Colfax FFA members win honors at state confab

From left, Sydney Berquist, Perry Imler, Anni Cox, Kari Largent and Kennedy Schmidt represented Colfax in the Leadership Development event and competed at the highest level, making it to the final round of this competition. At right is Colfax High School FFA Advisor Michael Heitstuman.

Colfax FFA members spent three days competing at the FFA state convention May 10-12 on the WSU campus.

Friday evening, freshmen girls competed in the Greenhand competition which allows them to work on speaking skills in a group presentation while also taking exams on their knowledge of agriculture. Anni Cox, Perry Imler, Sydney Berquist, Kennedy Schmidt and Kari Largent represented Colfax and placed third overall against 80 teams in round one and 16 teams in the final round of the competition.

Friday night, Chase Baerlocher placed seventh with his extemporaneous speech. This is the second year he has been a top-eight competitor at the state level.

Throughout the year, many FFA members have spent evenings practicing for their competitions and preparing for this year’s Washington FFA State Convention.

Saturday morning Colfax seniors Caleb Berquist, Abbie Miller, Chase Baerlocher, Brett Kincaid and Jeszica Durheim were awarded State FFA Degrees, the highest recognition one can receive from the state for their agricultural experience projects.

Also Saturday morning, Cassidi Shindler was announced winner of the state Citizenship essay contest.

Chase Baerlocher placed seventh with his extemporaneous speech.

During the final session, Caleb Berquist was a state Star Farmer finalist and had the opportunity of having a featured video about his daily tasks and duties at Union Ranch. Also appearing on stage was Kyle Appel, who was this year’s state proficiency winner in the Diversified Crop Placement category. His application will be sent to compete at the national level. Colfax’s final competitor to receive recognition was Perry Imler, who was this year’s sixth-place state Creed speaker.