Judson FFA students (from left) Rebecca Goodman, Calie Jarvis, Brittany Barnes, Jason Simpson and Judy Parrack are members of the state-champion senior quiz team. They placed second in area and first in district before taking the state title Dec. 1-2. Courtesy photo

The senior quiz team, crowned state champions, is the first Judson FFA team to bring home state honors for a fall event in the program’s 48-year history. Team members are Brittany Barnes, Rebecca Goodman, Calie Jarvis, Judy Parrack and Jason Simpson. The team advanced to the state finals after taking second in area and first in district.

“There were over 500 schools when we began competing in the fall and three of our 12 teams placed during the state contest in Huntsville, said Jay Trees, Judson agriculture teacher and FFA sponsor.

“Twenty teams in each event advance to the state contest each year. Our junior quiz team advanced to the state and has been a top 10 contender now four straight years. The senior creed speaker has also advanced to the state contest for four straight years and has placed in the top 10 twice and top 20 twice,” Trees said.

“The senior quiz team has advanced to the state contest three straight years, earning a top-10 placing and — this year — earning the right to be called state champions.”

Members of the junior quiz team include Brittany Bednarz, Chelsea Swaim, Jeremy Wells, Misty Yell and Shawntel Bryan. This team placed eighth in state, first in area and district competition.