Cincinnatus FFA Excels at the 2026 NYS FFA Convention

The Cincinnatus FFA Chapter recently traveled to Buffalo to compete, learn and explore at the 2026 New York State FFA Convention. The event provided students with opportunities to showcase their skills, gain leadership experience and celebrate the accomplishments of agricultural education programs across the state.
For the first time since the chapter was rechartered in 2020 six Cincinnatus FFA members received the prestigious Empire Degree — the highest degree a student can earn in New York State FFA. Congratulations to Camryn, Natalie, Addison, Aubrey, Olivia and Jazemin on this outstanding achievement.
Seventeen members represented Cincinnatus in a variety of Career and Leadership Development Events throughout the convention.
Competition Highlights & Awards
- Veterinary Science CDE: Summer, Natalie, Rowan and Morgan competed in the Veterinary Science Career Development Event.
- Maple CDE: Ryan, Addison, Bryce, and William competed in the Maple Career Development Event, which focuses on maple production in New York State.
- Quiz Bowl Semi-Finalists: Alexis, Greta, Tyler and Charitti advanced to the semi-finals in Quiz Bowl, marking the farthest a Cincinnatus team has ever advanced in the competition.
- Agricultural Education CDE: Aubrey competed in the Agricultural Education Career Development Event by teaching a lesson on how technology impacts the business sector of agriculture.
- Junior Tool Identification: William and Zander participated in Junior Tool Identification.
- Prepared Public Speaking – Top 6 in New York State:
Maci advanced to the state level after:- Placing 1st out of 40 competitors at the district 7 contest
- Winning the Central Substate competition against 17 competitors
- Finishing in the Top 6 in New York State with a speech on xenotransplantation
- Jersey Dairy Breed Award – 1st Place:
Camryn Crothers earned 1st place for the Jersey Dairy Breed Award through her SAE project. The award recognizes students with outstanding projects within each dairy breed. - Marketing Team – 3rd Overall:
Competing for the first time, Camryn, Maci and Maudi earned 3rd overall with their presentation on Trinity Valley. Special thanks go to Trinity Valley for providing promotional materials to support the presentation. - Agriscience Plant Systems – 2nd Place:
Charitti and Alexis earned 2nd place in their division for their Agriscience Plant Systems project, which explored how different types of cow manure affect plant growth.
Student Leadership
Three students also served as official delegates representing the Cincinnatus FFA Chapter:
- Hannah
- Ruby
- Jazemin
The delegates attended committee meetings, participated in the business session, and helped elect the next District President while contributing to decisions that will shape the future of New York State FFA.
We are proud of the Cincinnatus FFA and all the students who competed, represented the school community and contributed to the continued success of the organization.
End-of-the-Year Banquet
The Cincinnatus FFA Chapter invites families, friends, and community members to celebrate the year’s accomplishments at the End-of-the-Year Banquet on June 9th.
- Social reception in the cafeteria begins at 5:30 p.m.
- Awards ceremony begins promptly at 6:15 p.m. in the auditorium.
All are welcome to attend. Questions may be directed to Mrs. Gates at mgates@cc.cnyric.org.
