Carroll County Middle School FFA team wins state contest against Northern Virginia competitors

The Carroll County Board of Supervisors meeting on July 11, 2025, commenced with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, setting a respectful tone for the proceedings. The agenda featured a notable presentation from the Future Farmers of America (FFA) team, led by Mr. Carpenter, who expressed gratitude for the support shown to the students.

Mr. Carpenter highlighted the team's recent achievement at a state contest in Northern Virginia, where they competed against nine schools, all of which had judges from the Northern Virginia area. Remarkably, the Carroll County team, composed of four seventh graders and three eighth graders, emerged victorious, outperforming all ninth-grade teams. This success has prompted Mr. Carpenter to postpone his retirement for another year, as he is committed to guiding the team to the upcoming National competition in October.

Chloe, the FFA President, provided an overview of the contest format, which involves a series of motions and terms that the students must navigate within a limited time frame. The competition includes a written test and oral questions, with three of the eighth graders achieving top scores among over sixty participants. Mr. Carpenter emphasized the students' ability to solve problems efficiently, showcasing their skills and dedication.

The meeting concluded with a sense of pride in the students' accomplishments and a commitment to supporting their continued success in future competitions. The Board acknowledged the importance of fostering youth engagement and leadership through programs like FFA, which not only enhance students' skills but also contribute positively to the community.