Atascadero FFA off to strong start
From left are Robert Featherstone, Claire Grzincic, Elizabeth Mintey, Katie Perry, Brodie Story, and Justin Zack, the award-winning officer team representing Atascadero High’s FFA. Photo contributed
The hard working Atascadero FFA chapter has already shown greatness this school year, and are entering their busy spring season of competitions and shows.
AHS has 15 students who are among the top 3% of all FFA members chosen each year in California who are awarded with their state FFA degree. Those students are Zerek Brown, Tyler Cronkright, Robert Featherstone, Jordan Hathaway, Troy Normile, Jon Nunez, Garrett Oliveira, Nicole Reynolds, Seth Robasciotti, Logan Simpson, Chandler Soojian, Brodie Story, Justin Zack, Elizabeth Zack. “This is a culmination of hours and money invested in their hands on Agriculture Experience Projects,” said Mr. Dadson, the FFA faculty adviser.
Early in the school year, Atascadero FFA members were pitted against other FFA chapters from across San Luis Obispo County during the Opening and Closing Ceremony competition, which involves public speaking. Atascadero High took over 50 students to compete in this year’s contest and walked away with numerous awards. Atascadero won two out of the three divisions in this contest. The Atascadero FFA Officer team members, Brodie Story, Katie Perry, Elizabeth Mintey, Claire Grzincic, Justin Zack, and Robert Featherstone, placed first in the officer round. In the Open Division, Atascadero took third and fourth place. The third place team consisted of Chandler Soojian, Emma Gower, Brayden Kahler, Blake Simonin, Cooper Humphrey, and Carson Nauta, and did an outstanding job with three members winning the high office positions. The fourth place team, Morgan Schimmelpfenning, Gina Cope, Justin McCollum, Hailey Frederick, Mikayla Vert, and Ryan Philbrick, earned a high office position as well. Placing first overall, AHS’s novice team consisting of Emily Jennings, Kenna Montgomery, Joelle Capelle, Kylie Aronsen, Katie Ogle, and Rori Montgomery earned three high office positions.
Atascadero had seven students elect to compete in the Creed Contest that took place earlier this school year. This contest is a freshman-only speaking event that allows Atascadero FFA members to compete county wide. Rori Montgomery, Kenna Montgomery, and Chelsea Rogell walked away with qualifications required to enter the regional contest that will be held this March.