REARDAN, Wash. — A team of high schoolers and a recent high school graduate from Reardan placed fourth in a national competition at the Future Farmers of America 97th National Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana.
The high schoolers are members of the National FFA Organization and competed in the national competition after winning state championships earlier this year. The team then competed in the "Agriculture Issues Forum" among 39 other state champions and reached the “final four round" at the national competition.
The top teams at the FFA National Agriculture Issues Forum were: Missouri in first place, Tennessee in second place, Idaho in third place and Washington in fourth place.
Reardan FFA Program Advisor Rick Perleberg says the team worked for over a year in order to qualify for the national competition.
“These young men and woman had an incredible run. This week was the culmination of more than 13 months work to this end," said Perleberg. "I knew we had something special with these students early. Not only because they’re outstanding kids, but also because of the topic."
Perleberg says the team sought to promote awareness of issues that directly affect rural communities in Washington state.
"Mashing up the importance of the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation with the exposure of a wildlife commission that many feel is headed in the wrong direction was a great opportunity to create regional awareness about both pieces," said Perleberg. "Ultimately, that’s our goal: promote regional awareness about issues important to rural people and communities, all while telling a balanced story that represents all stakeholders’ truths. I think our current political higher-ups could learn a thing or two from our approach, and more specifically, these studied students. I love these kids and I couldn’t be prouder. Top four in the nation is a feat!"
