FFA members participated in several activities this summer in preparation for the school year.
Several students attended the State FFA Convention in Manhattan May 26-30, including Brandon Callaway, Katie Conroy, Trevor Scott, Austin Price, Sara Schifferdecker, Teague Harris, Barbara Wellner, Tyler Egbert, Ashley Warner, Brock Burnick, and Christina Biancarelli. Graduates Sara Harris, Trent Boultinghouse, and Kayln Weber also participated.
Brandon Callaway won 1st place in individual leadership information while Kelci Newkirk placed 2nd, Sara Harris placed 5th, and Kayln Weber placed 6th. The group ranked 2nd overall in the division. Ashley Warner also competed in the choir division.
At the convention Kassie Curran, Sara Harris, and Kayln Weber received the State FFA Degree, the highest degree the state can offer. These students worked 600 hours or productively invested $1,000 or more towards their Supervised Agricultural Experience. They also completed eight activities above the chapter level.
Trent Boultinghouse and Kayln Weber also were presented scholarships from the National FFA organization for leadership and involvement. Trent received $1,500, and Kayln received $1,000.
    In addition, the Girard FFA program was recognized for its success in multiple categories, receiving silver in Student Development, 7th in Community Service, 7th in Chapter Development, and 7th in the Triple Crown, ranking 11th overall.
    Brandon Callaway represented the Girard FFA program at the Washington Leadership Conference in Washington, D.C., June 10-14. He toured the city and participated in conference activities.
FFA members also attended the State Conference for Chapter Leaders in Rock Springs July 7-9. Katie Conroy, Sara Schifferdecker, Ashley Warner, Barbara Wellner, Teague Harris, Trevor Scott, Kassie Curran, and Tyler Egbert met with state officers and learned leadership skills.
Students also participated in activities during the Crawford County Fair July 29-Aug. 2. Colter DeLange, Trevor Scott, Macon McNair, and Lonnie Mengarelli received blue ribbons for their agricultural mechanics products while Logan Curran received a red ribbon. Irving Guzman received reserved champion for his hexagon swing.
    All FFA members started the school year with their annual magazine sale fundraiser, and Greenhand Orientation will be held Sept. 16.