MACON, Ga. – Winners of the Outdoor Recreation Proficiency were recognized at the 95^th Georgia FFA State Convention held at the Macon Centreplex on April 27-29, 2023. 

Connor Stafford of Northwest Whitfeild placed first in the proficiency competition. Placing second was Silas Smith of Pelham and Hailey Batchelor of Pike County finished third. 

Proficiency awards are granted to FFA members who have excelled in their Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE). Outdoor Recreation Proficiency students gain valuable knowledge through their participation in activities for careers where the primary focus is income-producing enterprises from recreational land use. 

The Outdoor Recreation Proficiency was sponsored at the state and national level by Yamaha Motor Corp U.S.A.

All proficiency winners received a plaque and a cash award. State winners receive $100, as well as $500 travel money to attend the National FFA Convention. Additionally, the advisor of the state winner received $100 cash. Second place winners received $50, and third place winners received $25. 

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. 

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