Cove FFA culminates year with strong showing in state contest

By WENDY SLEDD

Special to Leader-Press

It’s been a long road for members of the Copperas Cove Future Farmers of America Chapter. Literally. As competitors, they have traveled hundreds of miles honing their skills while keeping their focus on qualifying to compete in the state contest. Members started competing in the fall faring well yet learning where they needed to improve. By late spring, they had learned from their mistakes and traveled to Stephenville to compete in the state Environmental and Natural Resources and Homesite Career Development Events. Career Development Events build on what is learned in agricultural classes and encourages members to put their knowledge into practice. Approximately 13,400 students began the statewide tournament in 28 different events which reflect classroom instruction in technical, leadership, interpersonal and teamwork skills. Copperas Cove FFA placed 20th in the Homesite contest from among the thousands of students. Team members included Elisia Westra, Halee Kloesel, Kayla Ayala and Caden McAnally. “The Homesite competition this year was more competitive than it’s ever been. I’m very proud of how we did,” Westra said. “None of us are seniors. So, we are able to learn from this as a team and do even better next year together.” Copperas Cove FFA also placed in the Environmental and Natural Resources contest. Earning 11th place were team members Daniel West, Taylor Kelley, Ryan Mc- Whorter, and Travis Dewald. The journey to continue to take state honors continued as members traveled to Huntsville for the State Agricultural Sales CDE. The team consisting of Daniel West, Taylor Kelley, Travis Dewald, and Colton Christman placed 7th. West, a senior at CCHS, was awarded as the 7th high individual. “I am really happy with the way our team did this year. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to grow and learn new things through this event. I will be able t o use all that I have learned in real life situations,” he said. The Texas FFA is the nation’s largest state FFA association with a membership of 109,000 active FFA members. Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources programs teach skills in leadership, career development and personal growth. FFA gives students the opportunity to practically apply classroom knowledge to real-world experiences through local, state and national competitions.