The following link is to all of the available ALSDE Option A and B, along Marion County Career Academy information: MCCA Information https://bit.ly/4w1ZrZY
Forty-four members of the Guin FFA Chapter recently attended the North Alabama District FFA Events on April 17 at Wallace State Community College in Hanceville, taking a meaningful step into new opportunities as a chapter.
Members ranged from 7th-12th grade. This experience marked the beginning of something new for many of our members. They chose to step forward with open minds, willing hearts, and a readiness to learn. By participating in Career and Leadership Development Events, students began building valuable skills: communication, critical thinking, teamwork, and confidence, that will serve them far beyond the classroom.
More than anything, this day was about laying a strong foundation. It was about trying something different, discovering new strengths, and sparking an interest in continued growth. Every student walked away with new knowledge, new experiences, and a clearer vision of what they’re capable of becoming.
We are proud of their willingness to grow and excited to see where this journey leads. This is what it looks like when students begin developing the tools for success through the National FFA Organization.
Our FFA members competed in the following events.
Aquaculture: Kylee Sprinkle, BreAnna Parks, Gracie Nelson, Lily Kivette
Small Engines: Hagen Shirley, Samuel Taylor, Jaxson Green, Braden Edwards
Poultry Evaluation: Hagen Miles, Lukas Gosa, Hank Miles, Griffin Pyron
Ag Construction: Emma Seaborn, Brentley Dennis, Sophie Rhudy, Karston Cook
Ag Mechanics: Tanner Guyton, Jamon Seaborn, Deacon Williams, Rylan Loveless, Gavyn Green
Meat Evaluation: Mason Harrod, Kaleb Livengood, Selby Henson, Austin Henson
Horse Evaluation: Alexis Webb, Tesa Faught, Brooklyn Parks, Addyson Gann
Discussion Meet: Jadin McCollum, Philip Wilson, Caleb Smith
Conduct of Chapter: Ella Rea, Chloe Beth Otts, Garrison Franks, Caroline Webb, Roony Vasquez, Kamahri Taylor, Ross Seaborn
Quiz Bowl: Bellah Shirley, Hayden Hightower, Genesis Smith, Emlyn Webb, Lillianna Reid
Congratulations on a great effort at North District events. We are proud of you!
#GrowingLeadersfromthegroundup #GuinFFA #LearningByDoing #FFA #BuildingFoundations
From start to finish, our FFA members led the way, planning, prepping, setting up, guiding stations, monitoring activities, and cleaning up. This event was truly student-driven leadership in action.
Students rotated through interactive stations designed to connect classroom learning with real-world agricultural careers:
Tri County Beekeepers – Exploring pollinators, hive systems, and the importance of honey production in agriculture
Marion County Extension – Hands-on education, local agriculture support, and community development
Alabama Farm Credit – Financing agriculture, supporting farmers, and building generational success in farming
Game Wardens – Wildlife management, conservation, and protecting Alabama’s natural resources
Alabama Power – Energy careers that support farms, homes, and rural infrastructure
Alabama Ag & Industries – Regulation, advocacy, and promoting agriculture across the state
NRCS/USDA – Soil health, conservation practices, and sustainable land management
Joseph Webster – Showcasing modern agriculture through thermal imaging technology and crop spraying innovations, giving students a real look at precision ag in action
FFA students also took ownership of a “Tape Measure Challenge Station” , putting math, precision, and teamwork to the test as students competed to see who could measure most accurately. Friendly competition brought out big smiles and even bigger bragging rights!
A special thank you to NRCS and Northwest RC&D for your continued partnership and investment in our students. Opportunities like this help bridge education and industry in powerful, lasting ways.
This is more than an event, it’s career exploration, leadership development, and agricultural awareness all in one day.
#GuinFFA #AgCareerDay #EarthDay #FFA #GrowingLeadersFromTheGroundUp #AgCareers #FutureOfAg #CareerExploration
Guin FFA members rolled up their sleeves and kicked off Earth Day with purpose, spending the morning bringing new life to the landscape and gardens at Sunset Manor Nursing Home right here in Guin.
From planting fresh blooms to refreshing outdoor spaces, our students didn’t just celebrate Earth Day, they lived it, serving others, strengthening community ties, and proving that a little dirt and a lot of heart can make a big impact.
There’s something special about seeing smiles grow right alongside the gardens. This is what FFA is all about, learning by doing, leading through service, and giving back to the communities that support us.
If you’ve ever thought about getting involved, this is your sign. Come get your hands dirty, make a difference, and be part of something bigger. Thank you , Sunset Manor for sharing Earth Day with us!
#EarthDay #GuinFFA #GrowingLeaders #ServeToLead #CommunityStrong #LearningByDoing
BIG IDEAS. REAL FUNDING. FUTURE IMPACT.
The Guin FFA Chapter teamed up with Northwest RC&D and Marion County Extension to host an incredible free Grant Workshop on Monday, April 20 at Marion County High School.
Attendees didn’t just sit and listen. They were given the opportunity to level up.
They learned how to:
✅ Break down and confidently complete grant applications
✅ Turn simple ideas into powerful, creative proposals
✅ Use AI as a smart tool for stronger, faster grant writing
✅ Discover grant opportunities available right here in our area
✅ Build efficient systems to secure funding for schools, municipalities, and 501(c)(3) organizations
This wasn’t about working harder. It was about working smarter. Attendees were walked through the grant process by Vanessa King, Northwest RC&D Operations Manager, while taking time to allow attendees to fill out their application for this year on site. Our Ag Teacher and FFA Advisor Ginger Eatman offered insights on more grant opportunities, working smarter in maintaining grant information, and creating effective AI prompts for grant writing.
From first-time writers to experienced leaders, everyone walked away with practical skills, fresh ideas, and the confidence to bring BIG projects to life in their communities.
Guin FFA is proud to continue Growing Leaders from the Ground Up, because when you invest in knowledge, you invest in the future.
#GuinFFA #GrowingLeaders #GrantWriting #WorkSmarter #CommunityImpact #FFA #FutureFocused #Stakeholderengagement #Buildingcommunities
On April 10, the Guin FFA Chapter proudly hosted an Ag Expo at Bevill State Community College in Hamilton, bringing together freshmen from Brilliant, Hackleburg, Phillips, Hamilton, and Marion County High School for a hands-on exploration of agricultural careers.
Through a powerful partnership with Marion County Career Coaches, Extension, and Northwest RC&D, this event aligned with the mission of the National FFA Organization, developing premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
Students had the opportunity to tour Bevill State programs while engaging directly with industry professionals representing a wide range of career pathways, including Alabama Power, Tombigbee Electric Cooperative, forestry, game wardens, beekeeping, trapping, farming, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Alabama Farmers Cooperative, fire services, and Natural Resources Conservation Service, just to name a few.
A special thank you to John Sims for grilling and keeping everyone fueled throughout the day, and to Ben Phillips of Phillips Brothers Auction for delivering an engaging keynote on the art of auctioneering.
This event would not have been possible without the collaboration of MCHS and Hackleburg FFA students alongside Bevill State Ambassadors and Northwest RC&D who worked together seamlessly to ensure a smooth and impactful experience for all involved.
Events like this bring the FFA vision to life, empowering students to discover their potential and prepare for meaningful careers in agriculture and beyond.
#AlabamaFFA #AgEducation #FutureFarmers #CareerReady #GrowingLeadersfromthegroundup
All Marion County Schools' students will dismiss 1/2 day tomorrow, April 15, for a professional development/teacher workday. Buses will run at 11:30.
Our students recently competed in the Marion County FFA LDE Competitive Events and Beef Cook-Off, and we are incredibly proud of their hard work, growth, and accomplishments. Events like these showcase not only talent, but dedication, leadership, and the future of agriculture in our community.
A big thank you to Hackleburg High School and FFA Advisor Brandon McDuffa for hosting such a well-organized event. We also appreciate Kristin Nunley for leading a valuable clinic on Conduct of Chapter and Discussion Meet, helping our students sharpen their skills. Thank you to our Career Coaches, Oakley Ward and Lindsey Oliver, for investing in our students, and to all of our judges for your time, support, and meaningful feedback.
Congratulations to our outstanding competitors:
• Mason Harrod – Senior Division Beef Cook-Off Winner
• Imri Engle – 2nd Place, Junior Division Beef Cook-Off
• Jaxson Green – 3rd Place, Junior Division Beef Cook-Off
• Caleb Smith – 2nd Place, Extemporaneous Speaking
• Roony Vasquez – 1st Place, Spanish Creed Speaking
• Kamahri Taylor – 2nd Place, Prepared Public Speaking
We are proud of every Marion County High School student who stepped up to compete, learn, and represent our program so well.
If you’ve ever thought about getting involved in FFA, now is the time! These experiences build confidence, leadership, and real-world skills that last a lifetime. Come be part of something bigger. We’d love to have you!
#MarionCountyFFA #FFA #Leadership #AgEducation #FutureFarmers #buildingleadersfromthegroundup
On Friday, students traveled to Daily Farms in Russellville to compete in several exciting events including Forestry Judging, Land Evaluation, Quiz Bowl, Zero Turn, and Livestock. Our students represented Marion County High School with hard work, determination, and outstanding teamwork.
Results from the day:
• Ross Seaborn – 3rd Place, Zero Turn
• Quiz Bowl Team – 2nd Place
• Land Evaluation Team – 2nd Place
• Livestock Team – 3rd Place
We are incredibly proud of every student who stepped up to compete and represent our school and community. Your dedication to agriculture, leadership, and learning shows exactly what FFA is all about.
If you’re looking for a place to grow your skills, build friendships, and be part of something bigger, FFA is the place to be! The future of agriculture is bright, and these students are just getting started.
Great job to all who competed. Keep pushing forward and striving for even more success! #FFA #MarionCountyFFA #LearningByDoing
If you’ve been wondering what our Marion County High School Ag students have been up to… the answer is A LOT!
Our classes have been busy researching, planning, creating, and presenting across all areas of agriculture. From hands-on learning to creative problem solving, students are exploring the many paths agriculture has to offer.
Here’s just a glimpse of what’s happening in our program:
Gardens & Greenhouses – Students are learning how to grow crops, manage plant health, and understand the science behind successful production.
Vermiculture – Yes… worms! Students are studying how worms improve soil health and sustainability through natural composting.
Animal & Dairy Science – Exploring animal care, nutrition, and the role livestock plays in feeding the world.
Media & Marketing in Agriculture – Learning how to promote agriculture, communicate important industry messages, and share the story of where our food comes from.
Research & Presentations – Students are developing leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills while diving into real agricultural topics.
Agriculture is science, business, technology, leadership, and hands-on learning all rolled into one. And the best part? There’s a place for everyone. Whether you love animals, plants, technology, communications, or the environment, our Ag Program has something for you!
Come grow with us and be part of something exciting at Marion County High School Ag!
#MarionCountyAg #AgEducation #GrowingLeaders #FutureOfAgriculture #FFA
Our Ag students at Marion County High School recently had the opportunity to learn directly from Winston County Extension Director Zack Brannon, who visited our Agriculture classes and Land Evaluation Team to share hands-on knowledge about soil sampling and soil testing.
Understanding the science beneath our feet is critical for successful agriculture, conservation, and land management. During the visit, students explored data-driven soil analysis—learning how proper sampling techniques and soil test reports can guide decisions about nutrient management, crop productivity, and sustainable land use.
Key takeaways from the session included:
How accurate soil sampling impacts the reliability of lab results
Using soil test data to determine fertilizer and nutrient needs
The connection between soil health and crop performance
Preparing soil samples the correct way for testing
This knowledge is especially valuable as our Land Evaluation Team prepares for upcoming competitions, where understanding soil characteristics and land capability plays a huge role in success. Experiences like this help bridge classroom learning with real-world agricultural science.
A huge thank you to Zack Brannon for investing time in our students and helping equip the next generation of agricultural leaders with practical, science-based knowledge!
We’re excited to see our students apply what they learned as they continue preparing for upcoming classes, contests, and competitions. The future of agriculture starts with education, curiosity, and strong community partnerships like this one.
#AgEducation #SoilScience #LandJudging #ExtensionEducation #FutureOfAgriculture
Students in our Intro to Animal & Dairy Science and Poultry Science classes at Marion County High School recently had the opportunity to hear from Bethanie Gulley, Poultry Science Recruitment Coordinator from Auburn University!
Bethanie shared exciting information about careers in poultry science, agriculture opportunities, and scholarships available to students interested in the ag industry. From working with animal nutrition and flock management to research, food production, and agribusiness, students learned that poultry science opens doors to a wide variety of career paths!
Fun Ag Facts about Alabama:
• Alabama’s poultry industry is the #1 agricultural commodity in the state.
• The state produces over 1 billion broilers each year.
• Poultry contributes billions of dollars annually to Alabama’s economy.
• Thousands of jobs across the state are connected to poultry production, processing, and research.
Bethanie also highlighted the many scholarship opportunities and programs available through Auburn University for students interested in agriculture and poultry science. For students passionate about animals, science, food production, or agricultural business, the future is full of possibilities!
A huge thank you to Bethanie Gulley and Auburn University for investing in our students and helping them see the exciting opportunities available in agriculture.
Who knows? Today’s classroom could be home to tomorrow’s poultry scientists, veterinarians, nutritionists, or agricultural leaders!
#AgEducation #PoultryScience #AuburnUniversity #FutureOfAgriculture #AlabamaAgriculture #DepartmentofPoultryScienceatAuburnUniversity
