Pendleton High Students Win State FFA Degrees

Four Pendleton High School students earned State FFA Degrees at the Oregon FFA State Convention in Redmond on March 22-24. Junior Evelyn Hayes placed fourth in the state in Advanced Public Speaking, competing with a speech on hydroponics.

The State FFA Degree recipients include seniors Braden Brown, Kenedee Parsons, and Kayle Smith, plus junior Abigail Wilks.

Brown completed agricultural construction work through the Ag Mechanics Pathway. Parsons, the chapter's Land Lab Manager, raised and sold market swine over several years. Smith worked at the Columbia Basin Ag Research Center and raised market lambs. Wilks completed supervised agriculture experiences in diversified livestock production, grain production, forage production, and agricultural education.

To earn the State FFA Degree, students must earn $1,500 or document a combination of hours and income from supervised agriculture experience, work at least 500 hours, participate in FFA leadership activities and community service, and demonstrate proficiency in public speaking and parliamentary procedure. Pendleton High recipients wear a CTE Honors Stole at graduation.

"Every one of these kids has traveled their own path to get where they are," said Marty Campbell, FFA Advisor at PHS. "The hours we spend together helping them achieve their goals is one of the most special things I get to do as an educator."