November 19, 2025
Rutherford County Schools
Rutherford County Schools made an impressive showing at the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, joining more than 73,000 attendees from across the nation for a week dedicated to growing the next generation of agricultural leaders.
Chapters from Blackman, Eagleville, LaVergne, Oakland, Riverdale, Rockvale, Siegel, Smyrna, and Stewarts Creek high schools proudly represented the district through competitions, leadership experiences, and national recognition. Among the standout performances, Oakland FFA emerged as a powerhouse, earning a national title, multiple runner-up finishes, and top 10 placements in agriscience and proficiency events. Collectively, local FFA members demonstrated the excellence, innovation, and leadership that continue to make RCS agriculture education a model for the nation.
--The National FFA Agriscience Fair recognizes student researchers who explore the application of agricultural scientific principles and emerging technologies to real-world challenges. Projects are evaluated based on the scientific method, innovation, and presentation. This year, Oakland FFA distinguished itself on the national stage, highlighting the depth of research, collaboration, and scientific inquiry that is taking place within schools’ agriculture education program.
National Winner: Oakland FFA, Emma Goff – Social Systems Division III
National Runner-Up: Oakland FFA, Kennedy Lewis & Mary Redmon – Social Systems Division IV
National Runner-Up: Oakland FFA, Sarah Wheaton – Plant Systems Division V
National 4th Place: Oakland FFA, Annabeth Cruz – Environmental Systems Division V
National 5th Place: Oakland FFA, Madison Rich – Plant Systems Division III
National 7th Place: Oakland FFA, Lydia Moore – Food Systems Division III
--Agricultural Proficiency Awards acknowledge FFA members who use classroom knowledge in practical career experiences, developing specialized skills that equip them for success in agriculture and related industries across nearly 50 different areas. The following FFA members ranked nationally:
National Runner-Up: Oakland FFA, Christopher Gann – Sheep Production
National Gold: Oakland FFA, Luke Carlton- Diversified Agriculture
National Silver: Stewarts Creek FFA, Ari Mota – Agricultural Communications
National Bronze: Eagleville FFA, Justin Dennis – Ag Mechanics Repair & Maintenance
--Career and Leadership Development Events challenge students to apply their agricultural knowledge, technical skills, and leadership abilities in competitive, real-world settings. Participants demonstrate expertise in areas such as public speaking, evaluation, and communication, all while developing critical thinking, teamwork, and professionalism. Members from both Stewarts Creek and Oakland achieved national recognition in several events.
National Gold: Stewarts Creek, 11th in the Nation in Agricultural Communications – Catherine Denton, Jaylyn Dearsman, Ari Mota, and Tyler Sallee
National Silver: Oakland FFA, Food Science – Sophia Markos, Sam Johnson, Sarah Buche, Kennedy Lewis
National Silver: Oakland FFA, Livestock Evaluation – Mary Redmon, Christopher Gann, Emma Millican, Sarah Wheaton
National Silver: Oakland FFA, Prepared Public Speaking – Annabelle Alexis
National Rank: Stewarts Creek FFA: 12th in Nation in Quiz Bowl –Ty Hall, Tristen Hall, Will Hasty, and Kasen Miller, and Team 2– Hannah Barlow, Gage Bergstresser, Jenna Knox, and Riley Seiber
--The National Chapter Award Program honors chapters that effectively implement the mission and strategies of FFA through developing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture. Recognition is based on submission of a Program of Activities that emphasizes exceptional chapter operations, member engagement, and community impact. Eagleville, Riverdale, and Stewarts Creek earned top honors as Three Star Chapters, while Oakland received a Two Star designation.
--Three local students were selected to represent Tennessee as part of the 14 delegates chosen from a pool of 34,000 members. Ari Mota from Stewarts Creek, Emma Millican from Oakland, and Sarah Marshall from Eagleville participated in National FFA official business sessions and committee meetings throughout the week. The delegates collaborated with peers from across the nation to discuss leadership initiatives and proposals for organizational policies, helping to shape the future of this student-led leadership organization. During the Fourth General Session, Ari was selected to demonstrate the Spanish version of the Opening and Closing Ceremonies.
--Many local members earned the prestigious American FFA Degree, the highest honor a member can achieve within the National FFA Organization. It recognizes years of dedication to FFA, outstanding leadership skills, community engagement, and a strong commitment to supervised agricultural experiences. The following members demonstrated esteemed growth throughout their journey, earning them this distinction:
Blackman: Matthew Sanchez
Eagleville: Justin Dennis, Cason Lamb, Eliza McClaran, Holly Parks, Crisanto Pena Perez, Calli Schlick, Shelby Songer, Ella Whaley
Oakland: Lily Amstutz, Kyra Kleparek, Anna Grace Wells, Emma Markos, Camden Thompson
Riverdale: Kaitlyn Robichaud, Dorique Insisienmay, Ja’Keythia Gooch, Ashley Gum
Stewarts Creek: Kendall Beard, Trevor Culbertson, Ella Hasty, Landon Lee, Daniel Light, Megan James, Brett Mann
--Abby DeBerry and Emma Millican from Oakland FFA were featured in the #SpeakAg Student Showcase Video, emphasizing the impact of student voices in agriculture. Additionally, fellow Oakland FFA members Emma Goff, Kennedy Lewis, Mary Redmon, Sarah Wheaton, Annabeth Cruz, and Madison Rich participated in the Agriscience Fair Student Showcase, where they presented their research and engaged in live Q&A sessions on a national platform.
--Riverdale FFA was awarded a $4,000 Tractor Supply Company Travel Assistance Grant and was selected for the National FFA Microsoft Farm Beats Grant Pilot Program. As part of this initiative, students participated in a national reception and a hands-on lab where they built and coded automated watering systems using micro:bits. These experiences not only provided valuable resources but also practical skills for Riverdale FFA members.
The 98th National FFA Convention & Expo was a memorable experience, with national titles, leadership opportunities, and top-tier recognitions, as RCS chapters showcased their excellence.
As Oakland FFA Chapter President Emma Millican reflected, “Standing in Indianapolis surrounded by thousands of FFA members, I couldn’t have been prouder of our chapter. Every student who wore the Oakland jacket represented the Volunteer State with pride, passion, and the competitive spirit that defines what it means to be an Oakland Patriot.”
Her words convey the collective achievement and unity experienced throughout the district, as students continue to grow into future leaders and agriculturalists through the National FFA Organization.