06/20/2026
This week, 41 Tate FFA members traveled to Orlando to attend the 98th Florida FFA State Convention & Expo. It was an exciting week spent celebrating the accomplishments of our members and chapter alongside thousands of FFA members from across the state.
Several students were recognized for their achievements throughout the week. Six seniors, Raevyn Aldridge, AT Bridgers, Maegan Coleman, Taelyn Hubbard, Miller Richards, and Madison Wise, received their State FFA Degrees. Christian Hollingsworth and Ellen Rigby were awarded the American FFA Degree, the highest degree awarded by the National FFA Organization.
Our chapter was also recognized as a Premier FFA Chapter and received Florida’s Finest recognition through the National Chapter Award Program.
Students were recognized on stage for their success in Career Development Events, Leadership Development Events, and Proficiency Awards.
Maegan Coleman competed as a state participant in Prepared Public Speaking.
Madison Wise placed 5th in the state in the Agriculture Education CDE.
Henry Merritt, Aden Bailey, Luke Graham, and Daniel Aldridge were crowned State Champions in the Aquaculture CDE, with Henry earning High Individual honors
Luke Graham, Parker White, Daniel Aldridge, and Henry Merritt placed 2nd in the state in Environmental Science.
William Mason, Lucas Jones, Hailey McVoy, and Isabella Towns earned a 5th place finish in the Farm and Agribusiness Management CDE.
In the Proficiency Award areas, Katie Byrd was recognized as a Top 4 Finalist in Agricultural Services, Ava Atiyeh was a Top 4 Finalist in Equine Placement, and Rieslin Colvin was named the State Winner in Veterinary Science.
Daniel Aldridge, Luke Graham, Noah Jacobs, and Henry Merritt participated as volunteers in the Courtesy Corps group by assisting with General Sessions and LDE event halls.
Our Chapter President, Luke Graham, was also voted in as the District 1 Secretary for the 2026-2027 year.
We are incredibly proud of all of our members who represented Tate FFA this year. From leadership events and proficiency awards to state degrees and championship teams, these students continue to set a high standard through their hard work, dedication, and commitment to agricultural education.
Congratulations to all of our members on an outstanding year!