Thorsby FFA holds annual awards banquet

Published 12:56 pm Tuesday, May 7, 2024

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By Carey Reeder | Managing Editor

Thorsby High School held its annual FFA awards banquet on May 2 that recognized the school’s FFA students and their achievements throughout the last year. Held at the Jemison Municipal Complex, Thorsby FFA Advisor Brian Lucas was joined by Chilton County Schools Career Tech Supervisor Dr. Shannon Walker, Thorsby FFA chapter members and their families to celebrate the school’s continued FFA success.

The Meats Evaluation Team of Brock Johnson, Mesha Mims, Tori Mims and Lilly Smith were recognized for becoming the first Alabama Meats Evaluation Team to win gold at the National FFA Convention & Expo this past November in Indianapolis. The team also maintained the school’s state championship winning streak, winning the last 10 state titles in the Meats Evaluation at the Alabama FFA state competition.

The Thorsby Poultry Evaluation Team of Elizabeth Cochran, Lexi Crowe, PresleyRaye Knighton and Ava Robinson were honored for their top 10 finish at the national competition. By doing so, they earned an all-expense-paid trip to the International Poultry Processing Expo in Atlanta where they met with poultry industry leaders from around the world.

Lucas recognized individuals and teams for their state competition accomplishments as well, such as Jadon Green winning the individual state title in Agricultural Sale, the Veterinary Science Team placing second and the Forestry Team placing third.

The 2024 teams from Thorsby’s FFA program that qualified for the state competition this summer in Auburn were recognized — Land Judging, Meats Evaluation, Poultry Evaluation and Veterinary Science. Lucas commented on the significance of the titles, and pointed out that the competition does not have classifications like sports. It is one competition, and he commended the students for achieving these feats with limited resources, and competing against larger schools with more resources at their disposal.

Lastly, Lucas thanked near Mississippi State University graduate Hannah Grace Childress for her role as the program’s student teacher during the spring semester. The Thorsby FFA students recognized Teresa Green for her 10 years of service to the Thorsby FFA program with a plaque on behalf of the students and the program.