Housatonic Valley students earn honors at 97th National FFA Convention

Taylor Green, Alanna Tatro, Hayden Bachman and Lauren Sorrell competed as communication consultants at the FFA convention.

Provided

Housatonic Valley students earn honors at 97th National FFA Convention

FALLS VILLAGE — The National FFA Organization recently held its 97th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, attracting more than 70,000 dedicated student members from across the country. This annual event aims to foster leadership, personal growth, and career success in agricultural education, and this year’s theme, “Engage,” served as a powerful reminder to members that by actively participating in FFA and embracing larger community initiatives, they have the capacity to enact meaningful change in the world around them.

Among the standout participants from the Housatonic FFA was Riley Mahaffey, who showcased her public speaking skills on the national stage. After excelling in multiple contests at the chapter, district, and state levels, Mahaffey competed in the Prepared Public Speaking Contest, delivering a well-researched speech on the impact of the beef industry on the environment. Her meticulous preparation over the course of nine months culminated in a well-researched, engaging presentation that earned her a bronze level recognition at the national competition, highlighting her commitment and talent.

Madison Melino also shone during the convention, performing as a bassoonist in the National FFA Band. Selected from a national pool of applicants, Melino contributed to the band’s full instrumental balance, participating in nine performances throughout the event.

The Nursery Landscape Team from Connecticut made waves at the national competition, achieving silver medalist status. Team members Brandt Bosio, Tyler Anderson, Blaine Curtis and Chris Crane built on their previous first-place win at the University of Connecticut by demonstrating their knowledge and skills in a variety of areas, including problem-solving, financial challenges, and teamwork. This achievement came after a year of dedicated preparation, emphasizing the hard work and collaboration necessary for success in agricultural competitions.

The Agricultural Communication Career Development Event team, comprised of Lauren Sorrell, Hayden Bachman, Alanna Tatro, and Taylor Green, competed as communication consultants. Their task was to develop a comprehensive written media plan, which they then presented to a panel of judges. This competition challenges students to effectively advocate for agriculture while utilizing a variety of media platforms, including social media, print advertising, and blogging. Their team’s creative approach and collaborative effort earned them a bronze level recognition after five months of intense preparation, showcasing their skills in communication, collaboration, and creativity.

The convention honored scholarship recipients Delanie Keeley, Cole Dennis and Olivia Robson for their commitment to the organization and their promising futures in agriculture.

Finally, alumni Justine Allyn and Robert Murtagh received the prestigious American FFA Degree, a recognition given to less than one percent of members. This degree acknowledges their academic achievements, extensive community service, and leadership capabilities through their Supervised Agricultural Experience programs.

The authors are teachers at Housatonic Valley Regional High School.

Latest News

Stephen S. Myers

LAKEVILLE — Stephen S. Myers, 82, of Lakeville, (formerly of New York City, Almond, New York, Kane’ohe, Hawaii, and Fair Oaks, California) passed away peacefully at his home on Nov. 30, 2024. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth “Betsy” (Phelan), his two sons Matthew and Shepherd, two nephews and three nieces.

Stephen was born in Elmhurst, Illinois, on Oct. 29, 1942, the son of the late Elwood Mosman and Donnie Marguerite Myers. Growing up in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, Stephen struggled with dyslexia in multiple high schools, ultimately graduating from Avon Old Farms High School in Avon, Connecticut.

Keep ReadingShow less
Ella L. Clark

WEST CORNWALL — Ella L. Clark, 83, a social worker, writer, and lover of nature and the Post Office, died Nov. 7, 2024 at Vassar Brothers Hospital in Poughkeepsie, after an acute stroke. Her family was with her in her last week.

Ella was predeceased by her parents, Benjamin S. and Charlotte L. Clark, her brother, Benjamin Clark, and her sister Tib Clark. Ella is survived by her daughter, Cristina Mathews of Fort Bragg, California, and her husband Jason and son Milo, her son Alexander Mathews, of Newton, Massachusetts, and his wife Olivia and children Ariana, Damian, and Torey, her daughter Jessica Meyer, of Pacific Palisades, California, and her husband Tim and children Ione and Nikos; and her sister Charlotte de Bresson of Paris.

Keep ReadingShow less
David Graeme Townsend

SALISBURY — David Graeme Townsend was born July 23, 1930, in Mineola, New York, to Rachel Townsend (Maxtone-Graham) and Greenough Townsend. David and his older brother Antone grew up in New York City and Long Island. Some of his early life was spent in Scotland in his mother’s family home, Cultoquhey, which is near Perth in the Highlands. Here he enjoyed summers with all his Maxtone-Graham cousins. Many of these cousins would remain close with David for his entire life. One cousin, Charles Smythe, even came to America to live with David and his family during the war where Charles became like a brother to David and Antone. David went to St. George’s in Newport, Rhode Island for a while and then on to Lawrenceville in New Jersey. He finished high school at the Basil Patterson School in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Immediately after high school, David enrolled in the US Marine Corps and served two tours in the Korean War. He was always very proud of his military service. After his service David attended the Sorbonne University in Paris for two years and then the University of Madrid for one year. Even though David never finished his formal education, he always remained an avid student of history and language. In his travels his skill with foreign languages was sometimes a problem because he spoke with such a good accent that it was sometimes falsely assumed that he was fluent.

Keep ReadingShow less
Richard George Ralph

EAST CANAAN — Richard George Ralph, 84, a beloved father, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on Dec. 4, 2024, at his home in East Canaan, surrounded by his family. Born on Sept. 23, 1940, in Cornwall, Connecticut, he was the son of the late Marie (Kennedy) Ralph Negri and George Yeaton Ralph Jr.

Richard was the proud owner and operator of Richard Ralph and Son Rubbish Removal for many years. Known for his strong work ethic and reliability, he built a trusted business that served the community. After his retirement, his son Richard took over the reins, continuing the family tradition. Richard’s friendly demeanor meant that there weren’t many in the area who didn’t know him, and all were met with warm greetings and hearty waves.

Keep ReadingShow less