Garrett County Public Schools (GCPS) is celebrating the outstanding accomplishments of students and advisors from the North Garrett and Oakland FFA Chapters, following a successful week at the 98th Maryland State FFA Convention, which was held at Wisp Resort. Garrett County hosted the statewide event for the third consecutive year, welcoming more than 470 FFA members, advisors, and guests from across Maryland.
Throughout the convention, students competed in Career and Leadership Development Events, participated in educational tours, attended leadership sessions, and were recognized for their achievements in agricultural education.
๐๐จ๐ซ๐ญ๐ก ๐๐๐ซ๐ซ๐๐ญ๐ญ ๐ ๐ ๐ members earned numerous individual and team honors during the convention. Owen Rowe was recognized as the Region I Star Greenhand, highlighting his outstanding accomplishments as a first-year FFA member.
Several members were recognized during the convention’s awards sessions. Molly Magruder received a National FFA Scholarship, while Mrs. Becky Yost, North Garrett Advisor, was named the 2026 Maryland Agriculture Educator of the Year. Mrs. Jolene Custer, Oakland FFA Advisor, was recognized as a First-Year Agriculture Educator.
North Garrett FFA’s contest results included:
๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ฅ๐ญ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ ๐ข๐ง๐ : 5th in Maryland; Abbi Baker placed 8th individually.
๐๐๐ข๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐ฏ๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง: 3rd in Maryland; Maddy Wilkens placed 7th individually.
๐๐ซ๐๐๐ ๐๐ฉ๐๐๐ค๐ข๐ง๐ : Owen Rowe placed 7th; Sarah Mager placed 10th.
๐๐ซ๐๐ฉ๐๐ซ๐๐ ๐๐ฎ๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ ๐๐ฉ๐๐๐ค๐ข๐ง๐ : Brady Garlitz placed 7th; Molly Magruder placed 10th.
๐๐ฑ๐ญ๐๐ฆ๐ฉ๐จ๐ซ๐๐ง๐๐จ๐ฎ๐ฌ ๐๐ฉ๐๐๐ค๐ข๐ง๐ : Abi McKenzie placed 6th.
Mrs. Yost also received the prestigious Golden Owl Award, presented through a partnership between the Maryland FFA Association, Maryland Farm Bureau, and Nationwide Insurance. The award recognizes agricultural educators who make a significant impact on their students, schools, and communities. Regional winners are selected through nominations before competing for the statewide honor by submitting a portfolio highlighting their teaching philosophy and accomplishments.
๐๐๐ค๐ฅ๐๐ง๐ ๐ ๐ ๐ members also showcased their talents, earning impressive results in livestock and dairy competitions.
The Oakland FFA Livestock Evaluation Team placed second in the state, finishing just seven points behind the championship team. Team members included Autumn Custer, Lea Custer, Ranae Harvey, and Peyton Edwards, with Joel Lipscomb competing individually.
Individual honors for Oakland FFA included:
๐๐ข๐ฏ๐๐ฌ๐ญ๐จ๐๐ค ๐๐ฏ๐๐ฅ๐ฎ๐๐ญ๐ข๐จ๐ง: Lea Custer โ 1st; Autumn Custer โ 6th; Joel Lipscomb โ 9th.
๐๐๐ข๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ข๐ง๐ : Claira Uphold โ 8th.
The convention also marked the conclusion of the year of service for Maryland State FFA Vice President Connor Clary, who delivered his retirement address during the final session.
“These accomplishments reflect the dedication, leadership, and hard work of our students and advisors throughout the year,” said Dr. Nicole Miller, Superintendent of Garrett County Public Schools. “We are incredibly proud of our FFA members for representing Garrett County with excellence and congratulate all of our students and educators on their outstanding achievements.”
Garrett County Public Schools congratulates all North Garrett and Oakland FFA members, advisors, and supporters on another successful year of agricultural education and leadership.
