From First-Year Chapter to National Competitors
Livestock evaluation team members pose for a photo with their plaque and medals.
For Poland FFA in Maine, its first year as a chapter has been a whirlwind, but also one of the greatest accomplishments of its FFA career. In just a short amount of time, members transformed a brand-new chapter into a program filled with leadership, success and opportunities many only dream of experiencing.
Starting a new FFA chapter came with challenges. Members and advisors had to build traditions, create opportunities, recruit members and establish a presence within their school and community. Beginning from the ground up could have seemed overwhelming, but Poland FFA members saw it as an opportunity, rather than an obstacle. They embraced the chance to shape their chapter into something meaningful and make an impact from day one.
Throughout the year, members participated in competitions, leadership events and chapter activities with determination. Their hard work paid off in a major way through the livestock evaluation career development event. Despite being a first-year chapter, Poland FFA earned the opportunity to represent Maine on the national stage — an achievement many chapters spend years working toward.
Nolan Davis, Lea Marchesseault, Brittany Hemond, Sierra Hemond and Lachlan Newell pose for a picture after winning high overall livestock evaluation team.
What made the accomplishment even more remarkable was the team itself. Three of the four members were eighth-grade students, while the remaining member was a high school freshman. Competing at a national level is an incredible challenge for any student, but doing so with such a young team made the achievement even more meaningful.
Team members pose for a picture at the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo livestock evaluation awards ceremony.
At the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo, Poland FFA continued proving that hard work and determination can overcome expectations. The chapter earned a bronze team placing — a significant accomplishment for a first-year chapter competing against teams from across the country. Individually, Sierra Hemond earned a silver placing, adding another exciting milestone to an already unforgettable season.
Nolan Davis, Lachlan Newell, Sierra Hemond and Joey Morello pose for a picture after winning the Maine FFA dairy evaluation career development event.
The momentum did not stop there. This year, Poland FFA expanded into dairy evaluation and, once again, found success. The team earned the opportunity to represent Maine at nationals in dairy evaluation, continuing to build on the chapter’s growing legacy. Individually, members had standout performances, with Lachlan Newell placing third overall, Joey Morello placing second overall and Sierra Hemond earning first overall individual honors.
Beyond competing, Hemond also stepped into a leadership role by helping coach both the livestock and dairy evaluation teams. By working with younger members through practices, preparation and competition strategy, she helped continue building the chapter’s foundation while creating opportunities for future success.
For a chapter that began with no history and no traditions, Poland FFA has already created a story worth telling. In only a short time, members have proven that dedication, teamwork and a willingness to take chances can lead to incredible accomplishments. If its first years are any indication, Poland FFA is setting a standard that future members will continue to build upon for years to come.
