>La Grande Observer | Union and Wallowa Counties' News Leader

UNION FFA MEMBERS pictured at the state convention in Bend are (bottom row) Jennifer Longwell, Brianna Tanaka, Cassandra Colton, Brooke Roberts, Shelby Walenta, Jesse Pina; and (top row ) Jamie Sypher, Bryan Boothman, Anna Michrina, Chris Rickert, Scott Kausler, Hannah Griefenburg, Colt Haney, Monica Hernandez, A.J. Clark, Regina Wike, Tara Denton, Anthony George, Jeramy Boothman. Also attending, but not pictured: Troy Savely, Eric Dewitt, Nicole Roberts, Justin Law and Megan Tanaka. (Submitted photo).

UNION — Twenty-four of Union's 60-member FFA chapter were among the more than 2,000 Oregon students, advisers and guests who traveled to Bend in March to attend the 78th annual Oregon FFA State Convention.

Other local chapters sending members to the four-day event held during spring break included Joseph, Enterprise, Elgin, Imbler, La Grande, Union, North Powder, Baker City, Cove and Halfway. This year's theme was "Now is the Time."

Union's FFA adviser Dennis Clark said proudly that looking back over the chapter's 78-year history, "this year's one of the best state convention showings Union has ever had."

Members A.J. Clark, Regina Wike, Bryan Boothman and Chris Rickert were each awarded district FFA proficiency awards in the categories of Ag Service Placement, Vegetable Production, Diversified Ag Production, and Emerging Ag Technologies respectively.

Jeramy Boothman, Anthony George, Eric Dewitt, Troy Savely, Jarrid MaGee and A.J. Clark were each awarded the Oregon State FFA Degree — the highest award the state can bestow upon its members.

At the Saturday morning session, the Union FFA chapter was also honored as a group with the Oregon State FFA Association's Superior Chapter rating.

This award recognizes the hard work and dedication of a local chapter to Oregon FFA and its members. Union's chapter was selected from 103 active chapters throughout the state based upon performance guidelines established by the National FFA Organization.

Union's FFA scrapbook, authored by Regina Wike and Tera Denton, placed second in state.

The Union FFA band "Colt 45" placed second overall in the talent competition, and band members Colt Haney, A.J. Clark, Scott Kaulser and Anthony George were asked to perform at Saturday's evening session.

Though FFA chapter members gave up four days of their spring break to attend, they said they had a great time, learned a lot and got to meet many new and old friends.

"The convention is the highlight

of the year for the Oregon FFA," said Kara Palacio, the new state FFA president from Bend.

The state convention features award recognition, motivational speakers, scholarship presentations, industry tours, career enhancement activities, state officer elections and entertainment.

FFA operates on local, state and national levels focused on agricultural topics, hands-on supervised career experience, as well as providing leadership opportunities and challenges to students' agricultural skills.

FFA helps students develop their leadership skills by participating in public speaking, skill contests, chapter meetings, award and recognition programs, committees and community projects.

Moreover, FFA also motivates young people to make positive contributions to their schools, homes, communities and ultimately, their country.