Students participate in State FFA conference
High school students from Glendale, Hillcrest and Launch Virtual Learning attended the 98th Missouri Future Farmers of America (FFA) State Convention at the University of Missouri – Columbia April 15-17.
This year’s convention theme was “Embrace Your Journey.” Students heard from a variety of leaders in both education and agriculture, attended workshops to develop leadership skills and expanded their knowledge and skills pertaining to the field of agriculture.
“During our industry visits, students toured Crown Power & Equipment, where they received a behind-the-scenes look at dealership operations and equipment sales,” said Glendale FFA Adviser Makayla Barry. “This experience provided valuable insight into both agricultural careers and advancements in farm equipment technology. Students also toured Green Pastures Farm, where they explored a regenerative, grass-fed livestock operation. This experience gave students a deeper understanding of regenerative agriculture practices and how alternative production systems can be both sustainable and profitable in today’s agricultural industry.”
Adviser Makayla Barry
- Isabella Williams, State FFA Talent
- Mirren Boehne, Voting Delegate
- Braxton Cochran, Voting Delegate
- Clayton Simmons
- Abbigail Kroll
- Kali Waddell
Isabella Williams was selected to participate in the State FFA Talent program, an honor given to 35 performers from across Missouri. She represented Glendale on stage performing Suds in the Bucket and playing guitar.
Advisers Jim Criger and Jon Vaughan
Environmental & Natural Resources - First Place (Advancing to Nationals in Indianapolis in October)
- Kaden Creed
- Kolten Gilmartin
- Wyatt Adams
- Logan Tipton
Forestry - Second Place
- Ryleigh Owens
- Camryn Summers
- Caitlin Summers
Entomology - Third Place (Advancing to Nationals in Texas in May)
- Aurianna Dalton
- Adrianna Schafer
- Jadyn McCall
- Michael VanBeek
Agronomy - Fifth Place
- Kaden Creed
- Kolten Gilmartin
- Wyatt Adams
- Logan Tipton
Poultry - 16th Place
- Trinity True
- Grace Kellner
- Adeline Jimenez-Phillips
- Kayden Adams
Landscape - 21st Place
- Seth Romero
- Carter Collier
- Ean Campbell
Dairy Cattle - 45th Place
- Landyn Dobbs
- Arlen Adams
- Treyton Pohlsander
- Griffin Collier
Adviser Kristina Callison
Voting Delegates
- AJ Walker
- Mesa Aldrich
Delegates voted to move Missouri FFA to an affiliation membership model, removing financial barriers for students and ensuring that every student enrolled in an agriculture class is automatically a member of their local FFA chapter. This change opens the door for greater student participation and opportunity statewide.
“While at the convention, students also expanded their learning beyond the sessions. In partnership with the Missouri Department of Conservation, they explored the unique Devil’s Icebox at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park. During this experience, they learned about native bat populations and the impact of white-nose syndrome,” said Launch Adviser Kristina Callison. “Throughout the convention, students attended a variety of leadership workshops and participated in sessions that will help shape their future success. They also witnessed the installation of the 2026–2027 State FFA Officers, an inspiring conclusion to an already impactful event.”