After a strong showing at the Hill District FFA Leadership Contests on November 10th, eight teams representing the Blanco FFA Chapter qualified to compete in the Area VII Leadership Development Events on November 19th. This year’s area competition was hosted by Blanco High School. Overall, more than 60 schools and 500 students from across Central Texas competed in twelve different events with hopes of advancing to state. The area leadership contests consist of the top two teams in each event from the six different districts that make up the area and represent over 120 schools ranging in size from class 1A to 5A.

The Blanco FFA members did extremely well placing in the top seven of all eight events in which they competed. Leading the way were Victoria Jones, Daniel Romero, and Brooks Wyatt who qualified for the State FFA Leadership Development Events by winning first place in the Radio Broadcasting competition. This marks only the third time that Blanco has qualified for the state leadership contests. These students will now travel to Sam Houston State University in Huntsville to compete in the state radio broadcasting event.

Other teams placing for Blanco included: Jr. Chapter Conducting – 4th place, Sr. Quiz – 5th place, Sr. Farm Skills – 6th place, Public Relations – 6th place, Sr. Chapter Conducting – 6th place, Jr. Farm Skills – 6th place, and Jr. Quiz – 7th place. FFA members competing on these teams included: Katelyn Bradfute, Alex Gustafson, Weston Copenhaver, Dakota Minge, Garrett Gombert, Quinlin Gourley, Susannah Campbell, Aaron Thomson, Austin Smith, Lacee Hunter, Brennan Ayres, Lauren Winn, Lindsey Winn, Kelcee Hunter, Taylor McCormick, Claire Klepac, Shelby Moore, Tucker Edmondson, David Hostetler, Mindy Dechert, Payton Duvall, Kylie Leachman, John Ryan Pepper, Keaton Dodd, Taylor Hartman, Quaid Haack, Maggie Dennis, Matt Pepper, TJ Raby, Cody Perez, Kevin Reyes, Chelsea Fuller, Tyler Noah, and Trevor Hardin.

Advisors for the Blanco FFA are Felice and Jason Marek.