Members of the Falkville FFA Chapter were one of 38 teams participating in the National FFA Forestry Career Development Event in Indianapolis, Ind. recently. They are advisor Shane Bryan, Tyler Tucker, Katie Guyse, Tyler Boyer and Zackary Garrison.

Falkville High School’s FFA Chapter was one of 38 teams participating in the National FFA Forestry Career Development Event (CDE).

The event was held in conjunction with the 85th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, Ind.

The team, led by advisor Brandon Bryan, was awarded a Gold emblem. Members also competed for individual awards with 146 other participants. Katie Guyse received a Gold emblem, Tyler Tucker received a Gold emblem, Tyler Boyer received a Silver emblem, and Zackary Garrison received a Gold emblem.

The top ten individuals and the national winning team members received cash awards to recognize their success in the event. The cash awards and the forestry event are sponsored by Husqvarna and John Deere as a special project of the National FFA Foundation.

The National FFA Forestry CDE is a competitive event that tests students’ skills and knowledge in the area of forest management.

Event components include a general forest knowledge exam, tree identification, timber cruising, tree/forest disorders identification, a chainsaw practicum, forestry issues interview, and a team activity. Each team competed at local and state levels for the privilege of representing their state at the National FFA Convention & Expo.

This event, held at Fort Harrison State Park in Indianapolis, Ind., is one of many educational activities at the national convention in which FFA members apply classroom knowledge to real-life situations.