Cape High FFA students excel at state convention

Cape Henlopen High School FFA students participated in a variety of leadership workshops at the FFA Delaware State Convention held in March at the University of Delaware.

“It was a really fun experience to be able to network with other chapters to see how they do things,” said Jenna Calhoun. “Not all of the chapters do the same things that we do, so it’s great to see how different the programs are all across the state and to learn about what FFA means to them.”

Nine Cape students also received awards for service in committees and working groups.

“The Cape High FFA chapter is proud to recognize the achievements of our students who have demonstrated excellence in leadership, agricultural education and community service,” said Heather Valentine, agricultural science teacher and FFA advisor. “These students, through their dedication and commitment, continue to embody the core values of our chapter, the state and the national FFA organizations.”

Noah Calhoun, Chris Emmett and Sam Gossett were all named as state degree recipients. Calhoun and Emmett were also selected as state delegates and committee chairs. Gossett was part of the state officer nominating committee, spending hours over a three-day period with a cohort of others reviewing officer applications and interviews before collectively determining the next group of students to represent the FFA statewide program. “The total amount of time we spent reviewing the interviews of candidates was 23 hours,” said Gossett. “It’s an intense process for the nominating committee, but to be elected to a state officer position is a big deal. I’m happy I was able to be a part of the process.”

Gabe Blackwood, a Cape High junior, earned their official, personalized FFA jacket through the Blue Jacket Bonanza program sponsored by the Delaware Farm Bureau. The recognition symbolizes professional growth, career success and agricultural advocacy. “This was my first time experiencing the state convention, and it was new and exciting,” said Blackwood. “It was very cool to see everyone from Delaware in the blue jackets together, all with a shared interest in agriculture.” 

During the first day of the convention, Blackwood and Emmett also took part in service projects including a cleanup at White Clay Creek Park and assembling care packages to be distributed to local veterans organizations.

Proficiency awards went to members who have excelled in their supervised agricultural experience programs. Awardees are Noah Calhoun, first, goat placement; Chris Emmett, second, diversified livestock placement; Sam Gossett, third, goat placement; and Jenna Calhoun, fourth, goat placement.

As a team, Noah Calhoun, Chris Emmett, Sam Gossett and Jiji Holt earned second in a career development event for meat evaluation.

Also as a team, Olivia Bell, Jenna Calhoun, Tyler Conran and Ava Dutton placed third in farm business management.

Additional awards went to Chris Emmett, fourth, meat evaluation; Sam Gossett, fifth, meat evaluation; and Olivia Bell, ninth, barn business management.

Noah Calhoun and Jiji Holt served as state courtesy corps members, assisting judges and state staff in the events on the first day. In addition, Cape High Class of 2024 graduate Jetta Hastings presided as the State of DE FFA secretary, and gave her retiring address to convention attendees.

“As the largest student organization in the nation, the FFA program provides students with unmatched opportunities to grow as leaders and make meaningful contributions to the agricultural industry,” said Valentine. “I’m proud to have our students as representatives for the future of agriculture. Their dedication is truly commendable.”