Baker FFA chapter sees huge success (and one close call) at State Convention
By Garrett Christensen on Thursday, March 28th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER CITY – (Release from the Baker School District) During this year’s Oregon State FFA Annual Convention that took place March 21-24, thirty-two Baker FFA students attended and received a Superior Chapter award, in addition to the following successes:
- 1st Place Agriscience Research Social Systems Division 3 (Chase Myatt)
- 1st Place Agriscience Research Plant Systems Division 3 (Alexandria Honsvick)
- 1st Place Agriscience Research Animal Systems Division 3 (Taylor Johnson) Star in Agriscience (Jose Armenta)
- State Winning Proficiency in Agriscience Research Plant Science (Jose Armenta)
- 2nd Place Ag Marketing Team (Aldo Duran, John Garcia, Daniel Maldonado)
- Silver in Secretaries Book (Sydney Penning)
Additionally, Baker FFA had a Farm Business Management team for the first time; and twelve members received their State FFA Degree (Seth Holden, Zane Morgan, Ethan Morgan, John Garcia, Julian Garcia, Oakley Anderson, Sydney Penning, Sofie Kaaen, Aldo Duran, Taylor Churchfield, Colton Clark, and Jose Armenta).
Jose Armenta also competed in job interview.
As has been widely reported, fourteen Baker FFA members and one of their advisors were also involved in a collision during the convention when an SUV hit the school bus they were riding in on Friday night, March 22. The driver of the SUV was charged with reckless driving, 15 counts of reckless endangering, and three counts of fourth-degree assault, in addition to DUII. Four students were treated for injuries.
FFA Advisor Bibiana Gifft, who was driving the bus, has said of her students, “I’m just so proud of our students for all of their successes at convention, and those trying something new in the leadership realm. Following the bus accident, I have also been in awe of the heroic actions of our students who, in a moment of crisis, displayed remarkable courage, selflessness, and unity. They immediately began caring for each other and have been a reminder to me that bravery knows no bounds.”
FFA Advisor Nicole Merchant adds, “We would like to thank the Redmond first responders, our two chaperones, and all those who showed up to help our students. We appreciate all the support from FFA across the state, as well as our local community. We couldn’t be more proud of our students and our community.”
Please join us in recognizing the remarkable successes of our Baker FFA students and supporting them as they heal in the wake of the bus accident.
The Annual Baker FFA Helping Hands Drive Thru BBQ is scheduled to take place on Friday, April 5. Tickets can be purchased from Baker FFA students or by calling BHS at 541-524- 2600 to speak with an FFA Advisor.
