Congratulations to Kellan DeMeerleer, not only was the Freshman from Oakesdale FFA in eastern Washington named a finalist in the 2024 FFA Agriscience Fair, but late last week, he was named National Champion.  DeMeerleer wowed the judges with his project titled “Smooth Operator”, which tested the durability and efficiency of common diesel motor oils.  Before last week’s National FFA competition in Indianapolis, DeMeerleer said he was relieved to be named a finalist.

 

I was one of the last ones [to interview] and the judges were kind of tired, and you could tell they're kind of done, but towards the end of my experiment, they had questions about it, and they were interested and engaged with my project," DeMeerleer said.  "So, it really got their attention, which I think is pretty cool.”

 

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The National FFA Agriscience Fair recognizes students who gain real-world, hands-on experiences in agricultural enterprises.  The organization notes students use scientific principles and emerging technologies to solve complex problems related to agriculture, food and natural resources.  

 

Here is the complete list of winner from last week's National FFA Convention: 

Power, Structural and Technical Systems: Division 1
Kellan DeMeerleer of the Oakesdale FFA Chapter in Washington 

 

 

 

Power, Structural and Technical Systems: Division 2
Bell Tamayo and Sarah Tolentino of the Waipahu Intermediate Middle FFA in Hawaii 

Power, Structural and Technical Systems: Division 3
Aidyn Fisher of the Scranton FFA Chapter in North Dakota  

Power, Structural and Technical Systems: Division 4
Nicholas Nishimura and Alaiza Alvarez of the Waipahu FFA Chapter in Hawaii 

Power, Structural and Technical Systems: Division 5
Lilly Amstutz of the Oakland FFA Chapter in Tennessee 

Power, Structural and Technical Systems: Division 6
Ava Raugust and Rena Weinstein of the Lakeside-El Capitan FFA Chapter in California 

 

Listen to our entire conversation with DeMeerleer here:

 

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If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com 

 

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