Seneca East FFA’s Envirothon team participated in the state competition June 1-3 at Franciscan University of Steubenville.

Team members are Captain Addy Dawson, Dylan Baker, Logan Drown, Ethan Mullet and Logan Snavely. The team is coached by FFA Adviser Milan Pozderac.

Seneca East FFA’s team won the Reeves Rookies award, with the chapter receiving a check for $100, and placed second in the soils contest.

The Envirothon is an outdoor challenge for high school students to test knowledge in soils, aquatics, forestry and wildlife. Students competing in the state contest gave presentations focused on a scenario. They had four hours to prepare for the 5-minute presentation they delivered to three judges.

The contest is designed to stimulate, reinforce and enhance students’ interest in the environment and natural resources while encouraging cooperative decision making and team building.

Pozderac was a past Envirothon competitor.

He said it was an invaluable experience that introduced him to real-world environmental issues and provided opportunities to explore them in greater depth. As a coach, he sees that same value reflected in his students.

“Envirothon allows them to investigate potential career paths, connect with industry professionals, and gain firsthand exposure to environmental and natural resource fields,” he said. “Of the five students on my team, three plan to pursue careers within the Environmental and Natural Resources pathway. It is rewarding to see how this competition has helped prepare them for the next stage of their education and future careers.”

Lynchburg-Clay Gold won first place and a spot in the national Envirothon competition in Mississippi. Watkins Warriors placed second, and Miami Valley Career Technology Center placed third.

Seneca East FFA advanced to the state competition by placing fourth in the 32-team field at the Area 1 Envirothon at Williams County Conservation Club in April.

The Envirothon is a program offered by Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Seneca Conservation District’s Board of Supervisors sponsored the Seneca East FFA team.

Outreach Coordinator Jill Gosche also attended the state Envirothon, serving as an event photographer and team assistant for presentation preparation.