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Show rrfffTDMTTfl mmwmwm ir The Payson Chronicle, December 20, 1989, Page 11 Nebo Shopper, Page FFA is 7 Growing The members of the FFA is growing-literal- ly. Payson FFA group were recently honored at the week-lon- g national convention in Kansas Gty. Officers and members of the Dairy Judging Team for the state were ranked 7th of 52 in the nation after competition. The group received other awards. Shay Wright was ranked 16th of 153 in the nation for the dairy judging and received a gold medal. Amy Peay, 17, chapter president, received the bronze plaque of Building Our American Community Award for the chapter. Those in attendance included Clint Fairboum, 16, historian; David Fairboum, 18, treasurer, Shay Wright, 17, assistant vice president; and Candi Ercanbrack, 17 , historian. Tara Thatcher, 16, reporter, did not attend. The group is under the direction of Carl Swenson, Ag teacher, who recently received the distinction of one of six in the nation for Outstanding Agricultural Teacher of the Year. Marion Man will, teacher at Payson High School, also received Honorary American Farmer, the highest award. Corey Ercanbrack received American Farmer Degree. He was not present to receive the award. T o qualify, they must be out of high school one year and serve as a state officer. Carey Bailey, principal, also attended and served as a judge for the state and regional competition for speaking. Bill Wright, state representative, coached the dairy judging team. "Without his expertise, we couldnt have mack it," said Swenson. Swenson noted that 3.7 million dollars was donated by the National FFA Foundation by the Association of Milk Producers, Inc. "It was like the land of Oz. The students realize that there is stress and pressure, and yet they do well and meet their Ml potential when they have to compete. This imcompetition helps them improve and proves the chapter," he said. The convention addresses leadership and careers. The group received motivational talks from Terry Bradshaw, a former quarterback who told them to dream dreams and go for them. The students said they would put the experience in effect as they pursued their career in the field. Members of FFA go through four levels of achievementGreenhand, Chapter, State and American. Over 55 members joined the ranks of Greenhand. They dip their hands in green paint and wear it throughout the day. Results of attending the convention will be realized for many years to come. Clint Fairboum explained that he had received leadership abilities and is now able to appreciate how the training applies to his job. Peay stated that she gained the m ay the seeds of love and hope flower for you and your loved ones at Christmas time. Our best wishes and thanks. knowledge that she needs to be active and go for what she wants. Bradford learned better communication for his future. David Fairboum gained a lot from the talk given by Clayton Yeutter, Secretary of Agriculture. "He told us that some Americans look down on farming as if it is a lowly profession and there is no opportunities. But, America feeds 13 of the world. He said, If it were not for the farmer, this nation wouldnt be. He told us to have pride and pursue agriculture." The side benefit is the friends the group gained from throughout the United States and their future association. Subscribe The Olson's Garden Shoppe l 1 J4 110 South Main, Payson 465-442- 2 Payson Chronicle |