The 96th Pennsylvania FFA State Convention took place at Penn State University from June 10-12, 2025, drawing over 1,800 FFA students from across the state. The Tyrone FFA Chapter achieved remarkable success, earning the National Chapter Award, placing 4th overall, and winning the Strengthening Agriculture Division.
The National Chapter Award Program recognizes FFA chapters that effectively implement the organization’s mission and strategies. By adhering to the National Quality Chapter Standards and a Program of Activities focused on growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture, these chapters enhance their operations and provide educational experiences for all members.
Tyrone FFA members excelled in various competitions, including the Livestock Evaluation Career Development Event (CDE). The team of Janice Gilliland, Frances Weaver, Alyssa Houck, and Sarah Zimmerman, with Aubrey Biter as an alternate, brought home the win.
Five state winners were recognized in the Agriscience Fair: Paige Hoy, Nora Hoy, Aubrey Biter, Frances Weaver, and Cassidy Fleck.
The Floriculture team (Gracie Graham, Nora Hoy, Paige Hoy, and Carlie Nowlin) will represent Tyrone at the Eastern States Exposition in Massachusetts in September after placing 2nd in their event.
The Meats Evaluation team (Josie Dicken, Cassidy Fleck, John Eaken, and Bailey Woomer, with Wyatt Walls as an alternate) secured 5th place in the state.
Other notable individual achievements included Janice Gilliland’s 3rd place in Livestock and Nora Hoy’s 2nd place in Floriculture.
Career and Leadership Development Events provide FFA members opportunities to showcase their knowledge and skills in areas vital to the agriculture industry. These events foster college and career readiness, enhance communication and problem-solving skills, and promote personal and professional growth.
Nora Hoy was honored as the State Proficiency Winner in Agriscience Research – Integrated Systems. Agricultural Proficiency awards recognize individual skills and career-based competencies developed through Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects. To qualify for an agricultural proficiency award, SAEs must be agricultural and align with at least one nationally recognized agriculture, food, and natural resource (AFNR) pathway. Nora also placed 4th in the Prepared Public Speaking event.
The state-winning team and individual awardees will advance to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Indiana, from October 29 to November 1.
In addition to competitions, students at the Pennsylvania FFA State Convention engage in numerous activities that foster leadership and personal growth. Reilly Rawlings represented the Tyrone Area FFA Chapter as a Delegate, an esteemed role that involves sharing insights and opinions from their home chapter, making decisions in the best interest of Pennsylvania FFA members, and contributing new ideas to state leadership.
State Convention and Activities Week also offers meaningful fellowship opportunities, allowing students to build lasting friendships and collaborate with peers statewide. These experiences embody the core mission of FFA — developing premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
The FFA Chapter extends heartfelt gratitude to sponsors for their invaluable support, enabling students to grow, compete, and excel. Their commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders makes a lasting impact. The chapter acknowledges the following sponsors: Livestock CDE – DelGrosso, PA Pork Producers Council, PA Beef Council; Floriculture CDE – PA FFA Foundation, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture; Meat Evaluation CDE – Cargill Hazelton, Cargill Camp Hill, PA Beef Council; and Prepared Public Speaking – Richard Memorial, Sam Hayes, Farm Credit.
