Students from the Southern Boone High School’s Ashland FFA Chapter earned top honors and multiple individual and team awards at the 98th Missouri FFA Convention, held in Columbia.
The Ashland FFA Chapter was recognized as a Gold Emblem Chapter and earned a Top Chapter Award, placing eighth out of 369 chapters statewide. Only the top 10 percent of chapters in Missouri receive this distinction each year through the National Chapter Award Program, which recognizes excellence in leadership development, community involvement and agricultural education.
“This recognition reflects the consistency and commitment of our students throughout the entire year,” said Ashland FFA advisor Rebekah Hammett. “It’s not just about one event or competition—it’s about the impact our members are making in the classroom, in the community and through their leadership experiences.”
As part of their Program of Activities, Ashland FFA members led impactful initiatives, including a Wellness in Action event focused on self-defense training and mental well-being, and Where Are They Going Now?, an effort to educate school staff about FFA opportunities and student career development experiences.
With this recognition, Ashland advances to national competition, with results to be announced this fall at the National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis.
“I’m incredibly proud of how our students continue to think beyond themselves,” Hammett said. “They’re identifying needs, creating meaningful projects and making a difference—not only for their peers, but for our entire school community.”
Ashland FFA members also found success in several Career Development Events (CDEs):
The horse evaluation and selection team placed first out of 47 teams. Team members included Ashley Wright (4th), Ayla Yung (10th), Jaymie Collins (16th) and Mia Schlotzhauer (27th) out of 179 participants.
The floriculture team earned first place out of 60 teams. Individual results included Braxton Winfrey (1st), Grae Helland (2nd), Blake Cossey (7th) and Gannon Seyer (11th) out of 230 participants.
“These competitions are a direct reflection of the hard work our students put in every day,” said Ashland FFA advisor MacKenzie Black. “They’re developing real-world skills that will serve them well beyond high school, and it’s exciting to see that growth recognized at the state level.”
In addition to team success, several Ashland FFA members were recognized for individual achievement:
Hunter Skouby earned the Missouri FFA Equine Science – Placement Proficiency Award for his work training and managing reining horses through his supervised agricultural experience.
Tyler Fleming was recognized as a state winner in Agricultural Mechanics Repair and Maintenance Proficiency, highlighting his hands-on skills and technical expertise in agricultural equipment.
“Our students challenge each other to be better, and they take pride in representing our school and community,” said Ashland FFA advisor Rebekah Hammett. “That pride shows up in the way they prepare, compete and support one another, whether it’s in the classroom, at contests or through community projects. Watching them grow as leaders, build confidence and develop real-world skills is the most rewarding part of what we do.”
Ashland FFA is advised by Rebekah Hammett and MacKenzie Black.
The Missouri FFA Association includes more than 27,000 members across 369 chapters statewide. Nationally, FFA serves more than 1 million members, preparing students for leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
FFA continues to make a lasting impact by helping students build real-world skills, explore career pathways and develop as leaders in their schools and communities.
