The Salem Central School District’s FFA Chapter’s Parliamentary Procedure Team returned home smiling after earning a silver ranking for their performance at the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, Indiana.
“This is a big deal. We are one of the top Parliamentary Procedure Teams in the nation! This is my first team to compete at the National Convention and finishing with a silver ranked team is beyond what we expected,” shared Amy Maxwell, advisor for the Salem FFA chapter.
The team, made up of Salem High School students Oliver Hickland, Mady Rea, Erin Carney, Jack Sweenor, Jackson Kirchner and Charlotte RishellIn, earned their spot at the national competition by taking home first place in the Parliamentary Procedure Leadership Event at the 100th New York State FFA Convention. At nationals, they had the opportunity to test their skills against top FFA chapters from across the country.
“We were listening as the bronze teams were announced, and when they skipped over New York and called Nevada, we realized we had earned the silver ranking,” said Madeline Rea, a senior at Salem Central School District. Rea has been a member of the Salem FFA Chapter since sixth grade.
Team members Oliver Hickland, Jack Sweenor, and Madeline Rea also earned the designation of Professional Accredited Parliamentarian in recognition of their outstanding performance on the Society of Agriculture Education Parliamentarians exam, administered as part of the event’s competition.
In a true collaboration of skill and community, the team’s trip was made possible through NYS FFA Foundation scholarships for state-winning teams and generous support from local sponsors, including Washington County Dairy Supply, Fort Miller Group, The Shoppe Off Broadway, and Salem residents Dawn Sharts, and Pete and Ann Dunigan, Salem CSD Board of Education President.
“Our students have worked hard to compete at this level. It is a true testament to the strength of the Salem community that so many came together to help the team attend the national convention in Indiana,” said Julie A. Collier, Superintendent of Salem Central School District.
The Parliamentary Procedure Leadership Development Event challenges students to demonstrate their ability to conduct business and organize meetings according to accepted rules, ethics, and customs. Through this experience, the team has gained valuable skills that will prepare them to lead effectively in their future careers.
The 2025 National FFA Convention & Expo brought together thousands of students, educators, and industry leaders for general sessions, leadership and career development events, and activities designed to inspire and prepare the next generation of agricultural professionals.