Cody Mullock of the Worth Co FFA Chapter, Parnell, Mo., was named the state winner of the FFA Agricultural Mechanics Design and Fabrication Entrepreneurship and Placement Award at the 80th Missouri FFA Convention. Mullock, a graduate of Worth Co R-III High School, is the son of Kenneth and Coleen Mullock. His FFA advisor is Celia Brammer.
Mullock has participated in numerous FFA events and activities including national convention in 2004 and 2006, and Washington Leadership Conference in 2006. He also has served as chapter treasurer and in 2007 was awarded the State FFA Degree.
Mullock said he has wanted to be a welder since he was 10-years-old. He started his Supervised Agriculture Experience (SAE) four years ago at Mullock Farms working as a machine operator. Mullock began learning welding at the farm shop. His first projects were simple repair jobs done with a stick welder, but he soon learned mig welding and spent many hours in the shop practicing laying uniform beads. Always striving to learn new welding skills, Mullock said that he then learned how to use an oxy-acetylene torch, a band saw, a lathe and how to read blue prints. His welding skills have earned him a blue ribbon at the Missouri State Fair.
In 2006 Fletchall Pipe and Steel hired Mullock as a welder and fabricator. Mullock said that in his position he utilizes his skills to repair machinery and work on new projects like designing tools and equipment. Mullock said he is always thinking of ways to improve Fletchall's products. "It has taken several years and a great deal of practice, but I have become a very skilled welder," reflected Mullock.
In March 2008 Mullock graduated from Tulsa Welding School as a Certified Master Welder. He has plans to be a journeyman welder and work for a large corporation.
Proficiency awards recognize FFA members who excel as agricultural entrepreneurs, employees or volunteers while gaining hands-on career experience. Agricultural Mechanics Design and Fabrication and Entrepreneurship and Placement Combined Award are two of 47 proficiency awards presented at state level. Ahrens Steel and Welding Supply sponsored this award.
Local FFA Member Receives State's Highest FFA Honor
Tom Davidson, Connor Dignan, Logan Dignan and Allison Hunt received the State FFA Degree, the highest degree members can receive at the state level. The Worth County chapter members were ones of 724 degree recipients receiving the honor during the State Degree Ceremony at the 80th Missouri FFA Convention. The annual convention was held April 17–18 at the Hearnes Center in Columbia.
Awarding of the degree is based on a member's Supervised Agricultural Experience Program in agribusiness or production agriculture, and leadership ability as demonstrated through involvement in FFA, school and community activities. The State Degree award charms are sponsored by MFA Inc., Columbia.
Agricultural Education Supervisor Jim Bellis noted that the number of State Degree Recipients is up and the highest ever. "FFA membership and the number of State FFA Degree recipients have reached an all time record high. The State FFA Degree is the highest recognition a state can award, representing 3 percent of the total Missouri FFA membership per year," said Bellis.
"Schools, communities and youth continually recognize the outstanding leadership opportunities through FFA and want to be a part," added Bellis.
Members Excel Musically at State FFA Convention
Four Worth County FFA Chapter members were selected to sing in the State FFA Choir. The choir performed at the two sessions held on Friday, April 18 at the Hearnes Center in Columbia. Connor Dignan, Logan Dignan, Allison Hunt and Austin Thummel were chosen out of members across the state on an individual basis to make up the State FFA Choir.
Choir members sang various songs including "God Bless America", "Find the Cost of Freedom" and several others. Connor Dignan auditioned and was selected to sing a solo during the choir’s performance of "Jesus is a Rock in a Weary Land".
In addition to members being chosen to sing in the State Choir, two Worth County FFA members were chosen to be a part of the State FFA Talent. Tyler Garrett and Allison Hunt sent in an audition tape months prior to the convention and were selected to sing a duet in front of thousands on stage during the 3rd Session of convention. Tyler Garrett played the guitar while Allison Hunt provided the vocals to the Sugarland song "Stay".
Worth County FFA Members serve in the Courtesy Corp
David Baker, Brandi Force, Haley Green, Michelle Lynch and Jake Rush served as Courtesy Corp members during the 2008 State FFA Convention. The members helped organize chairs and nametags for the 3rd Session of Convention. The five members also helped to usher recipients back stage in order to receive their awards. Volunteer groups from various chapters throughout the state serve as Courtesy Corp and Ushers annually during State FFA Convention.
Worth County Members Attend 2008
State FFA Convention
Fifteen Worth County FFA Members traveled to Columbia, MO for the 80th Annual Missouri FFA Convention held at the Hearnes Center April 17-18th. More than 7,500 FFA members, who represent the 311 chapters in Missouri, take part in leadership activities, career development events, award programs and convention sessions. Participants also include adults representing industry; the MU College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources; school administrators; the press; parents; and guests.
The State FFA Officers plan and conduct the convention sessions, including the business meetings, award programs, entertainment and inspirational activities. The 622 delegates, two from each chapter, transact business. Lucas Harding and Erik Groven represented the Worth County FFA Chapter as voting delegates during the business session.
The MU Agricultural Education faculty coordinates the career development events. Members from the Worth County FFA Livestock team competed at state convention. Members included: Haley Green, Jake Rush and Austin Thummel. Worth County also had an Agricultural Mechanics team compete at the state level. Members of this team include: Erik Groven, Lucas Harding and Aaron Summers. In addition to those teams’ competing, chapter member David Baker also represented Worth County. David placed first at the District level in Extemporaneous Public Speaking, this qualified David for state competition.
Michelle Lynch attended the ‘Change Lives – Teach Agricultural Education’ workshop during State Convention. This workshop was designed for high school juniors and seniors that have an interest in becoming an agriculture teacher. Michelle got to participate in hands-on, high energy activities that demonstrate the rewards and benefits of becoming an agricultural education teacher.
The hard work and achievements of many young people who represent the broad field of agriculture, food, fiber and natural resource industry were recognized. The theme for this year’s convention was "Blue Jackets – Bright Futures." This year’s National FFA Officer Address by President Zack Kinne was extra special. Kinne, from Eagleville, is only the second National FFA president to be from Missouri. He is a North Harrison High School graduate and a junior at the University of Missouri – Columbia. Kinne was elected as National FFA president in October at the national convention in Indianapolis. During his term as president, Kinne will travel over 100,000 miles, visit over 40 states, be part of an international tour of Japan, and meet leaders in education, business and government. Kinne spoke at Friday evening’s session.
The Missouri FFA Association has 24,137 members, the largest ever Missouri membership. FFA strives 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.
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