FFA Member Earn Prestigious National Recognition
An Appomattox County High School FFA member was recognized as National
Proficiency Award finalists at the 96 th National FFA Convention and Expo. Earlier in 2023,
Bruce Jones was crowned state champion in the Specialty Crop Production Supervised
Agricultural Experience (SAE) category. During the summer of 2023, his application was
extensively reviewed by agricultural educators, industry professionals and National FFA staff.
Jones was selected as one of four finalists in his division. National Proficiency Award Finalists
make up 0.00029% of FFA membership. During the convention contest, he presented a brief oral
speech and was interviewed to be selected the national champion.
Jones’ SAE program involved his work at Dark Leaf Farms. He raised 1 acre of tobacco
in 9 th grade. He also raised tobacco seedlings and marketed them to area producers for 3 years.
He also grew several acres of gourds and Indian corn for fall décor. Jones applied agronomy
principals to increase his productivity and was able to successfully market his crop through
several area vendors. He is the son of Bruce and Joanne Jones.
Bruce Jones (far right) was a National Finalist in the FFA Specialty Crop Production Proficiency Award.
FFA Team Earns Silver Rating in National Contest
Participants of the National FFA Agronomy Career Development Event (CDE) were recognized at
the 96 th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana. The National FFA Agronomy
CDE is a competitive event that allows students to apply classroom knowledge to real-life
situations. Participants' knowledge of agronomic sciences was tested through several levels of
competition including developing solutions for problematic scenarios; identification of seeds,
insects, soil and crops, and other management practices.
Niki Ballagh, Tim Henderson, Bruce Jones, and Tyler Martin were on the team that represented
Virginia. The team spent months preparing for the national CDE. Ballagh, Henderson, and Jones
were recognized as silver individuals. Martin earned a gold rating. Additionally, Jones and
Martin scored high enough on the general knowledge exam to qualify for the Certified Crop
Advisor Apprenticeship program. Collectively, the team earned a silver rating and placed 16 th in
the nation. The team was coached by FFA Advisor, Ed McCann. The team would like to thank
the Appomattox County School Board and the many organizations and individuals for making
their trip possible.
FFA Members Recognized at 96 th National FFA Convention and Expo
In early November, twenty-one FFA members from Appomattox County High School
and Appomattox Middle School attended the 96 th National FFA Convention and Expo in
Indianapolis, Indiana, to receive awards for the chapter. Members were recognized for their work
in providing opportunities for student, chapter, and community development and meeting
National FFA guidelines for quality standards. The National FFA Convention is the largest
national youth gathering in the world, with 72,954 students and advisors registered. ACHS
students listened to motivational speaker, Juan Bendaña, and national FFA Officers shared
retiring addresses with the crowd. Students were able to tour the Dandy Breeze Dairy and White
River Agritourism venture. In addition, members attended a professional rodeo. The chapter was
recognized as a 3-Star National Chapter Award recipient. William Morgan received his
American FFA Degree. Less than 1% of FFA members nationwide earn this award.
Students enjoyed the trip and look forward to attending again. The trip would not have
been possible without the extensive moral and financial support of many individuals, businesses,
and organizations. The FFA chapter at ACHS would like to extend their thanks and appreciation
to the Appomattox County School Board, Spout Spring Ruritan Club, Pamplin Ruritan Club,
Woodmen of the World, Coleman’s Farm Supply, the Appomattox FFA Alumni Chapter, the
Virginia FFA Foundation, Mr. Bruce Jones, and the many patrons who supported the smoked
pork loin fundraiser.
