MACON, Ga. – Winners of the Horticulture Middle School Record Book Competition were recognized at the 95^th Georgia FFA State Convention held at the Macon Centreplex on April 27-29, 2023. 

The Area 1 winner was Sam Gibbs of Central Middle. Joel Martin Matias of H A Wilbanks Middle took honors in Area 2. Kade Eberhand of Bonaire Middle was the winner in Area 3. The Area 4 winner was Jay Smith of Screven Middle. Alexander Garcia of Eight Street Middle was the winner in Area 5. Katelyn Richardson of Hahira Middle took honors in Area 6. Alexander Garcia of Eight Street Middle was the state winner in the competition.

The Middle School Record Book award program encourages students to begin and maintain a Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project and keep accurate, detailed records. In the area of Horticulture, students own their own business, work for someone, or do research on efficiently producing and marketing in areas such Floriculture, Greenhouse Management, Landscape Management, Nursery Operations, or Turf Grass Management. 

Each area winner received a plaque and a $50 cash award. The state winner received a plaque and an additional $100 cash award. The advisor of the state winner also received a $100 cash award.

The Middle School Record Book Award in the area of Horticulture was sponsored by Color Burst.

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 860,000 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. 

###