By Evie Ragan-Scott
As the 2025-2026 school year comes to a close, students are eagerly anticipating summer break to rest, reset, and prepare for the upcoming academic year. However, for the Ariton FFA, our year is far from over. The Alabama State FFA Convention is just around the corner, bringing together over 200 chapters from across the state, along with 1,200-plus guests, members, and advisors, to compete and be recognized on the state stage for their achievements over the past year. As we approach the end of our FFA year, our members and advisor have taken the opportunity to reflect on and share the chapter’s accomplishments, including participation in community events, awards received, and recognitions earned.
This past fall was notably busy for our chapter. Our members had the opportunity to assist at the Claybank Jamboree, collaborate with local stakeholders and the Dale County Young Farmers, and advocate for agriculture within our community. We set up interactive booths where our students educated the public about peanut, poultry, and cattle production—some of the biggest economic drivers in our region’s agricultural sector. In late October, at the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo, our chapter traveled to Indianapolis with 40 members and advisors, where we participated in sessions, visited the Indy 500, and enjoyed the Grand Ole Opry. A major highlight was being recognized on stage as a 3-Star Chapter, the highest national ranking, which underscores our chapter’s success and dedication. Our fall season concluded with various woodworking projects, a trip to the National Peanut Festival grounds for AG STEM Day, a college tour at Auburn University’s College of Agriculture, and a Queen Ball Tournament. In this tournament, Ariton students faced off against faculty, staff, and the Dale County Sheriff’s Department. This school-wide event encouraged student participation by accepting canned food donations for entry, which were subsequently donated to the local Dale County Baptist Food Bank. Winter brought a busy schedule of events and honors for our chapter, particularly in February.
We kicked off the month with the County FFA Contest, where Ariton FFA saw great success. Out of four competitors, three placed, securing 1st place in Extemporaneous Public Speaking, 3rd in Safe Tractor Driving, and 2nd in the Zero Turn Contest. February concluded with our chapter participating in Ag. Day on the Hill, held in Montgomery at the state capital. At Day on the Hill, FFA members met at the statehouse to hear from significant leaders in Alabama. These leaders shared insights with students about their respective jobs, what their roles entail, and how their work directly corresponds with the agriculture industry.
The chapter also demonstrated strong competitive spirit at the Alabama FFA South District Eliminations, with teams participating in numerous events: Nursery Landscape, Floriculture, Ag: Mechanics, Aquaculture, Agricultural Education, and Extemporaneous Public Speaking. Standouts included Allie Etheredge, who placed 2nd in Agricultural Education, and Evie Ragan-Scott, who earned 3rd place in Extemporaneous Public Speaking. Following the competition, the chapter hosted a successful, week-long plant sale, selling plants grown by students in Mrs. Outlaw’s fourth-block horticulture class. The busy month concluded with Ariton FFA’s attendance at the Southeast Alabama Career Expo at Landmark Park in Dothan, which provided students with a valuable opportunity to connect with colleges and businesses across various career fields. Our chapter was also awarded a $1,000 Growth Challenge Grant from Alabama AG Credit to support future leadership development opportunities for our members.
Looking ahead to June, our members will attend the 98th Annual Alabama FFA Convention and Expo, with Allie Etheredge competing and being recognized for her achievements, inspiring continued pride and motivation. Our Chapter will also be receiving the Gold -National Chapter Award, one of 14 chapters from across the state to receive this award, which has earned our chapter the opportunity to move on and compete at the 99th FFA Convention and Expo this fall. This award, like all of our individual and chapter awards from this past year, is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our members. It is also a reflection of the love and support our chapter and its members have from our school and community.
As we close out this year, we want to express our gratitude to everyone who has supported our chapter, both past and present. Many moving parts contribute to our success, but it is our community, industry partners, and stakeholders who truly drive it. We truly could not achieve our goals without your support, whether it’s through purchasing projects, fruit, strawberries, plants, or participating in our annual golf tournament. Thank you for being such an important part of our journey!
