The Eastern York High School FFA chapter made an impressive showing at the 96th Pennsylvania FFA State Convention, held June 10 to 12 at Penn State University in State College. Members brought home top honors in a major competitive event and celebrated the election of one of their own to state office, highlighting both the talent and dedication of students involved in the chapter.

The three-day event brought together student members from across the state for competitions, workshops and leadership opportunities. Among the standout moments for Eastern York was the Land Use & Management team's first-place win, earning the squad the chance to compete nationally next year.

Team members Annette Flinchbaugh, Delaney Shindler, Morgan Enedy and Adam Specht took top honors in the Land Use & Management Career Development Event (CDE), which evaluates students' abilities to assess land conditions and recommend appropriate usage or conservation practices. Annette also earned first place individually, while Delaney took third place.

Eastern York FFA adviser Emily Arnold said she had faith in her team but was still impressed by the students' performances.

"I knew that they had been practicing, but I was surprised at their placings," she said. "I was surprised they did so well, but I'm so proud of them."

For their competition, the team members judged four different sites. When judging land, decisions are made through sight and touch. Students evaluate each site based on land physical features, the soil present and other factors. They use their judgment to correctly assign capability class, subclass, land use or conservation practices and hazards or limiting factors. The team will have the opportunity to represent Pennsylvania FFA at the National Land and Range Judging Contest in Oklahoma City in 2026.

Career and Leadership Development Events are supported by sponsors and partners across Pennsylvania who invest in preparing students for leadership roles in agriculture, business, science and technology. Their commitment ensures that FFA members are equipped with real-world skills and opportunities to succeed. The Land Use & Management event was sponsored by the PA FFA Foundation.

Arnold noted that the FFA members worked hard for their win.

"The students did their own studying for the event," she said. "Some had also competed previously."

While winning was the ultimate goal, just participating in the FFA program has many benefits, she noted.

"All of our FFA competitions contain content-specific skills, but also career readiness skills," she said. "Students get to learn about and practice skills from different areas of agriculture, which can help them choose a career."

In addition to competitions and official responsibilities, students attending the Pennsylvania FFA State Convention participate in a variety of activities that help them grow as leaders and individuals. Throughout the event, members attend student-led workshops focused on communication, goal setting, service and teamwork. They also engage in general sessions that feature keynote speakers, recognition ceremonies and motivational moments that celebrate agricultural education and student achievement.

State Convention & Activities Week also provides meaningful opportunities for fellowship and connection. Students have opportunities to build lifelong friendships; collaborate with members from across the state; and leave inspired to lead in their chapters, schools and communities. These experiences reflect the core of the FFA mission, which is developing premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

Also a highlight for Eastern York, Leah Flinchbaugh was elected at the convention to serve as the 2025-26 Pennsylvania FFA state secretary. She is one of just seven students from across the state selected to serve on the officer team and will represent more than 15,000 FFA members in Pennsylvania during her year of service.

"Leah has been a passionate member of our school FFA chapter for the past four years," Arnold said. "She definitely has a bright future in agriculture ahead of her, and being a state officer will be a wonderful opportunity and adventure for her."

In her role, Leah will travel thousands of miles to visit local FFA chapters, head leadership conferences, advocate for agricultural education and build relationships with industry leaders and stakeholders.

Prior to the election, Leah engaged in an intensive candidacy process at the convention, which included multiple rounds of interviews, public speaking demonstrations and leadership evaluations. Her dedication to the mission of FFA and her commitment to agricultural advocacy distinguished her as an outstanding leader ready to serve the organization at the highest level in the state, Arnold said.

State officers serve a one-year term and often take a gap year between high school and college or in the early stages of their college career to fully dedicate themselves to serving the Pennsylvania FFA Association and advancing agricultural education statewide.