FFA Reporter

LAKE HUNTINGTON – The Sullivan West FFA chapter participated in several events over the summer including the State Fair, FFA summer camp, and conferences. Alison McCarthy, who placed 1st overall at the New York State FFA Convention in May for Prepared Public Speaking, was invited to speak at the Rural Schools Conference in Lake Placid, NY on July 13th. Alison will also be representing New York State at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis on October 21^st.

From August 2^nd-7th, the Sullivan West FFA students attended a week full of fun, friendship and lifelong memories at FFA Camp Oswegatchie. The Oswegatchie Educational Center is located in Croghan, NY and hosts over 1,000 students each summer. The students that attended the week at FFA Camp Oswegatchie were Luke B., Lilly B., Mackenzie B., Allie H., Lily M., Alison M., Kylie M., and Victoria S. We all participated in activities such as high ropes, paddleboarding, kayaking, horseback riding, fire building, mountain biking, and hiking at the camp. The state FFA Officers and District FFA Presidents would participate in these activities with the campers. One night, the FFA state president Sage Schroder spent the night at my campsite, we played games around the campfire and had great conversations on what we do in the FFA.  

From August 30-31st, the FFA students competed at the NY State Fair in Syracuse, NY. The students did an amazing job in their competitions as individuals and as teams. Our first ever Horse Evaluation competitor Riley E placed first individually. We had competitors in Jr Wildlife ID like Lilly H (9^th place), Victoria S (5^th place), and Rachel M (4^th place) as well as Senior Wildlife ID including Alison M (2^nd place), Luke B., Mackenzie B., Kameon E., Kahlleigh E., and Cole F. Alison and Mackenzie’s team placed 3^rd overall. Sr Tree ID participants were Luke B, Mackenzie B, Kameon E, Kahlleigh E, Cole F, and Alison M (2^nd place). Alison’s and Mackenzie’s team placed 2^nd overall. After the competition we explored the New York State Fairgrounds and saw the butter statue, had $0.25 milk, and visited the new FFA building!