The Gloucester chapter of the Future Farmers of America competed in the Virginia Dominion Energy Envirothon Area III competition at the Caroline County Agricultural Fair Grounds on April 16, placing in several categories. The team also earned success at the subsequent state competition.

Members of the Gloucester High School Envirothon Team were Delisha Minor, Emersyn Cahilly, Kara Willoughby, Lexi Spangler, Mia Cann, River Lux and Taylor Lewis. Their teacher is Renee Hypes.

Throughout the year, participating teams study soils, forestry, aquatics, wildlife and a designated current environmental issue in preparation for the competition. Students apply their knowledge and problem-solving skills through an oral presentation focused on solving real-world environmental challenges. This year’s issue topic was “Nonpoint Source Pollution: It Begins at Home!”

The Gloucester High School team took first in aquatics; second in soils, special topic category, oral presentation and overall performance; and third in forestry.

This strong performance qualified GHS to compete at the State Envirothon Competition, held May 17-18 at Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg. Gloucester placed second in soils and sixth overall out of 18 competing teams.