The Gloucester Future Farmers of America chapter traveled to Virginia Tech the week of June 9-12 to compete in the 99th Virginia FFA State Convention.

The Environmental and Natural Resources team, whose members include Lexi Spangler, Kara Willoughby, Delisha Minor and Leland Webb-Dyson, advanced to the second day of competition and placed first, earning the right to represent Virginia at the national convention in October. Individually, Spangler placed third and Willoughby took sixth.

Emma Lynch, River Lux, Madelyn Micket and Hailey Ware of the Floriculture team also advanced to the second day of competition and placed fourth.

The chapter scrapbook, completed by the group’s co-president Natalie Walke, received a gold rating and tied for fifth place.

The Veterinary Science team, comprised of Walke, Mackenzie Santo Domingo, Alexandra Byser and Addisyn Bilodeau, advanced to the second day of competition and placed ninth.

Emma Hogge was recognized during the trip for placing fourth at the state horse judging contest in April. She also competed with Savanna Harris, Charlotte Evans and Autumn Lux in the Hippology contest. Bilodeau tried out for the Discussion Meet contest, a first for the chapter.

Lynch, Harris, Walke, Ware and Webb-Dyson received their state degrees, the highest degree that any member can receive from the Virginia FFA.

Walke also ran for Virginia FFA state office during the trip.

Overall, the chapter received a national chapter award and was named a superior chapter with a silver rating. The group also received a gold rating in public relations.

Chapter advisor Renee Hypes and Gloucester High School NJROTC instructor Captain Norris Merkle chaperoned the trip.