VERSAILLES – On Aug. 5, the National FFA announced its proficiency finalist and Versailles FFA is proud to have Laura Wuebker, Mallory York and Luke Winner named as Top 4 National FFA Proficiency finalists.

Wuebker is a fifth year member of Versailles FFA and a 2022 graduate of Versailles High School. She is the daughter of Jeff and Dena Wuebker of Versailles. She is a National FFA Proficiency Finalist in the area of Ag Communications. Her SAE is job placement at WTGR Radio Station in which she serves as a co-farm news director.

York is a 2022 graduate of Versailles High School and a fifth year member of Versailles FFA. She is the daughter of Dan and Abby York and Mindy and Kevin Kissinger. York is a National FFA Proficiency Finalist in Diversified Horticulture. Her SAE consists of a school bus that she has converted into growing and selling mums and annual bedding plants. In addition, she has also worked at Versailles FFA greenhouse.

Winner is a fourth year member of Versailles FFA and will be a senior at Versailles High School in the fall. Winner is a National FFA Proficiency finalist in Beef Placement and is the son of Brian and Lisa Winner. His SAE is a job placement at Brian Winner Beef Farm and he serves as a beef herdsman of the operation.

Wuebker, York and Winner earned the opportunity to have their applications sent to the National FFA after placing first in Ohio. Each state is allowed to submit one proficiency award application for each of 49 proficiency award areas to the National FFA for ranking. A panel of judges at the National FFA evaluates the applications and names the Top 4 Proficiency finalists as well as Gold, Silver and Bronze finalists in each 49 award areas.

The 20-page proficiency application students submitted included: goals, plans of practices, pictures, letters of recommendations, financial records and hour documentation. They will go through an online interview with final placing being announced at the 96th National FFA Convention. Each finalist will receive a $500 check from their sponsors along with the National FFA proficiency winner in each 49 areas will receive an additional $500.

In addition, Versailles FFA Chapter was named as a Top 10 Chapter in the nation being recognized as a Models of Excellence Finalist. Versailles FFA will compete against the other Top 10 Chapters in the nation with the final placing at the 96th National FFA Convention.