EXETER– Superintendent David Ryan and Principal Sharon Wilson are pleased to share Seacoast School of Technology students in the Animal and Plant Science program recently showcased their skills during virtual career development events in the wake of school closures.
Members of the SST Chapter of the National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America prior to 1988, typically participate in workshops and competitions at the Annual Convention of the Granite State Association of FFA in April. This year’s convention at Mount Washington Hotel was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The annual convention allows students to use the tools they learned inside the classroom and further develop upon the skills they need to excel in their future careers.
In place of the traditional convention, New Hampshire agriculture teachers worked together to create virtual career development events as an alternative for students.
The virtual career development events consisted of Zoom competitions, phone calls and video submissions to give students the opportunity to put their skills to the test.
“I’m extremely proud of everyone who participated in our virtual career development events during these difficult times,” said Animal and Plant Science instructor Anne DeMarco. “Putting in the effort to participate in these events during these unprecedented times is a testament to our students’ abilities.”
During the events, SST FFA chapter members won eight state titles and earned six state degrees. Winners of three of the six state degrees will have the opportunity to advance to the regional event at the BIG E in September. Additionally, the five state proficiency winners have the opportunity to advance to the National FFA Convention and Expo in the fall.
Three SST FFA chapter members were named State Officers. These chapter members will represent the State of New Hampshire in the Granite State FFA Association:
- Melanie Belanger, Vice President
- Alex Marcoux, Secretary
- Kailee DiRienzo, Reporter
Supervised Agricultural Experience Winners:
- State Star – Sam Pickering
- Gold Winner – Shannon O’Brien
- Silver Winner – Isabelle Najjar
- Bronze Winner – Lauren McNamara
Students Earning State Degrees:
- Sutton Corzatt – State Star in Agricultural Placement (Maple Syrup Production)
- Karissa Martin – State Star Gold Placement
- Emma Chisholm – State Star Gold Placement
- Kailee DiRienzo – State Star Agribusiness
- Alex Marcoux – State Star Gold Farmer
- Elizabeth Gardner – State Star in Agri-Science
Event Winners:
- State Winner Ag. Processing – Alex Marcoux
- State Winner Dairy Production – Sutton Corzatt
- Silver Dairy Production – Emma Chisholm
- Bronze Dairy Production – Isabella Sawyer
- State Winner Small Animal Care – Kailee DiRienzo
- Gold Small Animal Care – Olivia Parents
- State Winner Equine Science – Karissa Martin
- Gold Equine Science – Amanda Michaud
- Silver Equine Science – Katlyn Batchelder
- State Winner in Vet Science – Elizabeth Gardner Epping Road Vet
- Gold Diversified Livestock Production – Alex Marcoux
- Gold Diversified Horticulture – Andrew Cataldo
- Gold Environmental Science – Nicole Berry
First-place Winners:
- Abigail Roy in Animal Welfare
- Kailee DiRienzo in FFA Creed and Prepared Public Speaking
- Alex Marcoux in Dairy Showmanship and Job Interview (Senior Division)
- Shannon O’Brien in Job Interview (Junior Division)
- Elizabeth Gardner (top individual), Alex Marcoux, Sutton Corzatt and Olivia Filameno in Agricultural Sales
- Cecila Caron (top individual), Shannon O’Brien, Sam Pickering and Liam Johnson in Horse Judging
- Justin Fogg, Shannon O’Brien, Liam Johnson and Samantha Keenan in Dairy Cattle Evaluation
Second-place Winners:
- Owen Sheehan in Animal Welfare
- Greta Nudd in FFA Creed and Prepared Public Speaking
- Emma Chisholm in Job Interview (Senior Division)
- Shannon O’Brien in Dairy Showmanship
- Liam Johnson in Job Interview (Junior Division)
- Alex Marcoux (top individual), Greta Nudd, Sarah Cook and Lauren McNamara in Environmental Science
- Elizabeth Gardner, Sutton Corzatt, Kailee DiRienzo and Alex Marcoux in Veterinary Science
Additionally, Madison Russell placed third in Prepared Public Speaking and Isabelle Najjar placed third in the junior division of Job Interview.
About Seacoast School of Technology:
The Seacoast School of Technology is the regional Career and Technical Center serving high school students from Epping, Exeter, Newmarket, Raymond, Sanborn Regional and Winnacunnet high schools.
SST offers selective coursework preparing students for their lives after high school- college, work or the military. Many of their 12 programs allow students to earn college credit and industry-recognized certifications while fulfilling their high school graduation requirements. Most importantly, students get the opportunity to explore areas of interest in a hands-on environment with state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology.
To find out more, visit seacoasttech.com.
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