GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Florida FFA Association recently selected 26 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 June 16th, 2016 at the 88th 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 |
| Dakota Smith | Bell MS | State Star Discovery Degree |
| Sammy Mills | Chiefland MS | State Star Discovery Degree |
| Noah Anuez | Fort White MS | State Star Discovery Degree |
| Elizabeth Halling | Grand Ridge MS | State Star Discovery Degree |
| Ashley Harris | Lake Butler | State Star Greenhand Degree |
| Bailey Davis | Oakleaf | State Star Greenhand Degree |
| Jerry Mills | Williston SR | State Star Greenhand Degree |
| Lindsey Wilder | Williston SR | State Star Greenhand Degree |
| Charlee Montford | Keyston Heights | State Star Chapter Degree |
| Ashlee Hughes | Middleburg | State Star Chapter Degree |
| Kyle Garner | South Lake SR | State Star Chapter Degree |
| Baylee Etheridge | Williston SR | State Star Chapter Degree |
| Mason Bishop | DeLand | State Star in Agribusiness |
| Avery Brooks | Palatka | State Star in Agribusiness |
| Harrison Love | Williston SR | State Star in Agribusiness |
| Ashley Robinson | Brooksville SR | State Star in Agriscience |
| Alison Deloach | Fort White SR | State Star in Agriscience |
| Kendall Clark | South Sumter SR | State Star in Agriscience |
| Terrah Henderson | Branford | State Star in Agricultural Placement |
| William Donaghy | Oakleaf | State Star in Agricultural Placement |
| Orion Douthit | Sneads | State Star in Agricultural Placement |
| William Jameson | South Sumter SR | State Star in Agricultural Placement |
| Kathryn Locke | Bartow | State Star Farmer |
| Jonathan Gaylard | Branford | State Star Farmer |
| Austin Mattox | Fort White SR | State Star Farmer |
| Cody Clark | Kathleen SR | State Star Farmer |
ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA STATE CONVENTION & EXPO
The annual state FFA convention and expo is the highlight of Florida FFA’s year. Nearly 5,000 FFA members, advisors, administrators, alumni, parents and industry partners 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. Attendees will be inspired and motivated to take pride in our industry, serve our communities, and become leaders of the next generation.
While at the convention, FFA members and guests will experience motivational speakers, award presentations, exciting exhibits, challenging Career Development Events, and plenty of entertaining activities. Attendees can take a stroll through the Florida FFA Expo in search of the perfect career connection, attend a workshop to brush up on those leadership skills, or simply interact and share ideas with FFA members and advisors from across the state.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA ASSOCIATION
The Florida FFA Association is a premier youth, leadership organization with nealy 18,000 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.
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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.
