Sidney students attend FFA convention

Sidney senior Hailey Newell received her Empire Degree at the 91st New York state FFA Convention at the Oncenter in Syracuse.

Sidney Central School’s FFA traveled to the event in early May. Newell received her degree for her work with beef cattle. The degree is the highest one can receive in the state FFA. To be eligible for the honor, she had to have a combination of $1,000 and 300 hours of her own time and money in a supervised agricultural experience.

In addition, Newell had to demonstrate leadership abilities by holding an FFA office, give a six-minute agricultural-related speech, plan the FFA chapter’s program of activities, and have participated in at least 25 hours of community service over the past four years.

Also during the convention, several students also took part in competitions and did well. Andy Gray, Reed Scott, Richard Rajner, and Brody Tiska competed in the agriculture mechanics and technology contest. John Houck, Newell, Elijah Williams, and Dante Scott competed in the forestry contest.

Photo caption: Sidney FFA adviser Jay Waltz with senior Hailey Newell at the state FFA conference.