Connersville FFA Named a ‘Big Ten’ Chapter, Brings Home Three State Championships

FISHERS, IN — The Connersville FFA Chapter established itself as one of the elite agricultural education programs in the state this week, securing a spot in the coveted “Big Ten” and capturing three individual state championships at the 97th Annual Indiana FFA State Convention.

The four-day event, held at Hamilton Southeastern High School and The Arena in Fishers, brought together thousands of students from across Indiana for rigorous leadership interviews, skills contests, and scientific research presentations.

Connersville’s dominant performance was capped off by earning the title of Top Chapter in Indiana for Strengthening Agriculture, a distinction driven by five key local programs: the Roots and Records historical celebration, middle school recruitment efforts, volunteer work at the Fayette County Animal Shelter, statehouse advocacy, and the annual fifth-grade Ag Day.

The chapter’s success was balanced between team achievements and outstanding individual performances.

During the Agriscience Fair, where only the top spot in the state is awarded, Connersville claimed three state titles:

• Jaxson Harvey and Kenzie Meyers took first place in Environmental Services/Natural Resources (Division 4).
• Peyton Gabbard won first place in Environmental Services/Natural Resources (Division 5).
• Cora Nobbe earned first place in Food Products and Processing (Division 3).

Nobbe also brought home a first-place finish in the Fruit and Nut Production State Proficiency Awards. Other top proficiency placements included Kenzie Meyers (2nd in Wildlife Production), Hayden Steele (3rd in Beef Production Entrepreneurship), and Lorelei Hughes (4th in Agriculture Education).

The convention also marked a historic organizational shift for local students. Delegates voted to approve a landmark statewide redistricting plan, which officially transitions Connersville FFA from District 9 to the newly formed District 14. Connersville will hold major leadership roles in the new district, as Michael Haldeman was sworn in as District President and Cora Nobbe was named District Treasurer for the upcoming school year.

Additionally, seven local members were awarded the Hoosier FFA Degree, the highest honor bestowed by the state association. Recipients must meet strict requirements, including earning and investing at least $1,250 or working 300 hours on their agricultural projects, alongside completing 25 hours of community service. The local recipients are Khloe Cockerham, Michael Haldeman, Lorelei Hughes, Ida Pfeiffer, Sam Scholl, Kyndal Scott, and Kinze Vanmeter.

The chapter also earned high marks for community impact through its Living to Serve grant applications. Written by Hayden Steele and Kyndal Scott, the applications placed 10th for the “Farmer’s Appreciation” meal program, 6th for the 5th-grade Ag Day safety program, and 4th for the local Ag Olympics.

The state recognition for the Ag Olympics comes just ahead of this year’s event, which is scheduled for Sunday, July 26th, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at the Fayette County Fairgrounds Memorial Showplace Arena. The event is free for children aged 3 to 12, featuring a pedal pull for younger kids and active games for older divisions. Registration runs from 4:00 to 6:00 PM that evening.

From individual scientific research to broad community service, Connersville FFA’s performance this week solidifies its reputation as a powerhouse program for leadership and local impact.