WH grad Houin named Ohio FFA National Proficiency finalist
Garrett Houin, left, received first place in Environmental Resource and Natural Resource Management at Ohio FFA State Convention.
Garrett Houin, who is a graduate of West Holmes High School, was recently named an Ohio FFA State Convention National Proficiency finalist.
Houin’s environmental science and natural resources management SAE projects included developing, securing funding for and implementing three proposals for the state Caring for our Watershed competition, where he worked with Ashland Soil & Water Conservation District, farmers and ag retailers.
In order to be named a national competitor, this member had to win the State of Ohio last May.
He had to keep meticulous records and go through a series of evaluations in order to become a national finalist.
First, he had to have an SAE, which is a Supervised Agricultural Experience, often started during a student’s freshman year. Most members keep records for over three years. After interviewing and winning at the state level, his applications were then sent to the national level.
Houin also led a service project to improve accessibility and safety at the 40-acre Hazel Willis Woods and completed job shadowing with Sunrise Cooperative.
Houin will interview in September and be recognized on stage at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis in October. As a finalist he receives a $500 check, and if he wins, he will receive another $500 award.
Area sponsors include John Deere, Ducks Unlimited, Wrangler, EDP Renewables and Invenergy. The FFA organization appreciates your support.