Paris, Tenn.–History was made last night at the Carl Perkins Civic Center in Jackson, as the Paris FFA was awarded the coveted “Big Cup” after they were announced as the West TN FFA Overall Champions. In the 69 years of the West TN Awards Banquet, this is the first time that the Paris Chapter came home as overall regional champions.
The Henry County/Paris FFA was the first FFA program in the United States.
Advisor Laura Moss said, “This has been a year of many successes for the 235 members of the chapter. Last night, 45 members earned tickets to celebrate their Regional successes. Fifteen members were honored as Regional Proficiency winners, four Career Development teams were recognized as Regional Champions and four students were Regional Agriscience Fair champions. Three members were honored as West TN Stars, 3 individuals were recognized as Regional Leadership Development Event winners, one team was awarded for being regional runners up and six sets of team members were rewarded for being in the top 6 in the region.”
With Allie Jo Shankle, the 2017-2018 TN State West TN Vice President, as mistress of ceremonies, the chapter eagerly awaited the final results of the night. The first cup of the night came as the chapter was announced 2nd in the Leadership Division. The Instructional Division saw a first-place cup added to the night’s spoils. The Supervised Agriculture Experience Program Division brought another 2nd place trophy cup.
As the District Champions and Overall Championship awards were announced, the FFA members were on the edges of their seats, Moss said. “In the final award announcement of the night, our chapter was announced as the District 2 Champion, a title we have held since 1977, and then as the 2018 Overall Champion.”
Murray Perkins, Chapter President, said, “As I accepted the big cup, I was taken away by the excitement of our chapter members. This is truly the culmination of goal setting, hard work and determination by all of our chapter. We would like to thank our advisors, parents and administration for supporting us and encouraging us to reach for such a lofty goal.”
After accepting the cup, Murray retired from his Regional Officer position of Treasurer and stood in support of Caroline Gurton, the newly elected West TN Regional President.
Moss said, “The bus ride home was filled with excitement as the FFA members celebrated their long hard year of work. The next step in their year is for the 2018-2019 Chapter Officer team to be elected and for the chapter to host their 81st Parent Member Banquet on May 15th. “
Co-Advisor for the Paris FFA is Ryan Inman.
Photos by Dr. Brian Norton.
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