GAINESVILLE, Fla. – The Florida FFA Association selected two student members as finalists for the highly coveted State Star in Agriscience, within the “Stars of Florida” award recognition program. This program symbolizes the highest competitive recognition for FFA members and their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program(s). Finalist shared their SAE’s virtually and a winner was named.
The Florida FFA Association is pleased to announce the 2020 State Star in Agriscience is:
Madison Collins, Brooksville FFA
Madison Collins can remember one specific instance that sparked her interest in fire resistant paint. Using that memory as a guide, she set to work researching paint additives, particularly ones that could be used as a fire retardant. Through her research, she found two chemicals sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate. When these chemicals were added to paint and ignited the chemicals created a water vapor helping extinguish the flames. The first year of her project, she tested how different amounts of the chemicals added to paint effect the fire extinguishing characteristics of paint. The following year she took the chemical that worked best and used it to test the fire extinguishing characteristics of paint on lumber with different methods of preservation. Collins says, “I had some previous knowledge from science class, but through the research at the beginning of this project has helped me better understand how chemical compounds work.” In the future she hopes to become a Veterinarian. She is a member of the Brooksville FFA Chapter and her advisor is Rick Ahrens. Congratulations Madison on being named the 2020 State Star in Agriscience!
ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA CELEBRATION
Extraordinary times lead extraordinary people to do extraordinary things. This summer, thousands of FFA members, advisors, administrators, alumni, parents and industry partners will gather online in a new, exciting, and innovative experience to celebrate another record-breaking year. More than ever, our viewers will be inspired and motivated to take pride in our industry, serve our communities, and become leaders of the next generation.
During the celebration, FFA members and guests will experience motivational speakers and award presentations while virtually meeting Florida FFA’s outstanding officers, members, and supporters.
ABOUT THE FLORIDA FFA ASSOCIATION
The Florida FFA Association is a premier youth, leadership organization with nearly 30,000 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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