper, Olivia Gilliam, Jarrod Hix and Tyller Roney. The State FFA Degree is the highest honor a state FFA association can bestow to a member.

Also, Bailey Marshall placed second in the Virginia FFA Talent Event.

Ellie Holter, Morgan Marshall, Andrew Newcomb and Ainsley Simmons placed fourth as a team in the Environmental and Natural Resources Career Development Event. Simmons placed fifth individually.

Additional FFA members who participated in events at the state level include:

• Agronomy Career Development Event — Jeff Bower, Jacob Fowler, Daniel Holter and Kevin Theimer.
• Dairy Evaluation Career Development Event — Amanda Garrison, Brian Howard, Peyton Reese and Marcy Sowers.

A year ago, the James River chapter was named the No. 1 chapter in Virginia for the first time. The chapter was also selected as one of the top 10 chapters in the nation and was a finalist in the National FFA Model of Excellence Program.

To find our more about the James River FFA Chapter, follow on social media or send an email to jrffa@bcps.k12.va.us.