FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT: Tanya Arja or Debra Bellanti
Hillsborough County Public Schools
Office of Communications
813-272-4060
Tampa, Fl. (November 4, 2025) – Hillsborough County Public Schools (HCPS) congratulates our outstanding Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapters and members for their exceptional performances at the 2025 National FFA Convention held October 29 to November 1 in Indianapolis. From top-tier chapter recognitions to national finalists and podium finishes, HCPS students showcased premier skills in agricultural leadership and communications.
HCPS FFA National Recognitions:
Plant City FFA — Gold Emblem Award and 9th Place Overall in the National Agricultural Communications Career Development Events (CDE)
Durant FFA and Randall Middle FFA both earned the Three-Star National Chapter Award
Sickles FFA earned the Two-Star National Chapter Award
Extemporaneous Public Speaking:
Cooper Davis, Durant FFA won the Extemporaneous Public Speaking Leadership Development Events (LDE) Semi-Finalist and Gold Emblem Award
Durant Senior FFA — Silver Emblem Award in the National Nursery Landscape (CDE)
Strawberry Crest FFA — Gold Emblem Award and Reserve National Champion in the National Environmental Science (CDE)
JF St. Martin, Durant FFA — Semi-Finalist in the National Conduct of Chapter Meetings (LDE)
Jaden Ausburn, Strawberry Crest FFA (Class of 2025) — 9th highest individual in the Nation in the Environmental and Natural Resources (CDE)
Imogen Lanzetta, Florida Virtual FFA — National Winner in the Small Animal Production & Care Proficiency Award category
“Our FFA students just proved on a national stage what focused instruction, dedicated advisors, and hands-on learning can do,” said Superintendent Van Ayres. “We are incredibly proud of these students and the educators who support them every day.”
HCPS offers robust agricultural education opportunities across middle and high schools, connecting students to industry certifications, college credit, and leadership experiences through FFA.
Learn more about the programs available at HCPS: Career and Technical Education | Hillsborough County Public Schools.
