Three Boonville FFA students placed in the top five in their respective categories at the state convention.

Nash McKenzie won the Missouri FFA Diversified Horticulture Proficiency Award at the 95th Missouri FFA Convention.

McKenzie’s supervised agricultural experience program involves care and maintenance for approximately 45 lawns he manages under NJ’s Lawn Care. His project began when he started mowing for his parents and close neighbors. During this time, he learned how to operate mowers, leaf blowers, string trimmers, and installation tools for landscaping.

Kendall Jones placed third in the employment skills leadership development event. Sixteen students from six districts were selected to compete at the state level.

Missouri Army National Guard and Missouri Army ROTC sponsors the competition, which requires contestants to complete a resume, cover letter, job application and a personal interview.

Austin Schuster received the second place Missouri FFA Grain Production Proficiency Award. Missouri Corn Growers Association sponsored this award.

The Missouri FFA Association awarded Boonville FFA Chapter a Gold Emblem, a Top Chapter Award. Boonville placed ninth out of 355 chapters. Only 10 percent of state chapters receive a top chapter designation each annually.

The National Chapter Award Program is designed to recognize FFA chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the organization. Chapters improve operations using the National Quality Chapter Standards and a Program of Activities that emphasize growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture. Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership. This award is sponsored by FCS Financial. The Boonville FFA advisors are Deanna Thies and Doug Henke.

Photo courtesy of Missouri FFA media room.