The Silverton High FFA program sent 15 students to a national competition Oct. 24-27 in Indianapolis.
A Silverton team of Byron Kuenzi, Jerome Kuenzi, Collin Standley and Kyle Drescher finished 12th and achieved gold status in the agricultural technology and mechanical systems event. Individually, Byron Kuenzi was 13th (gold status), while Jerome Kuenzi and Standley earned silver (top 50) and Drescher was a bronze winner (top 100).
The students participated in a series of activities, including machinery/equipment systems, electrical skills, compact equipment skills, structural skills, environmental and natural resources skills and a team activity.
This is the first Silverton team to achieve gold status in at least 13 years, said Scott Towery, ag teacher and FFA adviser. The school has had numerous silver team awards and individual golds, Towery said.
“Not to take away from a silver placing team, which is also a great accomplishment,” Towery said, “but we are very proud to achieve a gold team status.”
The Silverton team advanced to nationals with their performance at a state event. Also traveling to Indianapolis were: Hailey Towery, Grace McCarthy, Ellie Hanson, Amanda Stadeli, Serayah Rolden, Carliegh McFall, Isabelle Hames, Madison Parks, Kuenzi Wiese, Emma Laugle and Abbie Hoke. The students participated in convention sessions, a career show, tours and workshops.
