On Wednesday, January 11th, the FFA Companion Animal Science Career Development Event Team placed first out of fifteen teams at the Region 2 competition, held at Central Lakes College in Brainerd.
Grace Swanson placed as top individual, Lauren Olson in 3rd place, Hailey Radle in 5th, and Liv Hendren in 8th place. A lot of preparation and study went into this competition, and they are looking forward to doing well at the state competition, held in April.
A school-based national youth leadership organization, FFA covers the fields of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources. A wide range of Career Development Events (CDEs) and Leadership Development Events (LDEs) take place throughout the school year.
“The Companion Animal Vet Science CDE consists of three parts: identification of cats, dogs, fish, birds, rabbits, and other small pets, a written veterinary science exam, and specialized practicums,” Grace Swanson explains.
FFA competitions begin at the regional level, and top-placing teams can advance to the state and national levels. Students from Two Harbors and Silver Bay will be competing in the Floriculture and Forestry CDEs later this spring, as well as completing applications for State Degree and Proficiency Awards.
Liv Hendren, Hailey Radle, and Grace Swanson became involved in the FFA competition in 8th grade, and “roped Lauren Olson in” the following year. Swanson says, “Over the years, we have drastically improved, and as seniors, are excited for our final trip to state. My favorite part is meeting new people and experiencing the nervous energy while waiting to be called on stage at the state convention.”
Liv Hendren says, “FFA has played a prominent role in my life. From public speaking, to knowing the parts of the heart in health class, FFA has snuck its way into nearly everything I do.”
Best wishes to the FFA competitors representing the Arrowhead Region! It will be fun to see how those principles of FFA sneak into your life in the future.
