The Tyrone Area FFA Chapter had an outstanding evening at their 88th Annual Awards Night held on April 9, 2026, at the Tyrone Area High School Auditorium.
The student-run event recognized members for their accomplishments at the state, regional, and national levels, along with honoring chapter supporters and celebrating major chapter events. Members were recognized for competition results in livestock evaluation, floriculture, meat evaluation, public speaking, agriscience, record keeping, and more.
State Convention Recognition: At the 96th Pennsylvania State FFA Convention in June of 2025, several Tyrone Area FFA members competed and earned top honors.
The Livestock Evaluation Team of Jancie Gilliland, Alyssa Houck, Frances Weaver, and Sarah Zimmerman, along with individual competitor Aubrey Biter, placed 1st overall as a team, with Jancie Gilliland placing 3rd individually.
The Floriculture Team of Gracie Graham, Nora Hoy, Paige Hoy, and Carlie Nowlin placed 2nd, with Nora Hoy placing 2nd individually.
Nora Hoy also earned 4th place in Senior Prepared Public Speaking and received the Proficiency Award for AgriScience Research – Integrated Systems.
The Meat Evaluation Team of John Eaken, Cassidy Fleck, Wyatt Walls, and Bailey Woomer, with Josie Dicken competing individually, placed 5th overall.
Reilly Rawlings represented the chapter as a delegate.
Chapter Fundraiser: The chapter’s annual Clay Shoot was a major success, with over 150 participants and a record number of sponsors.
Supreme Level Sponsors were recognized for their generous support, and the chapter announced the 2026 Clay Shoot will be held Sunday, October 11 at the Warriors Mark Wingshooting Kennels and Lodge in Ginter, PA.
2025 Supreme Sponsors were recognized and given a corduroy FFA Banner to display: Blair Excavating Company, Conrad Family Farms, DBA Renovations by Spencer, Dixon Precast, D and S Transportation and Safety LLC, D.W. Peterson Excavation and Demolition, Earthmovers Unlimited, Evergreen Farms, Fleck Family Farm, Friends of Kevin Stoltz, Fulton Financial Advisors, GNP Turning Point Woodworking, Jason Day and Family, J. Briggs Transport, Kenny and Kirsten Snyder and family, Keystone Clearwater Solutions, Lytle’s Transfer and Storage, Marshall Seal Coating, Park Crest Terrace Apartments, Peightal’s Lawn Care, Premier Pest Control, Shoe Fly Work Zone, Thistle Creek Farms, Tyrone American Legion Post 281, Warriors Mark Fencing, Willow Behrer Farms, Windy Lane Jerseys, and Ziegler Tire.
Blair County Floriculture Contest: Tyrone Area FFA hosted its second county floriculture contest, with 69 participants from Tyrone Area, Williamsburg, and Central Cove FFA chapters. Participants completed a plant identification test and created an evergreen centerpiece.
The Gold Pin recipients were Carlie Nowlin, Cassidy Fleck, Frances Weaver, Madisen Jones, Violet Weaver, Taylor Wrye, Paige Hoy, Alyssa Houck, and Kayden Ansman. The Silver Pin recipients were Josie Dicken, Zachary Zaepfel, Bailey Woomer, Catherine Sklenar, Duane Doty, Austin Beamer, Riley Harpster, Gracie Graham, and Ivan Ellenberger. Special thanks were given to judges Barbara Elder, Leslie Estep, Nora Hoy, Kristin Musselman, Alex Burghardt, and Dawn Whited.
County Fair Recognition: The chapter was also recognized for its strong showing at county and regional fairs. Members entered more than 300 projects at the Huntingdon County Fair, including livestock, crafts, produce, and plants. Tyrone Area members also exhibited at the Clearfield, Grange, Sinking Valley, and Williamsburg Fairs.
Record Keeping Awards: Tyrone Area FFA celebrated outstanding record keeping across the chapter. The program reported 100% completion of project descriptions and SMART goals, along with more than 9,000 SAE hours recorded. The chapter also reported a $250,741 economic impact based on the National FFA AET tracking system.
Gold record-keeping recipients included Austin Beamer, Camden Behrer, Aubrey Biter, Leanne Clark, Josie Dicken, John Eaken, Ivan Ellenberger, Cassidy Fleck, Janice Gilliland, Ryleigh Holmes, Alyssa Houck, Paige Hoy, Madisen Jones, Abby Lucas, Alana Murtagh, Carlie Nowlin, Wyatt Walls, Frances Weaver, Violet Weaver, Bailey Woomer, Taylor Wrye, and Grace Zimmerman.
Silver recipients included Angel Bertram, Duane Doty, Elias Hunter, Diego Montiel Bonilla, Kendall Stathes, Isaac Weaver, Eva Wicker, and Hadley Colyer. Bronze recipients included Gabby Dean, Alex Sklenar, Evin Soellner, Kayden Ansman, Colin Carper, Micheal Fletcher, Sam Golden, Gracie Graham, Riley Harpster, Madison Kobak, Wyatt Kustenbauder, Emily Lalli, Kaylee Little, Alexis Martinez, Reilly Rawlings, Dylan Robinson, Kaitlyn Rockwell, Braylin Sible, Zachary Silva, Catherine Sklenar, Alayna Walk, Sarah Weakland, Chloe Weyandt, Katelyn Wilson, and Zachary Zaepfel.
FFA Jackets: Four members received their own FFA jackets at the 2026 Pennsylvania FFA Mid-Winter Convention: Kayden Ansman, Emily Lalli, Leanne Clark, and Violet Weaver. The chapter thanked the jacket sponsors: Cold Springs Farm and Pet LLC, Joseph Sklenar, Kimberlee Black, Susan A. O’Brien, and Todd and Donna Weakland.
National Convention: Eight members attended the 98th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis. The chapter was recognized as a National 3-Star Chapter, the highest national ranking. The National Livestock Judging Team of Janice Gilliland, Alyssa Houck, Frances Weaver, and Taylor Wrye earned silver. National AgriScience honors included Frances Weaver, 5th in Power Structural and Technical Systems Division 5; Aubrey Biter, 9th in Animal Systems Division 3; Paige Hoy, 10th in Food Products and Processing Systems Division 5; Cassidy Fleck, Bronze in Plant Systems Division 3; and Nora Hoy, Bronze in Animal Systems Division 5.
Agriscience Fair: Seven members competed at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Agriscience Fair. Winners included Leanne Clark, 4th in Animal Systems Grades 9–10; Evin Soellner, 3rd in Food Products and Processing Systems Grades 9–10; Cassidy Fleck, 1st in Natural Resources and Environmental Systems Grades 11–12; Sarah Weakland, 2nd in Natural Resources and Environmental Systems Grades 11–12; Paige Hoy, 1st in Plant Systems Grades 11–12; Madisen Jones, 3rd in Plant Systems Grades 11–12; and Frances Weaver, 1st in Social Systems Grades 11–12.
Western Region Floral Competition: At the PA Western Region Floral Design Competition, Tyrone Area FFA teams performed well in both categories. In Bring Your Own Container, Paige Hoy and Carlie Nowlin placed 3rd, and Madisen Jones and Frances Weaver placed 6th. In Fully Supplied, Aubrey Biter and Gracie Graham placed 3rd, and Cassidy Fleck and Wyatt Walls placed 5th.
Honorary Degrees: The chapter presented Honorary Degrees to three supporters. Wendell Landis was recognized for his dedication to the livestock judging team. Bernadette Gilliland was honored for her support of the livestock judging team and the clay shoot.
Leslie Estep was honored for her continued encouragement and support of chapter activities.
Leadership and Service: Reilly Rawlings and Frances Weaver received the Washington Leadership Scholarships and attended the Washington Leadership Conference in June of 2025. Reilly shared his life-changing experience with the audience.
Animal Care Certifications: Students in the Tyrone Area High School agricultural education program recently achieved certifications through two nationally recognized quality assurance programs: Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) and Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA). Both programs emphasize animal welfare, food safety, and responsible livestock management—skills that help prepare students for future roles in agriculture and animal science.
The Beef Quality Assurance program is offered annually to Animal Science students and highlights best practices for raising and marketing beef cattle responsibly. Students earning a score of 95% or higher on the exam, demonstrating proper injection techniques, and completing the Mid-Atlantic application process were recognized for their achievement. Certified students include Camden Behrer, Hadley Colyer, Cassidy Fleck, Riley Harpster, Madison Kobak, Abigayle Lucas, Alexis Martinez, Reilly Rawlings, Kendall Stathes, Chloe Weyandt, Bailey Woomer, Taylor Wrye, and Grace Zimmerman. These students received their BQA certifications—which remain valid for three years—and the accomplishment will be added to their high school transcripts.
In addition, Tyrone students also participated in the Youth for the Quality Care of Animals (YQCA) program, a national initiative designed for youth ages 8 to 21. Focused on food safety, animal well-being, and character development, YQCA certification is required for FFA members showing livestock under the chapter’s name. Those earning recognition include Austin Beamer, Camden Behrer, Angel Bertram, Aubrey Biter, Colin Carper, Leanne Clark, Hadley Colyer, Josie Dicken, Duane Doty, John Eaken, Ivan Ellenberger, Cassidy Fleck, Janice Gilliland, Sam Golden, Gracie Graham, Riley Harpster, Ryleigh Holmes, Alyssa Houck, Paige Hoy, Madisen Jones, Madison Kobak, Emily Lalli, Abby Lucas, Alexis Martinez, Carlie Nowlin, Reilly Rawlings, Alex Sklenar, Catherine Sklenar, Kendall Stathes, Alayna Walk, Wyatt Walls, Sarah Weakland, Frances Weaver, Violet Weaver, Chloe Weyandt, Katelyn Wilson, Bailey Woomer, Taylor Wrye, Zachary Zaepfel, and Grace Zimmerman.
Public Speaking Contests: In public speaking, Catherine Sklenar placed 1st in Extemporaneous Speaking at the county level, Frances Weaver placed 1st and Cassidy Fleck placed 2nd in Conservation Prepared Speaking at the county level and then flipped spots at the area competition – both will be continuing to the regional event on April 23. Leanne Clark placed 2nd in Junior Prepared Speaking and advanced in Creed Speaking. The chapter also celebrated Leanne Clark’s advancement in the FFA Creed competition to the regional level in late April.
OSHA 10 Certifications: Students from Agriculture Power and Technology completed the OSHA 10-hour General Agriculture course. Camden Behrer, Madisen Jones, Wyatt Kustenbauder, Kaylee Little, Diego Montiel-Bonilla, Braylin Sible, Zachary Silva, Sarah Weakland earned certification. This training covers workplace hazards, employee rights, and safety practices for agriculture.
Big E Achievements: Six members represented Pennsylvania FFA at The 2025 Big E in Massachusetts. Nora Hoy earned a Regional Star in AgriScience Research and presented her project; Paige Hoy also displayed hers. The Floriculture Team (Paige Hoy, Carlie Nowlin, Gracie Graham, Madisen Jones) placed 4th overall.
Blair County Milk Products & Quality Contest: Tyrone Area FFA had 53 participants in the late January contest, testing milk knowledge and product identification.
Gold (1-10): Paige Hoy, Cassidy Fleck, Angel Bertram, Leanne Clark, Frances Weaver, Alyssa Houck, Diego Montiel-Bonilla, Gracie Graham, Alana Murtagh, Josie Dicken Silver (11-20): Hadley Colyer, Grace Zimmerman, Abby Lucas, Aubrey Biter, Ryleigh Holmes, Chloe Weyandt, Kendall Stathes
Bronze: John Eaken, Riley Harpster, Sarah Weakland, Carlie Nowlin, Alexis Martinez, Wyatt Walls, Alex Sklenar, Bailey Woomer, Taylor Wrye, Duane Doty, Eli Hunter, Isaac Weaver, Janice Gilliland, Reilly Rawlings, Austin Beamer, Katelyn Wilson, Kaylee Little, Camden Behrer, Madison Kobak, Zachary Zaepfel, Gabbreella Dean, Sam Golden, Madisen Jones, Violet Weaver, Colin Carper, Ivan Ellenberger, Wyatt Kustenbauder, Catherine Sklenar, Evin Soellner, Zachary Davis, Kayden Ansman, Braylin Sible, Alayna Walk, Emily Lalli, Zach Silva, Kaitlyn Rockwell
Committee Chairs: Student-led committees drive chapter activities toward National FFA standards.
Ag Literacy: Bailey Woomer
Ag Safety: Cassidy Fleck, Ryleigh Holmes
Ag-Tastic Showcase: Josie Dicken, Frances Weaver
Ag Tech Display: Abby Lucas
Bingo Fundraiser: Alyssa Houck, Catherine Sklenar
Blair County Floriculture: Gracie Graham
Blair County Meats Judging: Josie Dicken
Clay Shoot: Paige Hoy, Aubrey Biter
Degree Display: Diego Montiel-Bonilla, Kayden Ansman
Disconnect Night: Wyatt Walls, John Eaken
Economic Development: Taylor Wrye
Human Resources: Leanne Clark
Livestock Days: John Eaken, Ryleigh Holmes
Mothers Day Flowers: Wyatt Walls, Gabbreella Dean
National FFA Week: Sarah Weakland, Madisen Jones
Stakeholder Papermaking: Abby Lucas, Angel Bertram
Warriors Mark Bake Sale: Abby Lucas
OSHA 10 Veterinary Certifications: Animal Health and Veterinary Science students completed OSHA 10-hour General Industry Veterinary training. Aubrey Biter, Josie Dicken, John Eaken, Janice Gilliland, Paige Hoy, Kaylee Little, Diego Montiel-Bonilla, Carlie Nowlin, Kaitlyn Rockwell, Catherine Sklenar, Frances Weaver, Eva Wicker, and Bailey Woomer earned certification.
Community Service Recognition: 96% of 56 members completed over 1,032 hours of service. Josie Dicken, Cassidy Fleck, Carlie Nowlin, Paige Hoy, Frances Weaver, Bailey Woomer, Violet Weaver, Taylor Wrye, Zachary Zaepfel, Alyssa Houck, and Aubrey Biter were recognized for record-keeping (563 hours total). Paige Hoy earned the 2026 Top Community Service Member award with 124 hours.
FFA Degree Ceremonies:
Greenhand Degree (14 recipients): Alana Murtagh, Zachary Silva, Leanne Clark, Duane Doty, Ivan Ellenberger, Hadley Colyer, Madison Kobak, Wyatt Kustenbauder, Emily Lalli, Kendall Stathes, Alayna Walk, Violet Weaver, Katelyn Wilson, Zachary Zaepfel
Chapter Degree (11 recipients): Angel Bertram, Camden Behrer, Evin Soellner, Alexis Martinez, Ryleigh Holmes, Alex Sklenar, Diego Montiel-Bonilla, Eva Wicker, Eli Hunter, Sam Golden, Braylin Sible
BBF Degree (12 recipients): Kayden Ansman, Josie Dicken, Abby Lucas, Isaac Weaver, Austin Beamer, John Eaken, Diego Montiel-Bonilla, Taylor Wrye, Aubrey Biter, Cassidy Fleck, Wyatt Walls, Grace Zimmerman
Star Awards are based on the SAE recordbooks. Through this documentation, the star candidates are selected based on the FFA Degree they are receiving that year.
Star Greenhand: Leanne Clark Star Chapter AgriScience Research: Ryleigh Holmes Star Chapter Farmer: Camden Behrer Star Chapter Placement: Diego Montiel-Bonilla
Senior Recognition & Memorial Awards
Yellow FFA Graduation Sashes (NOCTI Completers): Janice Gilliland, Alyssa Houck, Madisen Jones, Carlie Nowlin, Reilly Rawlings, Catherine Sklenar, Frances Weaver, Bailey Woomer
Blue FFA Graduation Sashes (seniors who completed 2 years in Ag Ed): Kayden Ansman, Austin Beamer, Gracie Graham, Paige Hoy, Sarah Weakland
Senior Memorial Awards:
Denise Shawver Memorial (Dedication/Excellence): Carlie Nowlin
Angie Romano Memorial (Love of Animals): Alyssa Houck
Lorne Houck Memorial (Ag Mechanics): Kayden Ansman
