RELEASE DATECONTACT: Kent Boggs

May 2, 2018405-743-5498

PerryFFA Member Earns Agricultural Services State Proficiency Award

By Kate Miller, Media Intern

OKLAHOMA CITY –Darrell Thomas of the PerryFFA Chapter earned first-place honors in the 2018 Oklahoma FFA Agricultural Services Proficiency Award area during the 92ndOklahoma FFA ConventionMay 2.

Coleby Haymaker of the Hennessey FFA Chapter and Jared Nicholson of the Skiatook FFA Chapter earned second- and third-place honors, respectively.

Thomas said he did not understand everything that went into a sale until he began working at Pickens Auctions. Now, he said he enjoys the preparation for an auction, especially communicating with clients to ensure needs are met.

“In regards to communicating with customers, honesty is essential for all parties to leave the auction satisfied and feeling they have made a wise purchase,” Thomas said.

Thomas said he also learned to take aerial photographs of property with a drone to help advertise land available for sale.

The agricultural service proficiency award is designed to recognize students who are involved in a supervised agricultural experience related to custom equipment operation and maintenance, custom baling, custom and contract feeding services, or other agricultural service enterprises.

The 19-year-old Perry FFA member is the son ofMark and Dee Ann Thomas. His agricultural education instructor and FFA adviseris Tanner Miller.

After graduation, Thomas plans to return to his family’s farm to assist in management of crop production and commercial cattle production.

This award is sponsored on the state level by American Farmers Ranchers andThe Oklahoma Land Lady.The national sponsor is Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.The $1,000 state winner scholarship is provided by Texoma Custom Baling.

FFA is an integral part of the Agricultural Education division in the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education system. With nearly 27,000 members and 360 chapters, the Oklahoma FFA Association is the fourth-largest state FFA association. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. To learn more about the Oklahoma FFA, visit okffa.org.

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CUTLINE:

Darrell Thomas (second from right) of the Perry FFA Chapter captured first-place honors in the 2017 Oklahoma FFA Agricultural Service State Proficiency Award area. Randy Gilbert (right) former chairman of the Oklahoma FFA Foundation congratulates Thomasas well as Coleby Haymaker (left) of the Hennessey FFA Chapter and Jared Nicholson of the Skiatook FFA chapter, who received second and third place, respectively.

This award is sponsored on the state level by American Farmers & Ranchers and The Oklahoma Land Lady.The national sponsor is Stanley Black & Decker, Inc.The $1,000 state winner scholarship is provided by Texoma Custom Baling. The awards were presented during the 92nd Oklahoma FFA Convention in Oklahoma City May 2.