Northern Burlington FFA students honored for national competition; assemblywoman presents ceremonial resolutions

The Northern Burlington County Regional School District recognized students and staff Dec. 9 for recent success at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis.

Agriscience teachers and coaches brought students and advisors before the board to describe the team’s national competition events. Justin Naylor, the ag mechanics coach, listed team members and described timed skill events including welding, concrete form construction, small diesel engine maintenance and electrical motor wiring. The team advanced to nationals after winning at the state level, officials said.

Department leader Nan Hamilton and Naylor praised students’ technical skills and the exposure the convention provided. Assemblywoman Andrea Katz (New Jersey) attended and congratulated the students, saying agriculture and economic development are linked and praising students for representing the state at nationals. Katz presented ceremonial resolutions to competitors and to director-level staff; the district also plans to present certificates to students at a future board meeting.

Board members discussed an ag apprenticeship referenced in the curriculum committee report that would allow students to work alongside the facilities department on turf management and equipment maintenance. Administrators said the apprenticeship would provide hands-on experience and could benefit both students and district operations. The board recessed briefly to take photographs with the students.