Three juniors in the Power Spots & Outdoor Equipment program at the Ashtabula County Technical & Career Campus (A-Tech) are advancing to the State Agricultural Mechanics Competition after winning the District 3 FFA Agricultural contest. Colin Cromley, Thomas Gage and Logan Braden took first place at the District contest on March 14th at the Trumbull Career & Technical Center. They’re one of only ten teams in the state to qualify for the contest.
The trio worked through a series of eight stations which included welding, tool identification, using a micrometer, caliper and troubleshooting a starter on a small engine. The total score for all three students earned the first place finish.
“I’m just excited to get first place and get to go to state,” said Gage. “It looks good on a college resume.”
“It was a boost in your confidence. We didn’t know what we would have to do when we got there,” said Cromley.
“It was an honor for Mr. Stuyvesant to choose us three and give us a higher peak to reach to prove ourselves,” said Braden.
All three students are planning to expand their career opportunities after completing their studies at A-Tech. Gage and Cromley are hoping to be accepted to the prestigious Caterpillar Equipment ThinkBIG Dealer Service Technician program. Braden plans to pursue college opportunities in welding or diesel technology.
“It is a fantastic thing for them to put in their portfolio. It shows that these guys are energetic and they like to perform,” said instructor Jeff Stuyvesant. Stuyvesant also points out that it is usually seniors who participate in this contest. But because his senior students are employed at area businesses through A-Tech’s early placement program, he selected juniors. “I couldn’t be more elated in how well they did. It shows me is the amount they’re retaining from what I’m teaching from September until now. It has been truly awesome.”
The trio will compete at the State Competition at Ohio State ATI on April 5th.