A total of 21 Hopkins students earned the right to compete in the state FFA championships at Michigan State University.
Hopkins students earned the distinction by placing either first or second in a variety of categories in the FFA regional leadership contests Thursday at Olivet High School.
Taking first place in the high school division was the Ag Issues team of MaKenna Davies, Megan Heft, Laura Velderman, Kaelyn Pepper and Madison Ellis. The quintet also was first in the district contest the week before.
The Hopkins Demonstration Team, with Jordyn Burch, Samantha Modreske and Rachel Velderman finished in second place, still earning a berth at the state competition.
Caleb Tucker was first in Creed Speaking and Mary Wells was third.
Olivia Coffey, Olivia Hightower, Lindsey Taylor, Sara Velderman, Haylie Kiraly, Ashton Dorman, Tyler Moored and Adam Ortman took first in Junior High Conduct of Meetings.
In Junior High Speaking, first place went to Bailey Couch; second place to Maddie Bockheim.
Katrina Tucker was first in Greenhand Speaking and Valerie Nagengast was second.
Lexie Wilson earned a fourth place silver award in Job Interview.
“We couldn’t be more proud of how hard each of them have worked!” remarked advisor Jessica Couch.
PHOTO: The Hopkins FFA Ag Issues Team of (from left) Laura Velderman, Kaelyn Pepper, Megan Heft, Madison Ellis and MaKenna Davies will enter the state competition as regional champions.