For 89 years, the Mechanicsburg FFA chapter has been shaping students into leaders — not just in agriculture, but in life.
Founded in 1937, the chapter now includes 80 members and has built a reputation as one of the most successful programs in Ohio. But ask the students and advisors what matters most, and they’ll tell you it’s not just the banners — it’s the growth, the friendships, and the community impact.
A Week of Celebration
That spirit was on full display during National FFA Week, celebrated February 21–28.
Students kicked off the week on Monday by serving breakfast to school staff and wearing burgundy and FFA gear. Tuesday’s Alumni Day brought a nostalgic touch, with members sporting their parents’ old FFA jackets and memorabilia while participating in trivia.
Wednesday focused on teacher appreciation, complete with gifts and even a cornhole tournament where students dressed like their favorite ag teachers. Thursday marked the start of an official dress drive — a Red vs. Green competition — aimed at filling a closet for those in need.
The week wraps up today, Friday, with Wear Blue Day and pedal tractor races, a fun nod to the organization’s agricultural roots.
The Chapter is also holding a cornhole tournament with all of its students and faculty for a fun way to bond and grow in a competitve environment.
The week marks a celebration of pride, service, and tradition — values the chapter works to uphold year-round.
Dominating in the “Big Three”
Mechanicsburg’s agricultural strength centers on dairy, livestock, and meat judging — and the results speak loudly.
Meat Judging has been a powerhouse in recent years:
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2025 State Champions and 9th at National Convention
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2024 State Champions and 4th at National Convention
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2023 State Runner-up (Denver trip)
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2022 State Runner-up (earning a trip to the National Western Stock Show in Denver)
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2021 State Champions and National Gold-Rated Team
Dairy Judging has also reached national and international levels:
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2025 State 4th Place and Runner-up at Eastern States Expo
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2024 4th place at the Royal Highland Show in Edinburgh, Scotland
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2023 State Champion at National Convention
Livestock Judging continues to climb:
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2024 State 6th
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2023 State Runner-up
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2022 State 9th
From Denver to Arizona, and even Scotland and Ireland, the chapter has become well-traveled — expanding students’ horizons far beyond Champaign County.
Scotland Dairy Team (Left to right) Lilly Marsh, Faith Ford, Ella Conley, and Katie Haynes
Degrees of Distinction
The chapter’s individual accomplishments are equally impressive.
In the past five years, dozens of students have earned State Degrees, including 11 in 2026 alone. They are as follows: Haley Alty, Mason Bandy, Mia Conley, Clara Forrest, Taylor Heizer, Ethan Hodge, Daltyn Hurst, Sydnee Hurst, Lexi Poland, Colton Salyers, and Colton Thomas.
Seven students earned the prestigious award in 2025.
The prestigious American Degree — FFA’s highest honor — has also been awarded to multiple Mechanicsburg members, with two students, Myah Bandy and Darby Ayars, set to receive it in 2026.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Recently, the chapter partnered with the Champaign Soil & Water Conservation District to establish a school farm south of town — creating even more hands-on opportunities.
Students regularly visit farms and agricultural businesses for real-world experience. They practice judging multiple times a week and often give up classroom time to compete. In leadership development, they prepare real resumes and cover letters, sharpen public speaking skills and participate in mock job interviews.
Advisor Victoria Beckner says the ultimate goal isn’t just competitive success.
“We want to make good, kind people and active members in the community,” Beckner said. “We want them to use classroom knowledge in the real world and apply it no matter what they do in life.”
Advisor Cole Riddle echoes that sentiment.
“The more you do, the better your experience will be,” he said. “You’ll learn more and be able to apply more. We want people to look at our students and say, ‘Wow — those are great kids.’”
Both advisors speak on the work the students put in every day and talk about what FFA mean to them.
More Than Winning
While state championships and national placements bring recognition, students say the deeper rewards come from personal growth and shared experiences.
The chapter emphasizes stepping outside of comfort zones, embracing hard work and valuing the journey as much as the outcome. Members see banners and trophies as symbols of effort, but believe the memories and lessons learned carry far more lasting meaning.
Students describe a tight-knit culture rooted in strong community support. Volunteer coaches dedicate their time, families are invited to observe practices and see animals firsthand, and friendships extend beyond the school to connections across the state and country.
For many, the hands-on experiences and sense of belonging make high school more meaningful than simply attending classes and going home each day.
That is especially true for Chapter President Eli Wilson and Vice President Sophia Pullins. They speak on how FFA has shaped them and what makes Mechanicsburg a special community.
Rooted in Community
That community connection was evident earlier this month when the chapter hosted a Farmers Appreciation Night during a basketball game against Urbana, handing out goodie bags in thanks for local agricultural support. The chapter also received a $3,500 Chapter Success Grant this year and recently restored a tractor — another nod to its agricultural heritage.
After nearly nine decades, Mechanicsburg FFA continues to grow, compete, and serve. But more importantly, it continues to build something lasting — confident leaders, meaningful relationships, and a culture that makes students proud to wear the blue jacket.
And in Mechanicsburg, that legacy is not slowing down anytime soon.
