WaHi FFA State Convention Highlights
May 14-16, 2026
The Washington FFA Association Convention and Expo proved to be a highly successful and memorable experience for the Walla Walla FFA Chapter, as students earned recognition in leadership development events, proficiency awards, and chapter accomplishments. Members were afforded the opportunity to compete, participate in leadership sessions, network with chapters from across the state, and celebrate the achievements of agricultural education students throughout Washington.
Among the chapter’s highest honors, Jaycee Cox was named the state winner in the Sheep Proficiency Award category. The chapter also recognized six members who were awarded the prestigious Washington FFA State Degree: Makenna Wright, Aaden Repoff, Ellie Ford, Baylee Appleford, Teegan Timmons, and Hagen Taylor. Additionally, the Walla Walla FFA Chapter received the 100% Membership Award, reflecting the chapter’s exceptional student involvement and strong commitment to FFA participation.
Several teams and individuals represented Walla Walla in career and leadership development events during the convention. Participants in the First Year Member competition included Ava Filan, Calli Buroker, Aubree Buroker, Carter Bishop, Miles Grimes, Nolan Aldrich, Jenna Hutchins, and Jayden Swank. Competitors in the Farm Business Management CDE included Makenna Wright, Aaden Repoff, Ellie Strickland, and Teegan Timmons. The Agricultural Communications team consisted of Kinzey Appleford, Baylee Appleford, Ellie Edwards, and Kaiya Witcher. Kinzey Appleford and Madison Doyle earned fourth place in the state Scrapbook competition, while the Agricultural Issues Forum team—comprised of Ellie Ford, Breanna Sweeney, Natalie Taylor, Kelli Taylor, Lyndsey Groat, Azul Munoz, and Madison Doyle—placed fifth overall. The chapter also secured fifth place in the National Chapter Award competition, represented by Kiauna Snyder, Raegan Leiferman, and Colt Clemens. The following teams and individuals were recognized on stage for their placement at pre-convention state competitions: the Livestock Evaluation and Horse Evaluation teams, Raegan Leiferman for placing individually in Livestock Evaluation, Carter Bishop for placing in the Ag Tools and Materials CDE, and Riley Lemma, Aaden Repoff, and Gianna Goff for their placements in the Agriscience Research Fair. Advisors Peggy Payne, Jennifer Crane, Kirsten Gilbert, and Jessica Johnson jointly advise the chapter and guide students within their activities. Overall, the convention highlighted the hard work, dedication, and leadership demonstrated by Walla Walla FFA members and advisors throughout the year.
