On February 25, 2023, the Fort Thomas Range Management team received exciting news. They found out that they had placed first in the state. The team consists of Breena Black, Kerstynn Bryce, Jayla Wilson, and Bella Martins. They competed in the FFA State competition on February 24.
The team had received second place at districts in St. David in January. They set a goal to do better during the State competition, which they achieved. All four team members also placed in the top ten individuals, with Breena placing third, Bella placing fifth, Jayla placing sixth, and Kerstynn placing ninth. Unfortunately, the team was unable to stay for awards. However, two of the state officers were kind enough to come to the Fort Thomas High School campus to present them with both their individual awards and team award.
The team would like to thank their advisor, Larry Black, for all the help he gave them throughout the year. They would also like to thank their school administration for providing the opportunity to participate in these events and their support as they move on to the national competition in Oklahoma.
Breena Black states, “I feel so honored to have accomplished this achievement. I’ve made so many memories in these four years of doing FFA. I look forward to nationals and being able to spend it with these great girls. I know Jayla and Bella are going to continue to represent Fort Thomas in FFA so well after me and Kerstynn graduate.”
Their advisor Larry Black says, “I am very excited for them to go to nationals not just because of the accomplishment it is to have achieved the opportunity to go, but also for the experience they will gain while they're there and the things that they will learn in competing at a national level.”
Kerstynn Bryce said, “I’m really excited to be able to go to nationals this year, since it’s my senior year. I can’t wait for the new experience!”
They will be going to Oklahoma the first week of May to compete at the National Land and Range Judging contest.