FFA chapters score big at annual tri-county rally

Students representing FFA chapters from North Lenoir and South Lenoir high schools and Woodington Middle School scored big in the competition that highlighted last week’s Neuse Federation Rally hosted by Mount Olive University.

The students brought home 13 top-three awards, including five first-place awards, in individual events that drew about 50 students from Lenoir, Greene and Jones counties.

Three North Lenoir students swept the awards given for highest aggregate scores – Elizabeth Espino, first; Sydney Whichard, second; and Karrie-Lyn Deaver, third.

Other LCPS winners and their events were:

Prepared Public Speaking – Elizabeth Espino, North Lenoir, first; and Hannah Seay, South Lenoir, third

Extemporaneous Public Speaking – Emma Raynor, South Lenoir, first; and Hannabelle Health, North Lenoir, second

Creed – Rachel Noble, Woodington, first; Sydney Whichard, North Lenoir, second; and Trinity Beverly, South Lenoir, third

Job Interview – Karrie-Lyn Deaver, North Lenoir, first; and Akira Harper, South Lenoir, second

Agricultural Tools – South Lenoir, second; North Lenoir, third; and Woodington, fourth

Quiz Bowl – North Lenoir, first; and South Lenoir, second

Dr. Stephen Edwards of the university’s Agriculture Education Department directed the annual event, held virtually this year. Agriculture education majors served as judges.

“I think advisors and students alike would say the event was a huge success,” Joseph Noble, FFA advisor at South Lenoir, said. “We enjoyed preparing our students to apply and demonstrate their mastery from the instruction taking place in our classrooms and online. We appreciated the opportunity to showcase our students and give them the chance to enjoy some social interaction, healthy competition and a sense of normalcy.”