GATLINBURG, TN – Ella Hasty of the Stewarts Creek FFA Chapter was named the Tennessee FFA State President at the 95th Annual Tennessee FFA State Convention held in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Hasty was chosen from more than 22 state officer candidates and will embark on a whirlwind leadership journey throughout the next year alongside her seven teammates. She is a part of the third all-female officer team in association history.
The Tennessee FFA State Officer Team is a crucial component of the Tennessee FFA Association. These eight students lead thousands of student members across the state throughout their officer year by visiting FFA chapters and delivering workshops, representing Tennessee FFA at numerous industry functions, and inspiring members to serve others through many conferences, camps, conventions, contests, and more.
Stewarts Creek FFA took 22 students to the convention and brought home the following honors:
Conduct of Chapter Meetings State Champions: Team members are Catherine Denton, Josie Blanks, Tyler Sallee, Will Hasty, Ty Hall, Tristen Hall, and Kasen Miller.
The Conduct of Chapter Meetings Leadership Development Event introduces FFA members to parliamentary procedure as they learn how to conduct efficient meetings and build communication skills.
Ag Sales State Champions: Team members are Ella Hasty, Brett Mann, Trevor Culbertson, and Eli Dunn
Students competing in the Agricultural Sales Career Development Event gain experience and skills essential to the production and marketing of agricultural products. The team event illustrates related careers and offers a firsthand look at developing product knowledge and driving sales.
Bull Pen State Champions: Team members are Jaylyn Dearsman and Ariana Mota
In this contest, students are tasked with creating a unique product or service that will have a positive impact on the Tennessee agriculture economy. The Bull Pen Challenge is designed to encourage students to foster their entrepreneurial spirit and creativity for the betterment of agriculture.
Extemporaneous Public Speaking State Champion: Ella Hasty
Students participating in the Extemporaneous Public Speaking Leadership Development Event showcase their agricultural knowledge and ability to think on their feet by giving a speech and answering questions with limited prep time.
Proficiency State Winners: In Integrated Research, Ella Hasty; in Landscape Management, Allen Johnson, and in Diversified Horticulture, Brycen Dozier
Agricultural Proficiency Awards honor FFA members who, through supervised agricultural experiences, have developed specialized skills that they can apply toward their future careers.
Agriscience Fair State Winners: In Social Sciences, Kasen Miller, Ariana Mota, and Ella Hasty; in Plant Systems, Brady Lee, Eli Dunn, and Karlee Dunn; and in Animal Systems, Harley Huber.
The National FFA Agriscience Fair recognizes students who gain real-world, hands-on experiences in agricultural enterprises. Students use scientific principles and emerging technologies to solve complex problems related to agriculture, food, and natural resources.
Ella Hasty was also recognized as the recipient of the Ned Ray McWherter Scholarship for $2,000. She will be attending The University of Tennessee at Martin in the fall.
Additional state competitors and accomplishments are listed below:
3rd in Meat Evaluation: Kendall Beard, Brett Mann, Harley Huber, and Brady Lee
3rd in Prepared Speaking: Megan James
5th in Creed Speaking: Ty Hall
Catherine Denton: Agriscience Fair Participant
Middle TN Star in Agriscience: Ella Hasty
Quiz Contest: Jaylyn Dearsman, Kendall Beard, Megan James, and Cameron Myers
Swine Proficiency: Kaitlin Shuler
State Degree Recipients: Tyler Moses, Allen Johnson, and Ella Hasty
The chapter was also recognized for the following awards: National 3 Star Chapter, Superior Chapter, PLOW, and 10% Membership Increase Award. Stewarts Creek FFA is home to nearly 277 FFA members. Shana Boteler, Gina Stewart, and Bridget Vaughn are the chapter's advisors.