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Read Mountain Places Third at FFA Convention
The Read Mountain Middle School FFA Chapter recently attended the 83rd Virginia FFA Association State Convention held at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA from June 22-25, 2009. Amy Stevens,
Advisor of the Read Mountain FFA accompanied the
following students to the convention Justin Brush, Erika Buchanan, Lauren Edwards, James Gathje, Jordan Murphy, Rachel Overbay, Alyssa Stanek, and Aaron Treadway.
The Plant Science team of Justin Brush, Lauren Edwards, James Gathje and Aaron Treadway placed third in the state and was recognized as a Gold Emblem Team. Aaron Treadway was awarded a gold emblem. Justin Brush received a silver emblem. Lauren Edwards and James Gathje both received bronze emblems. There were a total of 9 teams with 32 contestants in the Plant Science Career Development Event (CDE). The Virginia FFA Plant Science CDE is a competitive activity
that allows students to apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations. Activities
included in the event are a written exam, a team activity, identification, and individual
practical skills.

Erika Buchanan entered the Food & Fiber CDE. Activities
included in the event are a written exam, a team activity, identification of dairy and retail meats of lamb, pork and beef, identification of wood products, source
determination of products and individual practical skills. Erika should be highly commended in her efforts. She managed to earn a silver emblem while still completing the team activity entirely as an individual.

The Small Companion Animal team, consisting of Jordan Murphy, Rachel Overbay and Alyssa Stanek were all awarded bronze emblems. Activities included in the event are a written exam, a team activity, identification of breeds and products, and individual practical skills. . Laken Campbell, former Read Mountain FFA member and president, attended the convention and helped coach the Small Companion Animal team.

While at the convention, Justin Brush served as a delegate for the Northern Area and Aaron Treadway served as a member of the Courtesy Corps. Members also had the opportunity to attend leadership workshops conducted by State
Officer Ben Arteman from Illinois, brothers from the new FarmHouse Fraternity from
Virginia Tech, and Renee Stoneman from the Farm Bureau Young Farmers, and more.
In addition, the keynote speakers were Ronnie Ansley, Past-President of the National
FFA Alumni Association and Riley Branch, National FFA Western Region Vice
President. Jon McDonald, President of Young Farmers of Virginia brought greetings.
More than 1,700 members, teachers and guests attended this year's annual convention.
Virginia FFA Association is an organization of over 10,500 members preparing
for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture with 167
local chapters throughout the Commonwealth. FFA is an integral part of the agricultural
education program in public schools. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference
in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal
growth and career success through agricultural education.
For more information on the Virginia FFA Association visit www.vaffa.org. or contact your local agriscience instructor at Read Mountain Middle School, Central Academy Middle School, Lord Botetourt High School or James River High School. submitted by Amy Stevens