FFA members display career skills

The Stanwood FFA Chapter will be participating in the National FFA Agricultural Mechanics Career Development Event during the 82nd National FFA Convention in Indianaplis, Ind., Oct. 21-24.

Members of the team are Pender Rink, Kaity Hampton, Scott Weisse and Brandon Nickels. The team is coached by Darryl Main.

Program manager Melissa Brown said, “This event balances the problem-solving abilities of each team with individual knowledge and skill performance in systematic areas.” Participants take a written test and demonstrate their skills through hands-on activities in agricultural machinery and equipment, industry and marketing, environmental and natural resources, and structural and energy.

Firestone Agricultural Tire Division/Bridgestone Firestone Trust Fund sponsors the event, as well as 23 other career development events at the convention.

The National FFA organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization with more than 507,000 student members, all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture. The organization changed its name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education.