MoCO FFA Member Named National Proficiency Finalist

Montgomery County Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter Member Evan Hardeman has been named a national finalist this year for the Specialty Animal Production Agricultural Proficiency Award. Only four FFA members nationwide are selected as national continued from page

finalists in each agricultural proficiency award area.

Agricultural Proficiency Awards honor FFA members who, through supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs), have developed specialized skills that they can apply toward their future careers. Students compete in areas ranging from Agricultural Communications to Wildlife Management. Proficiency awards are also recognized at local and state levels and provide recognition to members exploring and becoming established in agriculture career pathways. Though all students must have an SAE project, these awards recognize students who go above and beyond in investing their time and materials into their projects. Hardeman was named as the Georgia FFA Association State Specialty Animal Production Proficiency winner in April at the Georgia State FFA Convention held in Macon, GA.

When asked about the impact of his proficiency and his thoughts on becoming a national finalist, Hardeman said, “My proficiency follows my work as a beekeeper, employed by Hardeman Apiaries. I began my SAE journey back in the sixth grade. Throughout this time I have gained many skills required for beekeeping, such as har- vesting queens, shaking the bee packages, treating hive pests, and helping maintain over 5000 bee hives.

While not only learning these technical skills, I have gained responsibility as well as time management. I was astounded to discover that I was named a national finalist in my category. I knew that not only my hard work, but my father’s and advisor’s hard work had paid off, too. I am grateful to have gotten this far and can’t wait to compete at nationals.”

Hardeman will complete a final interview by a panel of judges from the National FFA Organization in September and will find out results live at the National FFA Convention in October held in Indianapolis, IN. The National FFA Organization is a school-based national youth leadership development organization of more that 1,027,200 student members as a part of 9,235 local FFA chapters in all 50 states and Puerto Rico and the U.S Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.