GATLINBURG, TN (WGNS) - The 98th Tennessee FFA (Future Farmers of America) State Convention wrapped-up this past week in Gatlinburg and Oakland High School’s FFA chapter earned top honors. The Patriot's had exceptional achievement across leadership, agriscience, and career development events during the March 22 - 25, 2026 event. Leading the chapter’s accomplishments, Annabelle Alexis was elected as the 2026–2027 Tennessee FFA State Treasurer, serving more than 34,303 FFA members statewide. Emma Millican was named the Tennessee FFA Star in Agriscience, one of the organization’s highest individual honors. In total, Oakland FFA earned 13 state wins, six state runner-up finishes, and 19 State FFA Degrees, reflecting the strength and depth of the program.
STATE CHAMPIONS
Agriscience Fair: Emma Goff — Food Products & Processing Systems, Division 5 Emma Millican — Social Science Systems, Division 5 Mary Redmon — Social Science Systems, Division 3 Faith Lin & Zoey Duong — Plant Systems, Division 6 Madison Rich — Plant Systems, Division 5 Addison Brinkley & Sophia Cazare — Plant Systems, Division 4 Kennedy Lewis & Abby DeBerry — Social Science Systems, Division 6 Sam Johnson & Alyssa King — Animal Systems, Division 6 Sarah Wheaton — Environmental Services/Natural Resource Systems, Division 5
Employment Skills: Emma Millican
Proficiency Awards: Emma Millican — Agriscience Research Integrated Luke Carlton — Forage Production
STATE RUNNERS-UP
Agriscience Fair: Kayden Gipson — Food Products & Processing Systems, Division 3 Annabelle Alexis — Animal Systems, Division 5
Agricultural Sales: Abby DeBerry, Brylee Rogers, Annabelle Alexis, Keiston Stewart
Agricultural Issues Forum: Lila Wells, Devin Weaver, Sam Johnson, Emma Goff, Kennedy Lewis, Kennedy Fann, Brylee Rogers
Extemporaneous Speaking: Abby DeBerry
Bull Pen: Lexie Bozman & Keiston Stewart
ADDITIONAL STATE HONORS
Parliamentary Procedure — 4th in State: Kenzie McCoy, Abby DeBerry, Kennedy Lewis, Brylee Rogers, Emma Goff, Annabelle Alexis
Environmental & Natural Resources — 4th in State: Gabriel Ertl, Gabriel McLean, Sarah Wheaton, Noah Bradford
State Competitors: Quiz Bowl — Brittyn Corlew, Katherine Allen, Allison Parker, Sophia Gordillo Food Science — Kayden Gipson, Charlotte Huggins, Kylie Lewis, Easton Wolfenbarger Agricultural Education — Sophie Markos
In addition to competitive success, Devin Weaver was selected to perform on stage during the Tennessee State FFA Convention, representing Oakland FFA through his musical talent in front of thousands of attendees.
The chapter celebrated 19 students earning the Tennessee FFA State Degree, the highest degree awarded at the state level: Sarah Bueche, Elizabeth Simon, Madison Rich, Annabelle Alexis, Kenzie McCoy, Rogen Hayes, Andrew Gill, Lexie Bozman, Faith Lin, Ryan Campbell, Sarah Wheaton, Jacob Holmes, Taylor Ellis, Abby DeBerry, Jack Goodman, Keiston Stewart, Emma Millican, Bella Brandon, and Colten Pedigo.
“This week is why we do what we do,” said agricultural educator Caitlin LaLiberte. “Watching these students walk across that stage, hearing their names called, and knowing the hours, growth, and heart behind every single accomplishment—it’s something you can’t put into words. I am incredibly proud of who they are, not just for what they achieved, but for the way they represent Oakland with integrity, work ethic, and genuine care for each other.”
Oakland FFA is led by agricultural education instructors and advisors Caitlin LaLiberte, Sam Luker, Dr. James Scott, Dr. Gina Stewart, and Bridget Vaughn, whose mentorship continues to support student success in leadership, career readiness, and agricultural education.
The Tennessee FFA Convention also provided students with opportunities to attend leadership workshops, participate in general sessions, and engage with peers from across the state, reinforcing FFA’s mission of premier leadership, personal growth, and career success.
