With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s State FFA convention was held virtually–the first time ever–but that didn’t stop several Paris FFA students from receiving their due in the form of state awards. The convention was aired on Facebook Live.
The Tennessee State Star Awards recognition is awarded to the top students in five areas who best demonstrate exceptional Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) projects, which is a requirement
for all FFA members.
Jacob Pooler of Paris FFA was named Tennessee State Star in Placement, while the Paris FFA had 11 West Tennessee Winners with eight of those being named state champions.
Pooler of the Paris FFA was named Tennessee State Star in Placement, sponsored by Ned R.
McWherter Fund. This is one of the highest awards that an FFA member can receive. Pooler
works at Tri-Turf Sod Farm in Paris. He has worked in this position for a number of
years where he continues to expand his roles on the farm.
Pooler takes part in all aspects of the operation including cutting, mowing, installation, and hauling just to name a few.
Through his placement, he has had the opportunity to install sod in such areas as
Nissan Stadium, Gaylord Opryland Golf Course, Discovery Park and others. The turf
that is grown on the farm will be utilized in athletic fields, residential lawns, and
businesses all throughout the state.
Pooler is a 2019 graduate of Henry County High School where he served as an officer and integral member of the Paris FFA chapter. He is the son of Jason and Tina Pooler. He will take part in a virtual Star tour where he will meet with business and industry leaders all throughout Tennessee, and he will receive a cash award of over $2000. Pooler plans to continue working at Tri-Turf where
he can learn more about the business in hopes to eventually take over as owner in the
future.
Star Greenhand Award sponsored by Farm Credit Mid America given to Clay Bush represented West
Tennessee as the regional winner. He will receive $250 and a plaque for being named
the West Tennessee winner.
Proficiency Awards: Paris FFA had 11 West Tennessee Winners with eight of those
being named state champions.
1. Kara Barnhart- Ag Education, Regional Winner
2. Coty Buckley- Dairy Production Placement- State Winner
3. Gage Sherrod- Ag Services-Regional Winner
4. Dalton Paschall- Forage Production- State Winner
5. Ben Hayes- Agriscience Integrated Research- State Winner
6. Christian Hawbaker- Agrisicience Plant Systems Research- Regional Winner
7. Charlie Morton- Ag Sales Entrepreneurship- State Winner
8. Blake Kennedy- Fruit Production- State Winner
9. Brody Flippin- Wildlife Production and Management- State Winner
10.Clay Bush- Ag Mechanics Repair and Maintenance- State Winner
11.Addison Delaney- Beef Production Placement- State Winner
Caroline Gurton retired as the 2019-2020 Tennessee FFA West TN State Vice
President. She has been serving over the last year as a state officer for 14,000
Tennessee FFA members. Caroline also followed a tradition of retiring state FFA
officers by becoming a lifetime member of the National FFA alumni.
Kara Barnhart represented the Paris FFA chapter as a state FFA officer candidate.
State FFA Degree Recipients: Christian Hawbaker, Alyvia Taylor, Jacob Pooler, Elijah
Bruce, Kara Barnhart, Gage Sherrod, Craig Anderson, Britain Hutson, Charlie Morton,
Rachel Mitchell.
Additional details: Lakewood Middle FFA was named as one of the two state winners for
the Tennessee Farm Bureau Member Benefits Fill a Ford with Food program. They
received an Orca cooler for their award.
Advisor Ryan Inman said, “I am extremely proud of all the hard work of the members of Paris
FFA. Members continually show out each year at convention. While this year has
certainly been different, the members’ passion for agriculture and the FFA is shining as
bright as ever.”
In addition to Inman Paris FFA Advisors are Laura Moss and Chance Young.