CHARLES TOWN, WV — Washington High School FFA members and their chapter earned national recognition during the 99th National FFA Convention & Expo, held October 21–24, 2026, in Indianapolis, Indiana. In addition to celebrating individual and chapter achievements, members participated in agricultural tours, community service, career exploration, and leadership development opportunities throughout their six-day educational experience.
Washington FFA members Piper Stolipher, Abigail Lowe, and Emmalea McNeely attended the convention alongside advisor Katlin Grantham. Also joining the group were Shepherdstown Middle FFA member Gracie Lemaster and advisor Rylee Brown. Washington FFA members Mary Gruber and Odell Ware also attended the convention to receive national recognition.
Washington FFA earned the prestigious Three-Star Chapter rating through the National Chapter Award Program, the highest rating a chapter can receive at the national level. Washington FFA was one of only three chapters in West Virginia to earn this distinction, recognizing the chapter's commitment to developing student leaders, serving its community, and strengthening agriculture. Chapter President Piper Stolipher and member Emmalea McNeely accepted the award on behalf of Washington FFA during the convention's second general session. The National Chapter Award Program evaluates chapters on the quality and impact of their activities in three areas: growing leaders, building communities, and strengthening agriculture. Washington FFA's recognition reflects a year of student-led activities, community partnerships, agricultural education initiatives, and leadership opportunities that extend well beyond the classroom.
“National FFA Convention is a whirlwind of new experiences,” said Washington FFA member Emmalea McNeely. “Whether you're exploring the Career Show, attending workshops, or participating in community service, you're constantly learning and developing new skills. I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to travel to Indianapolis and connect with FFA members from across the country who share my interests and passions. It truly was an amazing experience.”
Two Washington FFA members, Mary Gruber and Odell Ware, received the American FFA Degree, the highest degree attainable in the National FFA Organization. This prestigious honor recognizes members who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to their Supervised Agricultural Experiences (SAEs), leadership development, community involvement, and agricultural education. Earning the American FFA Degree represents years of dedication, hard
work, and achievement. Less than one percent of FFA members across the country receive this honor.
Ware also earned a Gold rating at the national level for his Beef Production Placement proficiency award application. His recognition highlights the knowledge, skills, and experience developed through his SAE at Audley Farm, where he gained extensive hands-on experience in beef cattle production and management.
The educational experiences began well before members arrived in Indianapolis, with two days of tours and visits connecting classroom instruction to real-world industries. At Stoney Run Farms in McGaheysville, Virginia, students toured a 3,000-head dairy operation featuring a rotary milking parlor and learned how technology is improving production efficiency and reducing labor requirements. An unexpected stop at a historical marker provided an opportunity to explore the early history of the National FFA Organization. Students also traveled 125 feet underground at the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine to learn about West Virginia's coal mining heritage and the challenging conditions faced by early miners. A visit to the Wildlife & Discovery Center of West Virginia introduced members to reptile and amphibian rescue, rehabilitation, and animal adaptations.
The following day, students visited Kentucky State University's Research Farm, where they learned about agricultural research, education, and community outreach initiatives. At Taylor Made Farm, a Thoroughbred horse operation encompassing more than 1,600 acres and housing approximately 700–800 horses, members explored equine management and reproductive technologies. Among the innovations discussed was the use of solar-powered blue-light devices to simulate extended daylight and encourage earlier reproductive activity in broodmares. The group also toured Indiana Caverns, exploring underground geological formations and natural history before arriving in Indianapolis.
During the convention, students explored the National FFA Career Show and Expo, where they connected with agricultural businesses, colleges, and industry representatives from across the country. Members interviewed exhibitors, learned about emerging agricultural technologies, and explored educational and career opportunities while developing professional communication and networking skills.
Students also participated in the National FFA Day of Service at People for Urban Progress (PUP), an Indianapolis-based organization dedicated to sustainability and creative reuse. PUP repurposes discarded materials, including event banners and building materials, into functional products such as bags and accessories. Working alongside FFA members from three other states, students spent the afternoon cleaning and organizing a warehouse to assist the organization in
preparing for its relocation to a new facility in downtown Indianapolis. The experience emphasized the importance of service, teamwork, and environmental responsibility.
Another highlight of the convention was a Career Success Tour of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department's Mounted Patrol Unit. During the visit, members learned about the department's community outreach initiatives, daily care and management of police horses, and the responsibilities involved in maintaining its equine facilities. The tour demonstrated how knowledge and skills developed through agricultural education can be applied in careers beyond traditional agricultural industries.
Throughout the convention, students attended general sessions featuring inspirational speakers and national FFA officers, including keynote speaker Scott McKain and the retiring address of Eastern Region Vice President Joey Nowotny. Members also experienced Indianapolis beyond the convention center, attending Newfields' Harvest Nights event and the Three Hills Rodeo.
“National FFA Convention is the culmination of a year filled with hard work, dedication, and service,” said Washington FFA Advisor Katlin Grantham. “It is an opportunity for our members to step outside their classrooms and communities and realize they are part of something much bigger than themselves. The awards and recognitions celebrate what they have accomplished, but the experiences, connections, and opportunities are what inspire them to keep growing. My hope is that they return home with a greater sense of purpose, a commitment to serving others, and the confidence to become the leaders, dreamers, and thinkers of tomorrow.”
The national recognitions and educational experiences reflect the many opportunities available through agricultural education and FFA. From celebrating years of dedication and achievement to exploring innovative agricultural operations and serving communities, Washington FFA members returned home with new knowledge, experiences, and perspectives that will continue to shape their development as future leaders.
About Washington FFA
Washington FFA is part of the agricultural education program at Washington High School in Charles Town, West Virginia. Through classroom instruction, Supervised Agricultural Experiences, and FFA involvement, students develop the knowledge, leadership abilities, and practical skills necessary for success in agriculture and related careers.
