Tennessee schools dominate state competitions in FFA DECA and speech and debate

The Williamson County Board of Education meeting on April 21, 2025, highlighted numerous achievements by students across the district, showcasing their excellence in various academic and extracurricular competitions.

Page Middle School was recognized for being named the state superior chapter of the Tennessee Future Farmers of America (FFA), under the leadership of advisor Tommy Green. The school celebrated several individual accomplishments, including Sebastian Abrazo, who was named the high-scoring individual in the state for junior high agronomy and contributed to the agronomy state championship team alongside Parker Darnell, Preston Lauder, and Luke Mundy. Additionally, Page Middle's quiz team, featuring Harper Green, Killian Carey, Toa Lamoda, and Jack Paiva, also secured state championship honors, with Harper Green recognized as the high-scoring individual in the state quiz competition.

At Page High School, the FFA chapter, advised by Shanna Butler, was similarly honored as a superior chapter. Students Kenzie Anderson, Sila Castro, Aden Flott, Jeremiah McDonough, and Greer Quick earned FFA state degrees, the highest achievement at the state level. Abigail Birney was recognized as the state champion in poultry production proficiency.

The meeting also celebrated the accomplishments of the DECA chapters from Brentwood and Franklin High Schools. Brentwood's DECA chapter, led by Lisa Montgomery, was named chapter of the year. Students Cali Constantine and Lehi Fields won first place in entrepreneurship team decision-making, while other students excelled in various categories, including hotel and lodging management and marketing communication. Franklin High School's DECA team also achieved notable success, with multiple students earning top awards in financial services and hospitality.

Ravenwood High School's DECA chapter showcased its talents with several winners in business growth plans and marketing series, under the guidance of instructors Brian Stuck and Jennifer Doak.

In addition to FFA and DECA, the meeting recognized achievements in the National Speech and Debate Association, with Brentwood High School's Wally Sidar and Joseph Johnson winning in public forum debate, and Summit High School's Arman Smaw winning in Lincoln Douglas debate.

The meeting concluded with a celebration of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences winners, including Brentwood High School's Sophia Andrews, who won in two categories, and Franklin High School's Vashay Rubinoff, recognized for best commercial.

Overall, the meeting underscored the commitment of Williamson County Schools to fostering student achievement across a wide range of disciplines, setting a high standard for academic and extracurricular excellence in the region.