A Family Legacy: Wesley Summers’ Excellence in Palmyra FFA

A section of Palmyra Ag Building’s “Hall of Champions” display. Plaques include those of Wesley Summers’ state victories.

The Palmyra FFA Chapter’s legacy of excellence is displayed in the iconic “Hall of Champions.” Stretching the length of the newly renovated ag building, the hall is decorated with celebratory plaques honoring members’ talent and hard work. In good humor, there is even a dreaded (and nearly vacant) “So Close!” wall designated for teams placing fourth and fifth. 

Amongst decorated Palmyra FFA members, senior Wesley Summers shines especially bright. After joining FFA his freshman year, Summers’ admirable work ethic has forged an outstanding career development event (CDE) career, Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project and legacy in Palmyra FFA.

Continuing the Summers Family Legacy

Summers’ investment in agriculture began in his youth. Raised on a family farm, he developed an inborn fondness for the joys and discomforts of agricultural endeavors from a young age. In third grade, Summers joined a local 4-H chapter, enriching his knowledge and curiosity of the industry. 

Following his family’s Palmyra FFA legacy — including both his father and elder sister serving as chapter president — Summers enrolled in agriculture science his freshman year. Over the course of his high school career, his SAE in sheep production flourished from a single ewe to about 20 head. In five years of showing, his prized lambs have earned several titles, including Reserve Champion Market Lamb (Marion County Fair), Fifth Place Market Lamb (Missouri State Fair Showdown) and Reserve State Champion Shropshire Market Lamb.

Summers expressed a continued commitment to his sheep enterprise, commenting, “I intend to continue raising and selling show lambs that will be competitive at every level.” 

Summers pictured (left) with his Reserve Senior Showman award.

Summers’ Success in CDEs

In addition to his outstanding SAE, Summers recently made Palmyra FFA history by becoming the first individual to win state and compete at national FFA convention three times. His CDE career includes:

• 9th grade: Entomology (gold individual & ninth place state team)
• 10th grade: Food Science (second high individual, state champion team and eighth place national team)
• 11th grade: Floriculture (ninth high individual, state champion team and national gold individual)
• 12th grade: Farm Management (sixth high individual, state champion team) 

When asked to comment on Summers’ performance, Palmyra FFA advisor Amanda Haeberlin said, “Being a three-time state champion with top 10 individual placings all three times is no small feat. Obviously, his scores are impressive, but what I find more impressive and what has had the most impact on his teams is his drive for success and his work ethic.” As Summers’ teacher, coach and mentor, Haeberlin admires the way he “pushes himself and others to do their absolute best,” she adds.

Summers holding first-place state plaques for food science, floriculture and and farm management.

The Dirt Road Ahead

Though Summers is graduating this May, his dedication to agriculture will continue. This fall, he will compete in the national farm management CDE while enrolled in Missouri State Technical School’s Electrical Distribution Systems program. His hard work has earned him $1,500 in chapter scholarships to support his higher education, along with the title of the 2026 Star Farmer.

While reflecting, Haeberlin said, “I am grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him over the last few years, and look forward to seeing where the qualities that made him successful in CDEs take him in the future.” 

Summers and his brother, Jacob, posing with their chapter awards of Star Greenhand and Star Farmer.

Summers intends to pursue a career as a lineman while continuing the legacy of his family farm. When asked why students should join FFA, he expressed his appreciation for the organization’s “opportunities in all aspects.” Summers’ family, friends and chapter are immensely proud of his accomplishments and eager to support his bright future from the sidelines.

Illustrated by years of excellence, Summers truly embodies the values of the Palmyra FFA Chapter.