Buckingham Middle School competed at the Southeast Area FFA Middle School Rally. Teams from Buckingham placed first in the Small Animal Care Career Development Event and the FFA Quiz Bowl Tournament. Teams placed third in both the Plant Science event and Agriscience Technology Mechanics, which were all held April 17 at Charlotte Central Middle School. All teams were coached by Mrs. Sherry Dorrier. The mechanics team was also coached by Mr. Andrew Schmitt from Buckingham Career and Technical Center.

The FFA Small Animal Care Career Development event concentrates on the identification, health, and nutrition of household pets. Participants demonstrated their knowledge of scientific terms used in the animal care industry, new technologies in animal care, ethical concerns related to animal welfare, and career opportunities related to small/companion animals.

The individual events consist of a written test, breed identification, feed and equipment identification, and skill assessment performing a task such as reading nutrition labels, selecting a pet, use of equipment, and training. The team consisted of Haley Peins, Alana Ballowe, Amber Smith, and Trenton Snoddy. Buckingham placed first in this event as a team. Individually Ballowe place sixth, Smith placed fourth and Piens placed first.

The FFA Quiz Bowl contest is designed to guide students in developing knowledge of the activities, organization, and history of the National FFA Organization. The team placed first in the oral team tournament and consisted of Tucker Motley, Emma Staton, Daniel Farrish, and Nathan Shippee. Individually Motely placed fourth and Staton placed third.

The Plant Science contest is designed to introduce students to the growth process and development of plants used in the agricultural and horticultural industries. The contest consisted of a written test, plant and tool identification, and individual skills assessment. The team consisted of Courtney Agee, Jordan Dorrier, Justice Steger, Cadence Campbell, and Haylie Hucks which placed third overall. Individually Agee placed fourth.

The Agriscience Technology Mechanics event challenges students to explain and demonstrate safety practices, read and interpret directions, identify and use basic woodworking hand tools, select and use measuring devices, perform measuring skills, and solve problems. The individual events are a written test, tool identification, measurement activity, and a laboratory skills assessment performing a task such as project layout.

In the team, problem-solving activity, members were presented with a written problem such as identifying tools necessary to construct a project, creating a bill of materials, determining board feet, and determining total material and cost for construction of a specified project. The team consisted of Quintin Page, Camden Allen, Gwyneth Mitchell, Holden Tyson, Eli Bryant and Jordon Johnston which placed third overall.

Junior Clover Summer Sensation Program, sponsored through the Buckingham Extension Office, is having a day camp May 24 and 25, focusing on citizenship. Come enjoy crafts and various activities while exploring Virginia’s rich history, including a field trip. Camp each day is from 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. and is designed for ages 9-13. Pack a lunch. For more information, call 969-4261.

Join Central Virginia Community Health Center for fun May activities. Come out on Saturday, at 8 a.m. and Monday, at 6 p.m. for kickboxing class. Bikini Body video classes are offered on Friday, at 11 a.m., Tuesday, at 1 p.m. and May 25, at 11 a.m. Free use of the gym is available on May 24, all day.

SHERRI WISE can be reached at wise.buckingham@gmail.com or 983-1393.