LAKE HUNTINGTON, NY — The Sullivan West FFA chapter participated in several events over the summer, including the New York State Fair, FFA summer camp, and conferences. Alison McCarthy, who placed first overall in Prepared Public Speaking at the New York State FFA Convention in May, was invited to speak at the Rural Schools Conference in Lake Placid on July 13. Alison also represented New York State at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis on October 21. 

From August 2 to 7, Sullivan West FFA students attended a week full of fun, friendship and lifelong memories at FFA Camp Oswegatchie. The Oswegatchie Educational Center is located in Croghan and hosts over 1,000 students each summer.  The students who attended the week at the camp were Luke B., Lilly B., Mackenzie B., Allie H., Lily M., Alison M., Kylie M. and Victoria S. We all participated in activities such as high ropes, paddleboarding, kayaking, horseback riding, fire building, mountain biking and hiking at the camp. State FFA officers and district FFA presidents would participate in these activities with the campers. One night, the FFA state president, Sage Schroder, spent the night at my campsite; we played games around the campfire and had great conversations about what we do in the FFA.  

From August 30-31, the FFA students competed at the New York State Fair in Syracuse. The students did an amazing job in their competitions as individuals and as teams. Our first-ever Horse Evaluation competitor, Riley E, placed first individually. We had competitors in Jr. Wildlife ID, such as Lilly H. (9th place), Victoria S. (5th place) and Rachel M. (4th place). In Senior Wildlife ID, our competitors included Alison M. (2nd place), Luke B., Mackenzie B., Kameon E., Kahlleigh E. and Cole F. Alison and Mackenzie’s team placed third overall. 

Sr. Tree ID participants were Luke B., Mackenzie B., Kameon E., Kahlleigh E., Cole F. and Alison M.  (2nd place). Alison and Mackenzie’s team also placed second overall. After the competition, we explored the New York State Fairgrounds and saw the butter statue, had $0.25 milk, and visited the new FFA building.