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Atwater FFA Has Successful Showing at the
Fair
Over 100 Atwater High School FFA
students participated and exhibited a variety of
livestock and horticulture projects at the 2008
Merced County Fair last month. This was the
largest group of Atwater FFA students in more
than a decade. “Our program continues to grow
each year,” said FFA advisor Dave Gossman, “The
increased student involvement is a direct
reflection on our strong community support.”
The Atwater FFA swine program had
39 students exhibitors composed primarily of
first and second year students. The swine show
team earned 2nd place in the 2008
FFA Chapter Group competition for Swine which
reflects the quality of swine exhibited during
the fair. First-year member JD Brownwood said,
“I really enjoyed at raising and showing my pig.
I learned a great deal about responsibility and
hard work!” Catherine Payton won the FFA
Champion AOB, Lilly Reyes won FFA Reserve
Champion Hampshire breed, and Lauren Navarro won
Reserve Champion X-Breed. The swine team also
earned the FFA Clean Swine Barn award. “I’m very
proud of the teamwork and effort our students
displayed,” said FFA Swine Advisor Dave Gossman,
“They represented our school and community with
pride.”
14 sheep and goat exhibitors
represented Atwater FFA with Ali Copeland
winning the FFA Grand Champion and Reserve Grand
Champion Overall Market Goat. Ali Copland placed
1st and Danielle Battisti placed 2nd
overall in the Meat Goat Showmanship with Ali
Copeland winning the 2008 Merced Fair FFA Round
Robin competition. Christina Willman won FFA
Champion AOB market lamb and Stefani Dias was
Reserved Champion AOB market lamb. The FFA Clean
Barn for Sheep was awarded to Atwater FFA. “We
accomplished our goal of increasing the quality
of sheep and goat projects this year,” said
Atwater FFA Sheep and Goat Advisor Beth Knapp,
“The students did a great job and we look
forward to building on this year’s success.”
The Atwater FFA Beef Show Team
showcased a strong effort earning 2nd
place overall in the FFA Beef Chapter Group. The
team also earned 1st place for the
FFA Beef Clean Barn award.
The Atwater FFA Horticulture
program won the Horticulture Sweepstakes award
based on their plant exhibits and 1st
place finish overall for their FFA landscape
exhibit . “The Atwater High School Horticulture
program continues to grow and expand and we’re
excited to see more students getting involved.”
said FFA advisor Diane Prescott.
In addition to plants and
animals, the Atwater FFA exhibited over 400
student made agriculture mechanics projects that
correlated with their classroom and ag shop
curriculum. “The fair is an excellent
opportunity for students to showcase their
skills in tool repair, wood working, electrical
wiring, plumbing, welding, and metal
fabrication,” said Atwater FFA Beef and
Agriculture Mechanics advisor Sam Meredith, “The
students have an opportunity to display and take
pride in their efforts.”
Students involved in the FFA
program have been raising their animal projects
since early spring. Students invested their own
money or received agriculture loans through
American Ag Credit towards the expenses related
to their projects. “If it wasn’t for the
tremendous support of our community, many of
these students would not have the opportunity to
experience this opportunity of responsibility,
business, learning, personal pride, and
accomplishment,” said Agriculture instructor
Dave Gossman, “It is the continued support of
the community that drives our goal of getting
students involved.”
FFA provides students with the
opportunity to gain “hands-on” learning through
agricultural education. For more information on
how your son/daughter can get involved, contact
your local high school agriculture program or
log onto
www.AtwaterFFA.org.
Written By: Lilly Reyes, Atwater FFA
July, 2008
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