MACON, Ga. – Winners of the Environmental and Natural Resources Career Development Event (CDE) were recognized at the 96^th Georgia FFA State Convention held at the Macon Centreplex on April 25-27, 2024. 

In the senior division, Eric Ashworth of Banks County was the high scoring individual, followed by Ethan Bertram of Mary Persons and Autumn Smith of Mary Persons placing second and third respectively. The senior team state winner was Banks County, followed by Mary Persons in second place and Jefferson County in third. 

The junior division high individual was Ryan Bertram of Mary Persons, followed by Liam Parks of Mary Persons in second place and Catie Cochran of Banks County in third place. The junior team state winner was Mary Persons, with second place going to Pepperell and third place to Banks County.

CDE awards are granted to FFA members and teams who have exhibited premier leadership, personal growth and career success in a variety of competitions. The Environmental and Natural Resources CDE is a four-person team event, designed to help FFA members develop an understanding of our state’s natural resources, while allowing them to explore and prepare for possible careers in Natural Resources and Environmental Science. 

The Environmental and Natural Resources Career Development Event was sponsored by Mr. Bill Lott & The Harley Langdale Jr., Foundation.

All individual and team winners received a plaque and a cash award. Individual winners received $100. Second place individuals received $50, and the third place individuals received $25. The winning senior team was awarded $2,000 travel money to attend the National FFA Convention. Additionally, the advisor of the state winning team received a $100 cash award.

The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, changed its name in 1988 to reflect the growth and diversity of agriculture. There are nearly 940,000 FFA members nationwide. The Georgia Association has more than 80,000 members, making it the third largest Association in the nation. The 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.