Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Polk County High School’s FFA chapter demonstrated exceptional skill and preparation at the 2025 NC FFA West Region Rally held April 30 at Blue Ridge Community College in Flat Rock, with multiple teams bringing home top honors.

The event, which brings together FFA chapters from across Western North Carolina to compete in various agricultural career development events, saw Polk County capture three first-place finishes, one second-place finish and one third-place finish.

Leading the way was the Agricultural Mechanics Team, which secured first place overall. Tanner Osborn earned recognition as the highest-scoring individual in the competition. Team members included RJ Ruff, Hunter Geagley, Tanner Osborn and Bryson Hoots.

Also claiming top honors was the Tool Identification Team, with Dakota Casturao recognized as the highest individual scorer. Mason Littlefield, Daniel Ramirez, Dakota Casturao and Daniel Griffin made up the championship squad.

Completing the trio of first-place finishes, the Nursery Landscape Team topped their competition with James Purtill earning highest individual honors. The winning team consisted of Taylor Hensley, Hannah Kirby, Keidi Agularia, David Duffy, James Purtill, Gage Harden and Davis Young.

The Floriculture Team earned second place honors at the rally. Team members included Junie Mitchell, Peyton Camby, Aslyn Scruggs and Charley Dusenbury.

Rounding out Polk County’s impressive showing, the Introduction to Horticulture Team secured third place. Thomas Taylor, Callum Eadus, Acer Eadus, Addison Queen, Sofie Abrahamsen, Emma Blomeley and Grayson Meyer represented Polk County in this category.

In individual competition, Reeve Carroll earned fourth place in the FFA Creed competition, adding to the school’s successful day.

The NC FFA West Region Rally serves as a qualifying event for teams to advance to state-level competitions, where Polk County’s successful teams will have the opportunity to test their skills against top performers from across North Carolina.