CHENEY – In a remarkable display of agricultural expertise and teamwork, the Cheney FFA Potato Evaluation Team emerged victorious in the Washington State FFA Potato Evaluation Contest.
Led by their dedicated agricultural instructor, Mrs. Heather Nelson, the team’s outstanding performance showcased their commitment to excellence.
The winning team, comprised of Macade Munro, Serendipity, Emily McGinnis, Macy Rains, and Jezreel Crosby, not only secured the coveted first-place title but also celebrated individual accomplishments.
Serendipity claimed the title of High Individual, while Macy Rains earned the impressive ninth high individual position.
Mrs. Nelson’s approach to preparing the team was marked by structured practices, frequent study sessions, and practical exercises.
“We have practices once a week until we got closer to the contest, and then we did it twice a week, and they did studying after school as well,” said Nelson.
She emphasized the importance of hands-on experience, bringing in potatoes of different grades and sizes to simulate real-world scenarios.
The second team from Cheney FFA also demonstrated commendable performance, securing the ninth high team overall position.
The team included Brayden Bridges, Cody Hamilton, Cris Perez, and Gage O’Connor, reflecting the program’s depth in talent and preparation.
Nelson revealed that despite their outstanding performance, the winning team was initially in disbelief about their victory.
“They had convinced themselves that it didn’t go well, that they had a bad day,” she explained. “This reaction highlights the humility of the team and their dedication to continuous improvement.”
The team’s success is not only a testament to the students’ hard work but also reflects the guidance and mentorship provided by Nelson.
“The only real challenge is time. These are students that are highly motivated. They have sports, jobs, running start- some of them are participating in two of those things,” shared Mrs. Nelson. Despite these time constraints, the students, driven by personal responsibility, effectively planned ahead and managed their schedules to excel in the competition.
Beyond their success in potato evaluation, the Cheney FFA chapter is gearing up for their next big project – the Holiday Extravaganza craft fair on Saturday, December 2nd at CHS. The chapter will showcase and sell tropical and succulent houseplants grown in their greenhouse, along with holiday items crafted by students, such as wreaths, yule logs, arrangements, and swags made with locally harvested boughs. This initiative not only fosters career skills and personal growth among students but also helps raise funds for the chapter’s travel and activities.
Looking ahead, the goal for the Cheney FFA Potato Evaluation Team is to secure victory once again in the state competition next year. Mrs. Nelson acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead, particularly in FFA where members of the state-winning team cannot participate in the same competition in the future. The responsibility now falls on the current Team 2 members and any new recruits to continue the legacy and work towards claiming the top spot.
The team’s achievements have undoubtedly made a positive impact on the local community, showcasing the importance of agricultural education and fostering a sense of pride among students, parents, and school administrators.
Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.
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