March 27, 2019 – The Sulphur Springs FFA Agriculture Mechanics Show team has had a successful show season this year.
Overall, five projects built by 12 students were exhibited at five shows: the State Fair of Texas, Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, San Angelo Livestock Show and Rodeo, NETLA Ag Mechanics Show and Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.
All the projects exhibited received a blue ribbon at every show, and two projects placed in their respective classes. A blue ribbon is awarded to projects that earn at least 90 out of a possible 100 points when being judged. Also notable is the fact that two of the ag mechanics students were involved with two projects that earned recognition at competition.
Austin Crouse and Haydan Keller’s Western themed bench placed third in a class of more than 30 at the State Fair of Texas.
Cameron Zahn, Noah Hemby and Kaleb Mills placed fifth in class at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo with their 27-foot gooseneck hay trailer.
Also recognized for the effort and hard work they put forth to construct quality projects which won blue ribbons were Jermond Bryant, Shane Gilbert and Colby Pace for their 10-foot welding trailer; Lucas Johnson, Nathan Keller and Jose Santacruz for their chop saw table; and Haydan Keller, George Greenway and Austin Crouse for their front end loader platform.
“We would like to congratulate these students on their success,” SSHS FFA Advisor and ag mechanics teacher J.T. Luper.
The Sulphur Springs agricultural mechanics and welding classes are now preparing for a busy spring filled with various welding contests, including build-offs, certification contests and a the new Area VI FFA Career Development Event of welding and fabrication, according to Looper.
Contests of this nature are designed to challenge students’ skill directly in competition against students from all sizes of schools. Competitors are required to exercise their knowledge and skills in simulated real life scenarios with the potential prizes including certifications.
“We are also enthused to host our annual BBQ Build-off on May 10. We would like to take a moment to thank our sponsors from last year which include Seitz Fundraising, Matheson Tri-Gas, Guaranty Bank and Trust, Alliance Bank and Northeast Texas Farmers Co-op. Without their support the contest would not have been the success it was. We would also like to thank the support from our community which contributes greatly to our success,” Luper said.
