10/29/2026
New Lexington FFA Members 5th in the Nation
Last week, 19 New Lexington FFA students attended the 99th National FFA Convention and Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana along with over 70,000 other attendees. Students had the opportunity to not only bond as officers and members but to hear some amazing guest speakers, attend the career show and expo, and earn some prestigious awards at the National Level. New Lexington had two students take home 5th in the Nation for their Agriscience Fair project. Alex Thorngate and Wesley Friece earned first place in the state of Ohio last May with their project on students' perceptions of raw milk consumption while understanding the risks and benefits associated with it. This led them with an interview and presentation at Nationals in Indianapolis last week, where they ended up taking home the 5th place honor nationally. Additionally, New Lexington also had a student try out and be chosen for National FFA Talent. Evie Valentine was chosen among students from across the country who tried out for this competition. She was able to sing numerous songs all over downtown Indianapolis, including singing in the Arts Garden, Garage Food Hall, and the Indiana Convention Center Stage. Evie was the first student in New Lexington FFA history to represent our chapter at the National FFA Convention for talent. On the last day of convention, 5 of our New Lexington FFA Alumni received the honorable American FFA Degree. The American FFA Degree is bestowed on less than 1% of FFA members because the requirements are very rigorous. The following members earned this amazing achievement; Emily Anderson-Perani, Bethany Bailey, Reagan Gill, Megan Howdyshell, and Sydney Middaugh. Currently the National FFA Organization has more than 1 million student members and is the largest school related youth organization in the nation. New Lexington FFA is very proud of all of their members and their accomplishments.
