The 93rd Pennsylvania FFA State Convention took place from June 7 to 9 on the Penn State University campus. Throughout the event, FFA members participated in Career Development Events (CDE) and Leadership Development Events (LDE) and attended sessions where guests were honored and members listened to keynote speakers.

Eighteen members of the Garden Spot FFA at Lampeter-Strasburg High School participated in events. During the Horse Evaluation CDE, FFA members solved problems related to a variety of equine topics, ranging from the nutrition and reproduction of horses to the tack/equipment and feed used to care for horses. They also evaluated six classes of horses. In this CDE, ninth-grader Ava Immel placed third and received a gold medal; ninth-grader Sarah Firestone placed 10th, receiving a gold medal; and 10th-grader Sydney Albright placed 28th in the state, receiving a bronze medal.

In the Veterinary Science CDE, members demonstrated their technical competency with small and large animals through a written exam, critical-thinking scenario questions, identifications, and hands-on practicums. Kylie Bryan, a freshman, placed 40th out of 81 participants.

Sarah Blount, a 10th-grader, placed first in the Junior Prepared Public Speaking LDE, receiving a gold medal. In this competition, students delivered an original four- to six-minute speech about a current agriculture-related topic. Blount's speech was titled "A Constant Battle Over Milk."

A pair of 10th-graders received recognition in the Small Gas Engine CDE, where they had to complete a written exam, identify parts and tools, and use problem-solving and mechanical skills to fix an engine. Devin Miller-Baum placed 11th, and Jonathan Conrad placed 12th; both students received silver medals.

Participants in the Agricultural Communications CDE worked as a team of communication consultants to develop a written media plan and present the plan to a panel of judges. As individuals, they also had to apply what they had learned during practicums and complete a quiz and an editing exercise. The Garden Spot FFA team placed first, earning the opportunity to compete at the National FFA Convention in October. Garden Spot members took the top four individual spots, with Gracie Albright, 11th grade, placing first and Rachael Lee, 11th grade; Katie Ranck, 11th grade; and Melanie Cox, 12th grade, placing second, third, and fourth, respectively. All four received gold medals.

The Agricultural Technology and Mechanical Systems CDE required students to complete a written exam and identification of tools/equipment that covered five agricultural technology and mechanical areas: compact equipment, electricity, environment and natural resources, machinery and equipment, and structures. The team also had to solve problems and complete a construction project. The Garden Spot FFA team placed fourth overall. The team members and their individual placements were as follows: senior Owen Risser, 11th place, gold; freshman Owen Williams, 14th, silver; freshman Connor Welk, 15th, silver; and sophomore Katie Barge, 17th, silver.

FFA members participating in the Wildlife CDE identified various animals, plants, signs, bird calls, and more. They also completed a written exam. Sara Tobler, 11th grade, placed fifth, receiving a silver medal. Sarah Blount, 10th grade, also participated in this CDE.

During the convention, Jackson Price, a senior, participated in two days of interviews for a state officer position. Although he was not selected to be an officer, the experience helped him to develop his leadership skills.

FFA member Ian Lyons, a freshman, was Garden Spot FFA Chapter's Delegate, and over the course of two days, he debated issues and helped to develop a committee report to go to the State FFA Board.

FFA member Sydney Albright was honored for her participation in Penn State's Teach Ag Essay Contest. She taught a lesson on "Purpose of Pruning" in her Agriculture Science I class with Holly Oberholtzer, and her lesson plan, essay, and video reflection won third place at the state competition.

Garden Spot FFA adviser Janae McMichael was honored for receiving the Golden Owl Award for the Eastern Region, and she also received the State Honorary Degree.

Alumni helped to coach the teams in preparation for the state competition, and Bryce Johnson and advisers Oberholtzer and McMichael chaperoned the trip.