Gilbert Public Schools Future Farmers of America students and alumni represented Arizona at the 98th National FFA Convention, held Oct. 28 through Nov. 1 in Indianapolis.

The event, hosted by the National FFA Organization, drew more than 71,000 members, advisers, alumni and supporters for competitions, recognition and leadership development.

Gilbert Public Schools earned a silver ranking in the Meat Evaluation event, seven students received the American FFA Degree, and the Gilbert High School chapter was recognized with a Three-Star National Chapter Award.

The champion Meat Evaluation team from Gilbert FFA competed at Purdue University’s meat processing facility in West Lafayette, Indiana. The six-hour contest included retail cut identification, carcass judging, quality yield grading, muscle and bone identification and primal judging.

Team members Mia Conti (silver), Dakota Hubbard (bronze), Gunner Mertlich (silver) and Hyrum Dorny (silver) placed 18th out of 48 teams nationally.

“Walking into the facilities at Purdue and seeing hundreds of students who share the same passion for agriculture was incredible,” Conti said in a release. “It reminded me that the work we’re doing matters, not just for the competition, but for understanding where our food comes from and how much goes into producing it.”

The Gilbert High School FFA chapter earned a Three-Star National Chapter Award, the highest distinction in the National Chapter Awards program, which recognizes efforts to grow leaders, build communities and strengthen agriculture.

Seven Gilbert Public Schools students earned the American FFA Degree, the organization’s highest individual honor. Holly Anderson, Grayson Daniell, Payden Dillard, Blake Hammond, Ty Kochaji, Melia Kapuras and Bryson Osuha represented the Campo Verde, Highland and Mesquite chapters.

Fewer than 1% of FFA members nationwide receive the degree, which honors achievement in agricultural education, leadership and community service.

“FFA teaches students to meet their moment, work for a righteous goal and be part of something bigger than themselves,” U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins said during remarks at the convention.

FFA is one of several Career and Technical Student Organizations offered by Gilbert Public Schools.

These programs, along with Career and Technical Education courses, prepare students for academic and career success by developing skills in communication, relationships and character.

Those interested in more information can visit gilbertschools.net/cte.