Page students become first middle schoolers in Tennessee history to win state FFA contest

Page Middle School students made history at the Future Farmers of America (FFA) State Convention that took place from March 23-26 in Gatlinburg. 

PMS students Christian Waskey, Toa Lemaota, Jack Paiva and Killian Carey became the first middle school students in Tennessee history to win a state FFA contest. The group placed first in the team agronomy category, and Waskey earned first place in the individual competition as well. 

Of 27 teams to enter in the category, they were the only middle school group in the competition.

"This group is made up of amazing students," PMS FFA adviser Tommy Green said. "They represented Page Middle, Williamson County and their families in ways that we should all be proud of because our teachers are doing a great job in getting these students ready for their futures."

Page High School's Abigail Berny also came away with a major honor as she was named the Middle Tennessee Star Farmer. 

In addition, several students from Page and Fairview High School earned state FFA degrees, which is achieved when a student meets the necessary requirements including demonstrating their leadership abilities, completing community service hours, maintaining a satisfactory academic record and more.

"These students have worked incredibly hard over the last few years," PHS FFA adviser Shana Boteler said. "This is the highest honor the state can bestow upon them."

The students who earned their state FFA degrees and who placed in their competition categories are listed below.

Page Middle

Agronomy

First: Christian Waskey, Toa Lemaota, Jack Paiva and Killian Carey

Environmental and Natural Resources

Fourth: Leah Wann, Ella Zorn, Harper Green and Karoline McKenzie

FFA Quiz Bowl Junior Division

Third: Toa Lemaota, Jack Paiva, Harper Green and Lanie Bullington

Fairview High

State Degrees

Amelia Ralston

Ashlyn Anderson

Jayden Gossett

Kailee Tuttle

Laura Kennedy

Page High

Middle Tennessee Star Farmer

Abigail Berny

Agriscience Fair Animal Systems Division VI

Runners-Up: Abigail Berny and David Dillbeck

Bull Pen Challenge

Runners-Up: Addison Moore and Leah Rovey

Agronomy

Eighth: Gavon Veach, Addison Moore, Paili Doyle and Brylie Noland

State Degrees

Luke Watkins

Abigail Berny

Gavon Veach

Addison Moore

Leah Rovey

David Agostino