On Monday, November 8, 47 members of the Blanco FFA Chapter traveled to Fredericksburg to compete in the annual Hill District FFA Leadership Development Events at Fredericksburg High School. After all events were completed, the Blanco FFA was recognized as the Hill District FFA Sweepstakes Winner for the 10th consecutive year. Of the twelve contests held, Blanco competed in eleven, winning first in eight of those events, while placing third in two other events and sixth in another. The Hill District is comprised of 14 schools from across the Hill Country ranging in size from 1A to 4A. As a result of their 8 district championships, each of these teams will be advancing to the Area VII FFA LDE’s.

First place teams advancing to area include: Greenhand Chapter Conducting: Dakota Perkins, Kristen Bowman, Megan Weir, Ryan Edwards, Mason Leblanc, Carlin Green and Trey Hunter; Greenhand Quiz: Alley Penshorn, Erica Flores, Rance Dollahite, Monica Flores, Kenny Omo, Phillip Alvarado, Megan Andrews, Kassie Dowdy and Kayla Scheidt; Job Interview: Alex Gustafson; Public Relations: Maggie Dennis, Katelyn Bradfute, TJ Raby and Colton Childress; Radio: Callie Culton, Sam Isenberg and Kellam Nabers; Sr. Chapter Conducting: Callie Culton, Sam Isenberg, Ryan Wagner, Kellam Nabers, Tyler Hardin, James Leachman, Ed Alvarado and Will Byler; Sr. Quiz: Alex Gustafson, Grady Childress, Tyler Noah, Taylor Hartmann, Mackenzie Johnson, Joanna Delavan and Skylar Itz; and Sr. Skills: Elise Edmondson, Morgan Lowak, Ian Ray and Tim Goodman.

Teams placing third and serving as area alternates include: Ag Issues: Grant Weaver, Lauren Winn, Lindsey Winn, Chandler Ashley, Kylie Leachman, Mindy Dechert, Payton Duvall and Chelsea Fuller; and Sr. Creed Speaking: Payton Duvall. Alley Penshorn also placed sixth in Jr. Creed Speaking.

In all, the Blanco FFA will send more than 30 local FFA members to the area contests which will be hosted by Blanco High School. There will be approximately 400 FFA members representing more than 40 schools from across Central Texas competing in this year’s area events with hopes of advancing to the State FFA LDE’s in Huntsville at Sam Houston State University on December 4 and 5.