In The News 12 August 2026

McClain FFA students advance to National Agriscience Fair

The McClain FFA Chapter is taking its agricultural research to the national stage, with six projects representing seven students selected as finalists for the National FFA Agriscience Fair.

Following a successful showing at the Ohio FFA Agriscience Fair, these students earned the opportunity to continue their research journey and represent McClain FFA among students from across the country. Their projects showcase the variety of ways FFA members can apply scientific research, problem-solving, and agricultural knowledge to real-world questions.

Representing McClain FFA at the high school level are Lila Banks, who will compete in Plant Science, Division 3; Hailey Halterman, who will compete in Social Systems, Division 5; and Olivia Stegbauer, who will compete in Power Systems, Division 5.

The chapter will also have three middle school projects competing at the national level. Julia King will compete in Food Products, Division 1, while Rooker Stark will compete in Plant Science, Division 1. Liam Penn and Noah Hales will compete as a team in Food Products, Division 2.

Each of these projects began with a question and developed through research, experimentation, and careful analysis. Reaching the national level represents not only the quality of the students' research, but also the dedication required to see a project through from its initial idea to competition.

With students representing six different projects across both the high school and middle school divisions, McClain FFA will have a strong presence at the National FFA Agriscience Fair. Their accomplishments also highlight the opportunities agricultural education provides students to explore interests ranging from plant science and food products to power systems and social science.

The McClain FFA Chapter congratulates Lila Banks, Hailey Halterman, Olivia Stegbauer, Julia King, Rooker Stark, Liam Penn, and Noah Hales on becoming National Agriscience Fair finalists. The chapter is proud to see these students' hard work and research recognized beyond the state of Ohio and looks forward to seeing them represent McClain FFA on the national stage.
 

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