GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Florida FFA Association recently selected 19 student members as finalists in the highly coveted “Stars of Florida” award recognition program. This program symbolizes the highest competitive recognition for FFA members and their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program(s) in eight different categories. Nearly 300 applicants were considered during the selection process. Each candidate will be interviewed by a team of FFA, industry and Agriculture Education representatives to determine the winner in each area. Each finalist, their family and agriculture instructor(s) will be recognized July 3rd, 2014 at the 86th Florida FFA Convention to be held at the Caribe Royale Resort in Orlando.
The Stars of Florida finalists, in alphabetical order by chapter are:
| Name | Chapter | Area |
| Austin Bagby | Bell MS | State Star Discovery Degree |
| Emily Acevedo | Bradford MS | State Star Discovery Degree |
| Jozef Heijkoop | South Sumter MS | State Star Discovery Degree |
| Seth Land | Suwannee | State Star Discovery Degree |
| Tania Henderson | Branford SR | State Star Greenhand Degree |
| Shelby Carlton | Kathleen SR | State Star Greenhand Degree |
| Kyle Garner | South Lake SR | State Star Greenhand Degree |
| Baylee Etheridge | Williston SR | State Star Greenhand Degree |
| Jonathan Gaylard | Branford SR | State Star Chapter Degree |
| Jacaob Burnette | Durant | State Star Chapter Degree |
| William Donaghy | Oakleaf SR | State Star Chapter Degree |
| William Jameson | South Sumter SR | State Star Chapter Degree |
| Arica Land | Branford SR | State Star in Agribusiness |
| Colson Cannon | Brooksville SR | State Star in Agribusiness |
| Shelbi McCall | Dixie SR | State Star in Agribusiness |
| Ruth Babione | Brooksville SR | State Star in Agriscience |
| Kyra Aliese Cole | Brooksville SR | State Star in Agriscience |
| Mackenzie Quinn | Brooksville SR | State Star in Agriscience |
| Case Emerson | Lake Butler SR | State Star in Agriscience |
| Katie Lloyd | Branford SR | State Star in Agricultural Placement |
| Anastasia Sturgis | Orlando Colonial | State Star in Agricultural Placement |
| Orion Douthit | Sneads | State Star in Agricultural Placement |
| Caleb Land | Suwannee SR | State Star in Agricultural Placement |
| Allie Randell | Branford SR | State Star Farmer |
| Stephen Singleton | Palatka | State Star Farmer |
| Matthew Hall | South Sumter SR | State Star Farmer |
ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA STATE CONVENTION & EXPO
The annual state convention and expo is truly a week that “absolutely everybody” should experience. For 87 years, FFA members have come together to celebrate the achievements won by the past and present generations of agriculturalists, while continuing to develop their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success. Honoring the past and present, FFA members, along with advisors, alumni parents and supporters will be inspired to take pride in our industry, serve our communities, and lead our organization into a new era of agriculture.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA ASSOCIATION
The Florida FFA Association is a premier youth, leadership organization with over 17,000 middle and high school student members – as part of over 300 local FFA chapters across the state. FFA members participate in nearly 50 leadership and career development events each year. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
The Florida FFA Association is a resource and support organization that does not select, control, supervise or approve local chapter or individual member activities except as expressly provided for in the Florida FFA Association Constitution and Bylaws.
The Florida FFA Association affirms its belief in the value of all human beings and seeks diversity in its membership, leadership and staff as an equal opportunity employer.
THE AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION MISSION
Agricultural education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber and natural resource systems.
THE FFA MISSION
FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
For more information about Florida FFA and agricultural education, visit floridaffa.org.
Florida FFA sincerely thanks the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, this year’s convention & expo media room sponsor, for their continued support of Florida FFA and agricultural education.
