Miranda H. Lewis
Carter County Times
Over 2,500 Future Farmers of America (FFA) members, advisors, and guests assembled at Rupp Arena on June 6-8 in Lexington to celebrate the accomplishments of FFA members during the past year.
Kentucky FFA is an organization of over 20,000 middle and high school students enrolled in Agricultural Education courses. The organization currently has 170 chapters in 117 counties.
According to the National FFA Organization, the mission of the FFA is to, “make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education”.
The heart of the National FFA Organization is at the local chapter level and that is evident as members of the West Carter High School (WCHS) FFA Chapter were recognized for excellence during the State Convention.
During the third session, West Carter was honored with the Gold Emblem award as a top chapter in the state of Kentucky.
“The Gold Emblem Chapter award is the highest honor the Kentucky FFA Association offers,” said Lora Beth Phillips, WCHS Agriculture Teacher and FFA Advisor. “Chapters who receive it are top in the state for member participation, community service, and agricultural leadership.”
Five members were bestowed their State FFA Degree, including, Ethan Barker, Kaylee Mabry, Travis Jones, Landon Hamilton, and Jonathan Middleton.
“The State Degree is the highest degree a member can receive at the state level,” explained Phillips.
“It represents time served in leadership, community service, and time worked in their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project,” she added.
Mabry also placed first in Specialty Crop Proficiency, second in American Institute of Cooperatives, and Top 5 Star in Agribusiness.
With her first place finish, she advances to the National FFA Convention in October.
Additionally, Destiny Davis placed second in Sheep Production Proficiency.
Contact the writer at miranda@cartercountytimes.com
West Carter High School’s FFA was recognized as a top chapter in the state of Kentucky on June 8 in Lexington, receiving the Gold Emblem for their participation, community service, and agricultural leadership for the 2022-23 school year. (Submitted photo) 
WCHS FFA members were bestowed their State FFA Degree, including, Ethan Barker, Travis Jones, Landon Hamilton, and Jonathan Middleton.(Submitted photo)