(L-R) Calhoun FFA advisor Donald Poage, Kelsey Jett, Logan McKown,
Nick Smith, Cody Starcher and representative from John Deere
Members of a Calhoun High FFA team has again be recognized for their accomplishments.
Calhoun'S FFA Chapter from West Virginia were one of 40 teams participating in the National FFA Forestry Career Development Event (CDE). The event was held in conjunction with the 86th National FFA Convention in Louisville, Ky.
The team, led by advisor Donald Poage, was awarded a Gold emblem. Members also competed for individual awards with 156 other participants. Nick Smith received a Gold emblem, Cody Starcher received a Gold emblem, Logan McKown received a Gold emblem, and Kelsey Jett received a Gold emblem.
The top ten individuals and the national winning team members received cash awards to recognize their success in the event. The cash awards and the forestry event are sponsored by Husqvarna and John Deere as a special project of the National FFA Foundation.
The National FFA Forestry CDE is a competitive event that tests students' skills and knowledge in the area of forest management. Event components include a general forest knowledge exam, tree identification, timber cruising, tree/forest disorders identification, a chainsaw practicum, forestry issues interview, and a team activity. Each team competed at local and state levels for the privilege of representing their state at the National FFA Convention & Expo.
This event, held at Bernheim Forest in Clermont, Ky., is one of many educational activities at the national convention in which FFA members apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations.
About National FFA Organization
The National FFA Organization is a national youth organization of 557,318 student members as part of 7,498 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.
The National FFA Organization operates under a federal charter granted by the 81st United States Congress and it is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online at www.ffa.org on Facebook, Twitter and the official National FFA Organization blog. | 
