September 16, 2011 Plano East FFA Wins Multiple National Awards ...

September 16, 2011
Plano East FFA Wins Multiple National Awards
This summer, the Plano East FFA (Future Farmers of America) won multiple awards
at national level contests. The chapter received its three star National Chapter Award
rating (highest rating) for the students’ outstanding chapter and community activities and
service during the 2010-11 school year, and two students obtained their American
Degree, which is the highest degree an FFA member can obtain.
In addition, two Plano East students competed with their proficiency awards on the
national level after winning state in June. The Agricultural Proficiency Awards
honor FFA members who, through their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAEs),
have developed specialized skills that they can apply toward their future careers. Students
can compete for awards in 47 areas covering everything from Agricultural
Communications to Wildlife Management. Placement proficiency awards are given to
those FFA students whose SAEs are related to employment, apprenticeships or
internships at an agribusiness or agriculture-related organization.
Emily Robinson, now a senior at Plano East, received a gold rating and was placed at the
top with her peers at nationals with her Equine Science Proficiency. Nicole Price, a recent
graduate, was named a national finalist and is one of the top four students in the nation
with her Veterinary Medicine Proficiency resulting from her work at a local veterinary
office in Plano. Nicole will travel to Indianapolis, IN, in October to compete against her
other four peers in hopes of being named the national winner.
“The Plano East FFA has great students who are doing great things on the local, state and
national levels,” noted Karen Weir, Agriculture Science teacher, who submitted these
photos and information about her students.
Plano East FFA students Jessica Palmer, Hope Philley and Julia Lemin in the Leadership Class paired up
with Harrington Elementary School to implement the Ag in the Classroom program. Each month, the
students taught kindergarten and first grade students a lesson related to agriculture.

Hope Philley, Madison Helms and Katie Ullrich were members of the area qualifying FFA public relations
team. Together, they wrote a script “Hitting the trails with the Plano East FFA” and presented their
information to other members, parents and community members about the opportunities in FFA.
Student Emily Robinson and the Plano East FFA held their annual pumpkin patch in October. Money
raised is used for scholarships, contest entries and other student activities conducted throughout the year.
Plano East FFA students Molly Hughes, Madison Helms, Ashley Alfaro, Whitney Fox, Kaitlyn Stacey,
Spencer Corry, Abby Weyrens, Brooke Welch and Shay Gibbs traveled to D/FW airport to welcome home
military troops. This is one of the many community service activities in which Plano East FFA chapter
members participate.