Ephrata FFA teams shine at state competition
Ephrata High School's FFA program had a standout weekend at the Washington FFA Career Development Events, with two teams placing among the top finishers, during the state level competition held Saturday, March 14 at Snohomish High School.
SNOHOMISH — Ephrata High School's FFA program had a standout weekend at the Washington FFA Career Development Events, with two teams placing among the top finishers, during the state level competition held Saturday, March 14 at Snohomish High School.
And that was after an eight-hour commute to get there. Heavy weekend snow and an I-90 closure on Snoqualmie Pass turned the trip into an adventure before the competition even began. But once there, the Tigers delivered.
Ephrata's "Intro to Horticulture" team won first place out of six teams, led by Chloe Ballinger, who posted the highest individual score in the state. Ellie Kono placed fifth individually and Madison Booth sixth. Hesston Downs and Rhylee Carlson also competed.
The EHS "Floriculture" team finished sixth out of 24 teams statewide. Tessa Hausken was the top individual finisher, placing 11th among 110 competitors. Molly Coomes finished 19th and Hannah Fitts 43rd. Maria Farias Castaneda and Maddy Drake also competed.
Both events tested students on plant identification, industry knowledge, and hands-on skills. Floriculture adds practical components including flower arranging and corsage design.
EHS agriculture education teacher Meagan Haight said the students put in months of preparation: giving up lunches, coming in early, staying late and working through TIGER Monday classes.
Both teams will be recognized at the Washington FFA State Convention in Pullman in May, but Haight said the program has its sights set higher.
"We will continue to learn and grow as a team and strive for that No. 1 title in the future," she said.
