In an interview for the National FFA Organization’s Emerging Agricultural Technology proficiency competition on October 22nd, a judge asked Courtney Curlin of the Lowndes FFA Chapter what it was like learning to operate a tractor her Junior year for her supervised agriculture experience (SAE) project. She answered, “It was a little intimidating.” The judge replied, “I really don’t think anything intimidates you.”
Evidently, that judge and the other judges thought quite highly of Courtney and her SAE project. She was named the National Winner for the Emerging Agricultural Technology proficiency onstage the following day in a ceremony that was broadcast via RFD-TV. This occurred in a session of the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, IN.
Curlin developed a new urea filter technology for tractor exhaust emissions in her SAE project. She built an experimental filter that filtered out more than 50% of particulate matter from the exhaust emissions. She used the scientific method to design and evaluate the filter and then built an operational prototype filter that was successfully used in a field test. Proficiency awards recognize FFA members who excelled in their SAE projects while they gained hands-on career experience.
Also earning recognition at the Convention was Layton Tompkins. Tompkins earned his American FFA Degree for his leadership and SAE activities. Tompkins has logged more than 6,000 hours on his SAE project.
The Lowndes High School FFA Chapter was also recognized as a National Finalist in Models of Innovation for student development. Competing at the Convention in this category were Lauren Ashley and Kaylyn Stout, assisted by Kendall Godwin. They presented to the judges about some 2008 student development activities including using SAE to raise the graduation test scores and others.
The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 507,763 student members – all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business, and technology of agriculture – as a part of 7,439 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. |
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