Tyrone FFA wins at states, sights set on nationals
Courtesy photo Participants in the 2026 Summer FFA State Convention are (from left): Cassidy Fleck, Bailey Woomer, Aubrey Biter, Josie Dicken, John Eaken, Abby Lucas, Madisen Jones, Wyatt Walls, Paige Hoy, Carlie Nowlin and Leanne Clark.
Proficiency and agriscience winners finalist are (from left): Ryleigh Holmes, Jannice Gilliland, Alyssa Houck, Cassidy Fleck and Paige Hoy.
Courtesy photo Participants in the 2026 Summer FFA State Convention are (from left): Cassidy Fleck, Bailey Woomer, Aubrey Biter, Josie Dicken, John Eaken, Abby Lucas, Madisen Jones, Wyatt Walls, Paige Hoy, Carlie Nowlin and Leanne Clark.
Proficiency and agriscience winners finalist are (from left): Ryleigh Holmes, Jannice Gilliland, Alyssa Houck, Cassidy Fleck and Paige Hoy.
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The Tyrone Area FFA chapter achieved remarkable success at the 97th Pennsylvania FFA State Convention, held June 9-11 at the Bryce Jordan Center, State College, earning top honors and statewide recognition.
Most notably, the chapter received the National Chapter Award, placing second in Pennsylvania and securing a spot for national recognition at the National FFA Convention.
Tyrone Area FFA members demonstrated excellence across multiple Career Development Events (CDEs).
The Meats Evaluation and Technology team, consisting of Cassidy Fleck, Bailey Woomer, John Eaken and Josie Dicken, with Wyatt Walls serving as alternate, earned first place in the state.
The competition required participants to evaluate beef carcasses, complete a comprehensive knowledge exam and identify numerous retail meat cuts.
Their victory qualifies them to represent Pennsylvania at the National FFA Convention Oct. 21-24 in Indianapolis.
The Floriculture CDE team, made up of Carlie Nowlin, Madisen Jones, Paige Hoy, and Abby Lucas, also performed strongly, placing fifth out of 32 teams statewide.
Floriculture involves cultivating flowering and ornamental plants for gardens and the floral industry, encompassing greenhouse and field production, garden center management, and floral design. The event also tests individual members' employment readiness, plant identification and maintenance and sales practices.
Individual results further highlighted the chapter's success. In the Meats Evaluation and Technology CDE, Cassidy Fleck placed second, Bailey Woomer third, John Eaken sixth, Josie Dicken 14th of 44 competitors.
In the Floriculture CDE, Carlie Nowlin earned third place, Paige Hoy ninth, out of 112 participants.
Leanne Clark represented Tyrone in the Dairy Cattle Handling CDE, placing sixth out of 22 competitors who had to pre-qualify in May for this event.
Tyrone Area FFA members also excelled in Agriscience Fair competitions. Students developed and presented research projects to a panel of judges, demonstrating their dedication to scientific inquiry.
Paige Hoy, Cassidy Fleck, Frances Weaver and Ryleigh Holmes each earned first place in their respective categories and will advance to compete at the national level.
In addition, several members were recognized as proficiency winners and will represent Pennsylvania nationally: Alyssa Houck in Goat Production Entrepreneurship, Frances Weaver in Agricultural Education Placement and Paige Hoy in Integrated Research.
Janice Gilliland was also recognized as a finalist for her Diversified Livestock program.
Leadership was further demonstrated by chapter delegate Aubrey Biter, who served as the voice of Tyrone Area FFA members during the convention.
In this role, she participated in voting on organizational policies, recommending initiatives and helping guide the future direction of the National FFA Organization.
Agricultural adviser Tiffany Hoy reflected on the experience, stating, "What an amazing three days with FFA members who showed great integrity, professionalism and sportsmanship. We created many memories as a group, from early morning breakfasts to late-night card games. The chapter now turns its focus to preparing these teams and individuals for national competition.
"Members will begin fundraising efforts to support their journey while dedicating extensive time to studying and refining their skills for the next level."
The Tyrone Area FFA Chapter will also be submitting a National Chapter Award application, an honor extended to only the top 10 percent of chapters within the state.
The chapter was recognized as the second overall chapter at the state convention, reflecting the strength of its programming and member involvement.
Evaluation for this award is based on the 15 National Quality Standards established by the National FFA Organization.
To meet and exceed these standards, Tyrone Area FFA members lead more than 15 student-driven committees focused on chapter growth, leadership and community impact.