Horse Judging team captured state title

The Granbury FFA horse judging team captured the state championship and a national bid during state competition on April 24, 2021, at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. 

Maddy Lee, Ashtyn Liming, Blythe Ogburn, and Naomi Ornelles won first place among 69 competing teams. Individually, Ornelles was second, Ogburn was 15th, and Liming was 19th. 

“Our team has worked hard since the beginning of January and their efforts have paid off,” commented GHS agricultural science teacher Ondrea Kerr. “This is a huge deal. As their coach, I cannot be more proud, and they will get to carry Texas and Granbury High School to Nationals this October in Indianapolis.” 

The team was among five Granbury High School squads competing in Future Farmers of America state judging contests after advancing from Area VIII Career Development Events earlier in the month. Others competing in state events were: 

• Entomology: Lauren Bower, Andrew Nickell, Tina Pham (7th place individually), Kenzie Prock
• Livestock: Brooke Gregg, Cadence Morisette, Lanee Taylor, Braiden Womack
• Veterinary Science: Jaden Easley, Nick Mayberry, Kelley Sanders, Avery Sickels
• Wildlife: Alex Arrington, Lexi Arrington, Tyler Kendall, Carter Perez
• Wool: Jade Cox, Karly Edwards, Lucas Hernandez, Brooke Marshall 

CDEs allow students the opportunity to participate in various competitions directly related to real life applications in agriculture, according to GHS agriculture science teacher Courtney Hinojosa. 

Agricultural science teachers are Trey Keys, Courtney Hinojosa, Agustin Hinojosa, and Kaci Geissler, and Ondrea Kerr. 

National CDE competition will coincide with the 94th National FFA Convention & Expo on October 27-30 in Indianapolis. Some components will held virtually while others are planned to be in-person. 

Pictured are (left to right) Naomi Ornelles, Ashtyn Liming, Maddy Lee, and Blythe Ogburn.