Hamilton Heights FFA celebrates record-breaking State Convention, with four teams advancing to nationals

Submitted by Hamilton Heights School Corporation

Hamilton Heights FFA is heading into the fall with incredible momentum after delivering its strongest State Convention performance in chapter history.

In case you missed the announcement earlier this summer, the results from the 97th Indiana FFA State Convention mean that four Hamilton Heights teams have qualified for Nationals, an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects the dedication, talent, and hard work of Heights students and advisors.

Held at Hamilton Southeastern High School and The Arena at Innovation Mile in Noblesville, the convention brought together FFA members from across Indiana for competitions, workshops, keynote speakers, and leadership development. The chapter received the Gold Chapter Ranking, Cooper Rollins, Lily Schuler, and Joani Swinford were presented with their Hoosier Degrees, the highest degree that can be received at the State level; Lily Schuler was elected as District 7 President and Lauren Happel was selected to the State Nominating Committee.

“Our students represented Hamilton Heights with excellence, earning top honors across multiple events and demonstrating the strength of our agricultural education program,” said Emilie Carson, Heights Ag Educator and FFA Chapter Advisor.

State Champions (Advancing to Nationals)

• Marketing Plan: Lily Schuler, Maddie Shively, Quentin Derrer
• Meats Evaluation: Lauren Happel, Quentin Derrer, Lily Schuler, Maddie Shively
• Livestock Skillathon: Lauren Happel, Quentin Derrer, Maddie Shively, Kaden Derrer

Additional State Champions

• Livestock Evaluation (Jr. Team): Leah Happel, Landree Street, Leila Street, Colton Hoane

State Runner-Up

• Livestock Evaluation: Lauren Happel, Quentin Derrer, Kaden Derrer, Cooper Rollins (Advancing to Nationals)
• Veterinary Science: Lauren Happel, Quentin Derrer, Joani Swinford, Tanner Penwell
• Forestry: Annie Sheller, Emery Brown, Lilly Higgins, Maddie Higgins
• Ag Services Placement Proficiency: Cooper Rollins
• Diversified Horticulture Placement Proficiency: Lily Schuler
• Forage Production Placement Proficiency: Maddie Shively
• Veterinary Science Placement Proficiency: Quentin Derrer

3rd Overall

• Meats Evaluation: Joani Swinford, Annie Sheller, Emery Brown, Leo Klipsch
• Diversified Livestock Placement Proficiency: Quentin Derrer
• Beef Production Placement Proficiency: Lauren Happel

Fourth Overall

• Extemporaneous Public Speaking: Cooper Rollins

Hamilton Heights FFA continues to shine as one of the state’s strongest programs, and the Heights community could not be prouder of the students, the advisors, and their families. Congratulations to all participants and best of luck to the national-bound teams as they prepare to represent Hamilton Heights on the national stage this fall.