Emily Smith

Chapter president Sam Edgecomb ’25 and chapter reporter Lane Carmichael ’26 pose at the 2023 FFA state convention on May 11 at the University of Maine at Presque Isle. Edgecomb placed first in AG science fair, and Carmichael placed first in creed speaking. They will both travel to Big E and Nationals this fall.

The PIHS FFA chapter will attend the Big E in West Springfield, Mass September 14-16. The chapter will bring 16 students, most of whom have won a competition at the state level and are now looking to win at the Big E, which hosts all the FFA chapters in New England. Not only is this an opportunity for students to be themselves outside of the classroom and explore their leadership, agribusiness, public speaking and agricultural skills, it is an opportunity to earn scholarships for college. For example, the top four contestants will receive cash prizes for placing in the public speaking event. 

This is the first time in recent years members from Presque Isle high school’s FFA chapter have traveled to Big E as a group. Sam Edgecomb ’25 is going to present her science fair project, which has already won at the state competition. She is the president this year of the Presque Isle High School FFA chapter. “I want to show what Maine people can offer,” Edgecomb said. “FFA isn’t just something you can go do to get out of class, it is our future.”

The chapter will leave Thursday, September 14 and will return on Saturday.