The Whitley County Board of Education celebrated students from the Future Farmers of America (FFA) Land Judging Team for winning the state championship, recognized Bio-Medical students at a White Coat Ceremony, and presented the Above and Beyond Award at the Jan. 15 board meeting.
The FFA Land Judging Team received special recognition at this month’s board meeting for securing a state championship title.
Team members honored included Logan Anderson, Justin Brown, Raelynn Jackson, Evan Manning, Paisley McKiddy, and Mia Prewitt.
The team is led by Brian Prewitt, an agriculture teacher at Whitley County High School (WCHS).
The team began preparing for this achievement on the first day of class, with some students even starting their work over the summer. They learned to evaluate soil for depth, color, and texture, as well as determine its best uses, both during class and after school.
Looking ahead, the team is preparing for the National Land Judging Competition, which will take place in Oklahoma City over five days in early May. They will compete alongside more than 100 teams nationwide.
Superintendent John Siler thanked parents for supporting their children and expressed appreciation for the students’ hard work and positive representation of the Whitley County School District.
Bio-medical students who completed their program were awarded a white coat during the meeting.
Molli Teague was invited to lead the program approximately four years ago.
“It’s very special to my heart, because I completed it as a student,” said Teague.
Teague reflected that, since the program spans four years, she has welcomed many students as freshmen and now sees them as seniors.
Biomedical students who received a white coat for completing the program include Johnny Bowman, Jayden Broyles, Haylee Bunch, Macie Carr, Addyson Combs, Anna Croley, Lindsey Elliott, Madisyn Hopkins, Noah Keene, Callie McQueen, Kierra Mullins, Cassidy Mullis, and Kara Parrett.
The Above and Beyond Award is presented monthly to district educational staff who go beyond their job requirements.
Siler presented the Jan. Above and Beyond Award to Brian Prewitt.
WCHS principal Julie Osborne nominated Prewitt during the first semester of school this year.
Siler acknowledged Prewitt’s accomplishments as leader of the FFA Land Judging Team, noting that Prewitt has earned four state championships and six national championships in recent years.
During the 2023-24 school year, Prewitt’s students earned 38 industry certifications, which demonstrate to employers that students possess the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the workforce. In 2024-25, the number rose to 77 certifications. This year, although the year is not yet complete, 36 students have already earned certifications, and that number is expected to grow.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Prewitt was recognized for his involvement in extracurricular activities, including coaching youth sports such as baseball, basketball, and soccer, as well as serving as a bus driver.
“He gives back all the time to our community and is constantly doing exactly what this award says,” said Siler. “We could not be prouder.”
