The FFA Chapter made a grand appearance at the 2024 National Eastern
Regional Big E Leadership Development Event (LDE) and Career Development Events
(CDE) in Springfield, Massachusetts. ACHS students participated in the State Star LDE
and Veterinary Science CDE. Eighteen states were eligible to send students to each
event.
Bruce Jones represented Virginia FFA in the State Star in Agricultural Placement
Leadership Development Event. Jones was crowned the Virginia FFA State Star in
Agricultural Placement at the organization’s convention in June. He earned this title
because of his stellar Supervised Agricultural Experience projects and FFA achievements.
Most notably, Jones has participated in several national FFA programs including the
Agronomy and Farm Business Management CDEs and the National Proficiency Award
program. As part of his work-based learning experience, Jones is employed by Dark Leaf
Farms in Concord. He takes a major role in the pumpkin production process and helps
manage their small grain enterprises. During the Big E, Jones was selected as a finalist in
the National Eastern Regional Star Contest and received a cash prize sponsored by Farm
Credit East.
Niki Ballagh, Gracie Covington, Autumn Harris, and Taylor Smith competed in the
Veterinary Science CDE. During the event, the students individually answered general
knowledge questions, identified breeds of animals, veterinary equipment, and parasites,
and solved complex veterinary math scenarios. Additionally, the team worked together
to generate a solution to a hypothetical meeting between a veterinarian, patient, and
client. The team placed 4th in the contest. Ballagh was the 5th high individual and Smith
placed 7th. The team was coached by FFA advisor, Ed McCann.
These students were prepared by being active in the Agricultural Education
program in Appomattox County Public Schools. They thank Susan Harris, Della Roberts,
and Bruce Jones for chaperoning and the Virginia FFA Foundation for sponsoring part of
the trip. Agricultural education prepares students for successful careers and a lifetime of
informed choices in the global agriculture, food, fiber, and natural resources systems.
Bruce Jones was recognized as a finalist in the Big E National Eastern Regional State Star
Contest. Pictured with (Left to Right) National FFA Western Region Vice President Emily
Gosset, Bruce Jones, and Christopher Laughton, Director of Knowledge Exchange Farm
Credit East
The FFA Veterinary Science Team from ACHS qualified to compete at the National
Eastern Regionals held at the Big E in Springfield, Massachusetts. The team placed 4th.
Team members included (Left to right) Niki Ballagh, Autumn Harris, Gracie Covington,
and Taylor Smith.
Savannah Jones placed 7 th in the National Eastern Regionals Creed Speaking LDE at the
Big E in Springfield, Massachusetts.