The Effingham County High School, Effingham County Middle School and South Effingham Middle School FFA horse evaluation teams competed in the Area FFA Horse Evaluation Career Development event.

The event was held at SaddleGaits Farm in Swainsboro on Jan. 11.

The ECHS senior team placed first in Central Region Area 4, with Katie Altis being the high individual score for the area seniors.

The ECMS junior team placed first in Central Region Area 4, with Ashton Smith being the  high individual scorer for the juniors.

The SEMS junior team finished second in Central Region Area 4.

All three teams dvanced to state level competition in February. 

The Horse Evaluation Career Development Event advances the knowledge of agricultural education students about the selection and management of horses. Participants judge classes of horses, give oral reasons on class placing and take a written examination.

The ECHS senior team features Katie Altis, Phillip Babin, Macy Harden and Erik Robinson. The ECMS junior team consists of Peighton Capwell, Taylor Lucas, Brayden Papp and Ashton Smith. The SEMS junior team boasts Emma Darrow, Allison Mote and Moraya Eldridge.

FFA is a national organization of more than 600,000 members preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture. FFA is an integral part of the agricultural education program in public schools. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

Meredith Arrington, Kendra Brophy and CJ Pinson are the FFA advisors for the teams. The Horse Evaluation Career Development eent is sponsored by Flint River Mills (FRM) as a special project of the Georgia FFA Foundation.