During the opening session of the 97th Kentucky FFA State Convention, held June 9–11, 2026, at the Central Bank Center in Lexington, Glasgow High School was formally recognized as an official Kentucky FFA chapter. Pictured accepting the chapter charter on stage are (from left) student member Diya Nair, chapter president Noah Morgan and advisor Mattea Wyatt. Photo courtesy of Glasgow FFA
By CHRIS HOUCHENS
GlasgowNews1
The 97th Kentucky FFA State Convention, held June 9-11, 2026 at the Central Bank Center in Lexington, marked a milestone moment for local agricultural education in Glasgow and Barren County. Together, the convention highlighted two different but connected stories for local FFA programs with one chapter celebrating its official charter and another continuing a decades-long legacy of agricultural leadership and achievement.
Glasgow High School FFA
For Glasgow High School FFA, the convention represented a historic beginning. While the chapter began in the fall of 2025 and has already been active in FFA activities, Glasgow High School was formally recognized as an official Kentucky FFA chapter during the opening session of the state convention. Chapter President Noah Morgan, student member Diya Nair and advisor Mattea Wyatt accepted the charter on stage.
The designation officially establishes the Scotties’ presence in an organization that has shaped agricultural leadership across Kentucky for generations. Historically known as Future Farmers of America, FFA operates in middle and high schools with a focus on agricultural education, leadership and personal growth. The organization officially changed its name to the National FFA Organization to reflect the diversity and broad scope of modern agriculture, including science, business and technology.
The newly formed Glasgow High School chapter also celebrated competitive success during its first state convention appearance, with Diya Nair earning third place in the state in Poultry Public Speaking.
Barren County High School FFA
During the 97th Kentucky FFA State Convention, held June 9–11, 2026, at the Central Bank Center in Lexington, members of the Barren County High School FFA chapter competed in several contests and participated in a variety of convention activities. Photo courtesy of Barren County FFA.
The Barren County chapter brought more than 20 members to the convention to represent both the chapter and the Barren River Region in contests and leadership events. The chapter again earned Gold Emblem Chapter recognition, one of the organization’s highest honors recognizing chapter excellence.
Several Barren County members captured top finishes in statewide competition.
Jonna Ford claimed first place in the Agriscience Fair Animal Systems Division 5 and will advance to the national convention in Indianapolis. Addison Bow and Bridgette Smith also earned a first-place finish in Food Products and Processing, Division 6, advancing to nationals.
Barren County’s Ag Sales team made up of Adeline Coleman, Aleigha Nuetzman, AnneClaire Garmon and Briley Creekmore earned second place with a Superior Rating, while the Ag Quiz Bowl team of Addy Allen, Briley Creekmore, Ella Hoggard and Holland Kelsay finished third in the state.
Ford also earned a third-place finish in Sheep and Goat Prepared Speech, while Kinley Allen placed fifth in the FFA Quiz competition. Other Barren County students competed in events ranging from parliamentary procedure and prepared speaking contests to employability skills and agriscience competitions.
Chapter members Addy Allen, Jonna Ford, Alana Houchens, Jay Houchens, Holland Kelsay, Kyra Moore, and Brooklyn Russell earned the prestigious Kentucky FFA State Degree.
The Barren County chapter also celebrated leadership representation as Holland Kelsay was a state officer candidate and BCHS alumnus Matthew Estes concluded his term as Kentucky FFA State Vice President for 2025–26.
KEY FACTS
– Glasgow High School FFA received its official Kentucky FFA chapter charter at the 97th state convention in Lexington.
– Glasgow member Diya Nair placed third in the state in Poultry Public Speaking.
– Barren County earned Gold Emblem Chapter recognition for overall chapter excellence.
– Barren County’s Jonna Ford won the Agriscience Fair Animal Systems Division 5 and will advance to the National FFA Convention.
– Barren County’s Addison Bow and Bridgette Smith won Food Products and Processing Division 6 and also advance to nationals.
– Barren County’s Ag Sales team finished second with a Superior Rating, and its Ag Quiz Bowl team finished third in the state.
– Seven Barren County members earned the Kentucky FFA State Degree.
– BCHS alumnus Matthew Estes completed his term as Kentucky FFA vice president for 2025–26.
Comments