Submitted by Hamilton Heights School Corporation
Hamilton Heights FFA members participated in the 96th Indiana FFA State Convention held June 16 to 19 at Purdue University. The convention was a powerful gathering of FFA members from around the state, celebrating agriculture, leadership, and community while preparing for the future.
Throughout the event, members, advisors, and supporters were honored with recognition and awards for their hard work, dedication, and success in contests, proficiencies, and Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs). A new team of Indiana FFA State Officers for 2025-26 was elected, continuing the tradition of leadership and service. In addition, members participated in workshops, networked with corporate sponsors, connected with ag business leaders to explore career opportunities.
Maddie Shively was named as Section 2 Director, Lauren Happel was elected as District 5 Treasurer, and Heights’ FFA was named a Silver Emblem Chapter, recognized for its strong contributions and success.
Hamilton Heights FFA was awarded the Silver Chapter Award. (From left) Lauren Happel, Quentin Derrer, and Maddie Shively. (Photo provided)
In addition, Cheyenne Boggs, Kaden Derrer, Quentin Derrer, Lauren Happel, Madison McLendon, and Maddie Shively earned their Hoosier Degrees – the highest honor an FFA member can achieve at the state level. This prestigious recognition reflects their exceptional success in their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) program, leadership development, and community service. Their dedication and hard work exemplify the values of FFA and agricultural excellence.
These students have worked diligently in their FFA Careers to earn the highest degree offered by the Indiana FFA – the Hoosier Degree. Based on their accomplishments, participation in community, service to others, and their Supervised Agricultural Experiences, these members earned their degree at the state convention. (From left) Madison McLendon, Maddie Shively, Lauren Happel, Quentin Derrer, and Kaden Derrer. Not pictured: Cheyenne Boggs. (Photo provided)
Hamilton Heights’ Lily Schuler is the 2025 State Champion in the Diversified Horticulture SAE area. (Photo provided)
2025 Indiana FFA State Convention Wrap Up
- State Champion – Diversified Horticulture Proficiency: Lily Schuler
- State Champions – Junior Forestry Team: Annie Sheller, Abby Sheller, Lilly Higgins, Maddie Higgins
- State Champions – Meats Evaluation: Madison McLendon, Lauren Happel, Quentin Derrer, Maddie Shively
- State Runner Up – Veterinary Science CDE Team: Joani Swinford, Tanner Penwell, Lauren Happel, Quentin Derrer
- State Runner Up – Marketing CDE: Quentin Derrer, Lily Schuler, Maddie Shively
- State Runner Up – Junior Soils Team: Annie Sheller, Jackson Fite, Hallie Sheller, Kaylee Smith
- State Runner Up – Junior Livestock Evaluation Team: Jackson Fite, Hallie Sheller, Faith Lehman, Colton Hoane
- Third Place – Livestock Evaluation Team: Quentin Derrer, Lauren Happel, Kaden Derrer, Cooper Rollins
- Third Place – Forestry Management & Products Proficiency: Marshall Frye
- Third Place – Ag Services Proficiency: Cooper Rollins
- Fourth Place – Beef Production Placement Proficiency: Lauren Happel
Other competitors included Madison McLendon (Ag Education CDE), Lauren Happel and Quentin Derrer (Animal Science Demo), Ellie Miller (Traditional Scrapbook), and Lily Schuler, Madison McLendon, Emmilynn Tharp, and Natalya Zigler (Vet Science Team 2).
“We had a great four days at Purdue University,” said Emilie Carson, HHHS Ag Educator and FFA Chapter Advisor. “Congratulations to our members who competed at this high level of competition at State FFA Convention.”