The Brooksville Senior FFA claimed 23 honors at the 93rd State FFA Convention; and as always, Rick Ahrens, Brooksville Sr. FFA chapter advisor at Hernando High School, is one proud leader.
The chapter was named Premier Chapter at the convention, an honor it has won for 14 of 18 years, 100% Membership Chapter for 18 Consecutive years, and Florida’s Finest Chapter, a title the chapter has earned 18 Consecutive years. “Well, another successful year in the books with the closing of the 93rd State FFA Convention,” said Ahrens.
Brooksville Senior FFA students also won numerous Individual Member Awards in the State FFA Agriscience Fair. All 1st place winners will now compete in the National FFA Agriscience Fair. They are:
Katie Eudy – 1st Place – Div 5 – Animal Systems.
Caroline Morgan and Laila Prowant – 1st Place – Div 4 – Animal Systems
Adrianna Cueto and Hailey Miller – 1st Place – Div 6 – Plants Systems
Alexandria Crane – 1st Place – Div 5 – Environmental Systems
Mary Babione – 1st Place – Div 5 – Plant Systems
Nathanael Monroe – 1st Place – Div 5 – Power Systems
Tim Conneally – 2nd Place – Div 3 – Food Systems
Ciara DiVenti and Ovilla Serralles – 3rd Place – Div 4 – Animal Systems
Alexandria Crane was named best overall project for Division 5.
Div 3 – Individual Projects – Grades 9-10
Div 4 – Team Projects(2) – Grades 9-10
Div 5 – Individual Projects – Grades 11-12
Div 6 – Team Projects(2) – Grades 11-12
Individually, a trio of multi-honored Brooksville luminaries continued their winning streaks at the state level this year. Three of the four FFA State Star Finalists, in fact, represent the Brooksville FFA. The State Star distinction honors students who have distinguished themselves in terms of their FFA achievements, community service, involvement level and attitude.
Adrianna Cueto – State Star Finalist in Agriscience (Top 4 in State)
Mary Babione – State Star Finalist in Agriscience (Top 4 in State)
Alexandria Crane – State Star Finalist in Agriscience (Top 4 in State)
Mary Babione – State Finalist in Agriscience Research State Finalist (Top 4 in State)
Mary Babione – Recipient of Florida Department of Agriculture Scholarship
Alexandria Crane, whose project involved the effects of oil spillage on wildlife, is capping off an auspicious career as a member and officer of Brooksville Senior FFA. “I love doing environmental projects and it’s super exciting to win these honors,” said Crane, president and publicity reporter for the organization. Crane, a graduating senior, counts her participation in FFA among the highlights of her high school career. “Being involved in FFA has done so much for my personal growth, and for my love of agriscience,” she said. “I’ve learned the arts of leadership and invention.”
Mary Babione, another graduating senior, credits FFA with a great deal in the way of her personal and educational development. “Being in this club has helped me build my confidence, public speaking skills and independence,” said Babione, a Brooksville Senior FFA vice president. “And in this year’s project, I learned more about growing crops that will last.”
Adrianna Cueto, also a Brooksville Senior FFA vice president, favors projects that revolve around plants and animals. “This experience has taught me so much in the way of communication and leadership skills,” said Cueto, a graduating senior. “I’ve learned to work in a team, but also to be more self-dependent.”
Ahrens could not be more proud of his award-winning FFA students. “These kids grew up on that stage, and in the FFA family,” he said. “And once again, I thank them for making me look good.” As much sunshine as the Brooksville Senior FFA kids spread throughout the community, Ahrens also credits their loyal fanbase that spread throughout Hernando. “Thank you to everyone, who supported us all during the year. We could not be so successful without the support of many,” he said.
Spread your own good news by submitting your announcements to Hernando Sun community reporter Megan Hussey at [email protected]. Show Us Your Sunshine!
