Liz Cole Named National FFA Finalist

The National FFA Organization (FFA) has announced that Elizabeth (Liz) Marie Cole, daughter of Jerry and Sheila Cole of Newtown, was selected as a national finalist for the National FFA Proficiency Award in Outdoor Recreation — Entrepreneurship/Placement. Ms Cole was one of only four people chosen to compete for this award at the national finals held in October during the FFA national convention in Indianapolis, Ind.

The proficiency awards recognize outstanding student achievement in agribusiness gained through establishment of a new business, working for an existing company, or otherwise gaining hands-on career experience. The Outdoor Recreation — Entrepreneurship/Placement Award is one of 51 proficiency program areas FFA members can participate in to develop valuable experience and leadership skills at the local, state, and national levels.

Ms Cole became eligible for the national award after winning the Connecticut state FFA competition earlier this year. After taking riding lessons herself, Ms Cole began teaching riding lessons. She rides and trains five different horses and teaches safe handling of the horses, as well as riding. The majority of her students are part of summer riding camps at the farm.

Ms Cole is a member of the Woodbury FFA chapter in Connecticut. Her advisor is William Davenport, director of the Ellis Clark Agriscience program at Nonnewaug High School, where she graduated. Ms Cole is attending Franklin and Marshall College pursuing a pharmacy career.

The award is sponsored by GM Powertrain and Justin Brands as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. In recognition as a finalist, each of the four finalists receives a plaque and $500. The national winner of the Outdoor Recreation — Entrepreneurship/Placement Award receives an additional $500.

FFA is a national youth organization of 490,017 student members preparing for leadership careers in the science, business, and technology of agriculture with 7,210 local chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. FFA strives 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.