Washington High FFA students describe rushed invitation, national exposure at Great American State Fair

Washington High School FFA advisor and students told the Jefferson County Board of Education that a late invitation gave their chapter 48 hours to accept an offer to exhibit livestock at the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C. Advisor Miss Grantham described completing animal health paperwork and coordinating logistics on a tight timeline; student presenters said the experience included public demonstrations, interviews and meetings with government officials.

"You've been invited to the Great American State Fair, and you have 48 hours to accept our invitation," Miss Grantham recalled reading, and she said the chapter immediately mobilized to meet health‑certificate and vaccination requirements. Students described setting pens on the National Mall, demonstrating showmanship to the public, and meeting federal officials the group named in the presentation. "This was a once in a lifetime opportunity where we were able to present our animals on the National Mall," one student said, adding that the chapter was the only group from West Virginia at the exhibit.

Students reported substantial media exposure — including an appearance and clips provided by Fox News and a front‑cover photo in the Washington Post — and said meeting social‑media influencers helped amplify their outreach about agriculture. Presenters thanked local veterinarians, families who covered medical and transport costs, local businesses that provided hats and shirts, and Jefferson County Schools and their principal, Mr. Shoen, for supporting the trip.

Board members praised the students and their advisor for the work involved during summer weeks. After the presentation, the advisor offered copies of the Washington Post coverage to board members and invited any follow‑up questions; trustees responded with congratulations and requests to circulate links to the students' online clips.