Santa Fe High FFA Wins Gold Emblem at National FFA Convention

ALACHUA ‒ An FFA team from Santa Fe High School brought home a prestigious Gold Emblem from the National FFA Agricultural Issues Forum Leadership Development Event in Indianapolis. They joined only seven other teams nationwide in earning this top honor. This marks the first time since 1990 that Santa Fe High has achieved a gold-level emblem in a leadership development event.

The team, consisting of students Taylor Batten, Leila Ceilley, Savannah Eckert, Bryli Kuhn, Layla Parris, Alana Seals, and Taylor Trosper, presented on the agricultural impacts of bottled water in their local community. Their presentation addressed complex issues related to water resources, farming, and environmental impacts—a topic they explored through extensive research and multiple community forums.

The students presented to stakeholders including the Alachua County Farm Bureau, the Alachua County Department of Environmental Protection, and the Florida Springs Institute, refining their topic through community feedback.

To reach the national stage, the team first secured a win at the state competition in June, which qualified them to compete against the nation’s best FFA teams. In Indianapolis, they defended their research in front of a panel of expert judges, answering audience questions with poise.

Brian Skipper, the FFA sponsor and director of Santa Fe High’s Academy of Veterinary Assisting, praised the team’s dedication. “The students put in countless hours researching, creating a script, and practicing answering questions for this event,” said Skipper. “Because of this contest, they are all able to find reliable sources on topics, speak in front of large groups, and write academic papers.

Skipper added that these experiences would serve students well into their futures, preparing them to become informed, active citizens. The Santa Fe High FFA chapter’s success in the competition is a testament to the students' dedication and the strong agricultural education program at the school.

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