MARTIN, TN – Paris FFA took home first place honors in the Tennessee Future Farmers of America (FFA) State Veterinary Science competition earlier this month. The competition was hosted on the University of Tennessee at Martin campus and 26 FFA chapters from each of the three regions participated. 

Paris FFA of Henry County High School was represented by team members: Murray Perkins, Katie Plowman, Emily Rose, and Ashton Thompson. The chapter’s advisor are Tommy Barrow, Laura Moss, and Zach Presley. Paris will represent Tennessee at the National FFA Convention in October and compete against other state winning teams for the national title. 

Veterinary Science competitors completed a written exam that determined the team members’ broad understanding of the veterinary science field; completed an identification round that consisted of equipment ID, parasite ID, and breed ID. Teams also participated in a math practicum that included conversions, dose calculations, dilutions, cost calculations, and invoices. The top ten teams then participated in a mock veterinary scenario to determine the state winner. 

The winner of the Eastern Region was the Cocke County FFA Chapter. The Middle Region was won by the Cookeville FFA Chapter, which also placed second overall. 

FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. Nationally, there are 610,240 FFA members, aged 12-21. The Tennessee FFA Association is comprised of more than 13,000 members from 214 high school chapters, seven middle school chapters, and eight collegiate chapters across the state of Tennessee.

Photo caption: Paris FFA members are all smiles after winning the State Veterinary Science competition. (L-R) Emily Rose, Murray Perkins, Ashton Thompson, and Katie Plowman