| Special to the Enquirer

The Falkville FFA Chapter was recently named one of the top 5 FFA chapters in the state as a part of the National FFA Chapter Awards Program.  The award is based on FFA participation in the areas of supervised agricultural experience, community development and involvement as well as chapter recruitment and development.  Makenzie Smith, a sophomore at Falkville High School, accepted the award on behalf of the chapter at the 2013 Alabama FFA Convention.

The Falkville FFA Forestry team placed 2nd in the state recently at the Alabama FFA event at Auburn University.  The event consisted of Tree ID, stand improvement, map interpretation, timber estimation and compass and pacing.  Bryan Holmes was named the second highest individual scorer.  Team members are (from left) Cole Asherbranner, Lucas Townsend, Logan Byrd, Bryan Holmes and Kaitlyn Boyer.  Their FFA advisor is Shane Bryan. | Special to the Enquirer

Robert Summerford (right) of the Falkville FFA Chapter has been named Alabama FFA’s Future Farmer of the Year for 2013.  Robert was a 2012 graduate of Falkville High School and has been an active FFA member for the past six years.  The award is based on his outstanding supervised agricultural experience program and his active participation in the FFA.  Robert received a $1500 scholarship sponsored by the Slidell Oil Corporation as well as recognition from the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity of Auburn University. Robert is currently enrolled at Wallace State Community College. His FFA advisor is Shane Bryan. | Special to the Enquirer

The Falkville FFA Chapter had five students receive the State FFA Degree at the Alabama FFA convention.  These degrees are based on FFA participation, conducting a minimum of 25 service hours, earning or investing at least $1000 in their supervised agricultural experience program and leadership activities.  Receiving the degrees are (from left) Zack Garrison, Seth Pillow, Katy Guyse, and Heather Smith.  Not pictured is Tyler Tucker. | Special to the Enquirer

Tyler Tucker was recently named District Star Farmer at the 85th Alabama FFA State Convention.  The award was based on his outstanding supervised agricultural experience program and his FFA leadership.  Tyler was also named the state winner in the Alabama FFA Goat Production Proficiency award program.  Tyler is a 2013 graduate of Falkville High School, and his FFA advisor is Shane Bryan. | Special to the Enquirer

The Falkville FFA Ag Mechanics team recently placed 4th in the State Agricultural Mechanics Contest held at Auburn University.  The team placed 2nd at the North District FFA event to advance to the state competition. The event consisted of electrical wiring, welding, plumbing, construction, small engines, and biodiesel efficiency.  Team members are (from left) Jordan Beasley, Zack Garrison, Dallas Mayer and Nate Drinkard. Their FFA advisor is Shane Bryan. | Special to the Enquirer

JJ Puckett (left), Seth Pillow (center), and Jared Rowe (right) were each named proficiency award winners at the 85th Alabama FFA State Convention held in Montgomery.  JJ Puckett was named the winner of Agricultural Sales and Service Proficiency, Seth Pillow finished 4th in Diversified Livestock Production, and Jared Rowe was named the state winner in Forage Production.  The two first place awards will now compete at the national level for a chance to be named National Finalists. | Special to the Enquirer

Austin Wilhite of the Falkville FFA Chapter was named the state proficiency award winner in Ag Mechanics Design and Fabrication.  His award was based on the supervised work he does in the area of framing and trim carpentry.  His award will now compete at the national level.  Austin is a senior at Falkville High School, and his FFA advisor is Shane Bryan. | Special to the Enquirer

Travis Blankenship (left) and Zac Watts (right) were each named state proficiency award finalists at the 85th Alabama FFA Convention.  Travis placed 3rd in Home and Community Development proficiency as well as 3rd in Ag Mechanics Design and Fabrication.  Zac Watts placed 2nd in Fruit Production based on his production of watermelons. | Special to the Enquirer