The Stillwater FFA Chapter made history during their trip to the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis last week.

For the first time in program history, Stillwater had the most Agriscience Fair Finalists of any school in the entire nation with 23 projects. More than 30 Stillwater FFA students attended the convention to showcase their hard work in each of their divisions.

“Overall, it was a very successful convention with three National Champions and five Reserve National Champions,” FFA co-sponsor and Agriculture teacher Ms. Kliewer said. “We are excited for their success and excited for the future.”

Seniors Oakley Gross and Preslee Watley-Kindt were named National Champions for their work in Division 6, Food Systems. From the outside looking in, their project was about limiting food-borne illnesses on eggs because of bacteria, Watley-Kindt said. 

“My partner and I were trying to find a way to help others who get sick from eggs,” she said. “It felt very rewarding to have our hard work recognized.”

Sophomore Paetyn Gilliam attended Nationals and learned a lot that she can use to help her next year. 

“I can carry this experience from this years’ convention into next year because I know what to expect now and I can know what’s to come,” Gilliam said.