The Blanco FFA Chapter had a strong showing at the annual Hill District Leadership Development Events held at Blanco High School on Monday, November 10th. Overall, sixteen schools from across the Hill Country competed in twelve different events with hopes of advancing to the Area VII Contests on November 19th. At the end of the day, Blanco had won 7 of the 12 events while qualifying eight teams for area. In addition, Blanco won the overall sweepstakes award for an eighth straight time. Teams advancing to area include Junior and Senior Quiz Teams, Radio, Junior and Senior Skills Teams, Junior and Senior Chapter Conducting Teams, and Public Relations Team. Students competing on these teams include: Kevin Reyes, Tyler Noah, Chelsea Fuller, Trevor Hardin, Aaron Thomson, Austin Smith, Grady Childress, Lacee Hunter, Brooks Wyatt, Daniel Romero, Victoria Jones, TJ Raby, Maggie Dennis, Matt Pepper, Cody Perez, Kelcee Hunter, Lauren Winn, Lindsey Winn, Taylor McCormick, Katelyn Bradfute, Alex Gustafson, Weston Copenhaver, Dakota Minge, Garrett Gombert, Quinnlin Gourley, Susannah Campbell, Mindy Dechert, Payton Duvall, Kylie Leachman, John Ryan Pepper, Keaton Dodd, Taylor Hartman, Quaid Haack, David Hostetler, Shelby Moore, Tucker Edmondson, and Claire Klepac. Other students participating in this year’s leadership contests included Katie Baker, Kaleigh Anderson, Lauren Graham, Corey Dowlearn, Austin Deshane, Grayson Elrod, Ecce Bradfute, and Taylor Green.

Teams qualifying for the Area VII Leadership Development Events will begin making preparations for the area competitions on Wednesday, November 19th at Blanco High School. Teams placing in the top two of each event will advance to the state contests at Sam Houston State University in December. Advisors for the Blanco FFA are Jason and Felice Marek.