- Meyersdale Area School District
- Overview
Shuck honored with State Award
MEYERSDALE - Abby Shuck, a 2021 Meyersdale Area High School graduate, was recently honored during the Pennsylvania FFA State Convention held June 7 through 11. This year’s convention featured three virtual sessions followed by a one-day in-person event on June 11 at Tyrone Area High School.
Shuck won the State Proficiency award in goat production and now her application will compete at the National level. Agricultural Proficiency Awards honor FFA members who, through supervised agricultural experiences, have developed specialized skills that they can apply toward their future careers.
“Abby had to fill out an application based on her Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project. She had to provide pictures and other documentation to show proof of her accomplishments over the past four years in her project. She explained how she grew her dairy goat herd from one goat to many goats and went from hand milking to purchasing a milking machine,” explained Doreen Jamison, Meyersdale FFA Chapter Advisor.
Shuck said the process of completing this project was tedious and time-consuming, it was a true labor of love.
“I am so, so thankful I applied for it. About a month ago I was notified that I was the PA State Winner. I was thrilled! In my application I had to explain how my herd has excelled over the years. In the application I covered topics such as overall herd health, my herd's nutritional needs/ daily rations, milk production, improved genetics, offspring, etc,” Shuck explained. “The award included a finalist plaque, state winner plaque, and a monetary award.”
Throughout her FFA career, Shuck has earned and been awarded many accolades, among those being the pride and admiration of her chapter and particularly her advisor.
“Abby has a natural work ethic that shines through in all she has achieved with her herd of dairy goats. She is extremely deserving of this award and the Meyersdale FFA is so proud of her,” added Jamison.
In addition to being awarded with the state Proficiency Award, Shuck also participated as a member of the State Officer Nominating Committee.
“Prior to the Convention I was selected to be a part of the State Officer Nominating Committee. There were eight of us, two individuals from each region of Pennsylvania, who were then given the task of interviewing, and going through the process of selecting the upcoming Pennsylvania FFA State Officer Team,” Shuck explained. “It was amazing to see how our Nom Com Team interacted so efficiently to select the new officers.”
Though this year’s convention was abbreviated and adjusted to meet pandemic restrictions, Shuck said she was honored by the opportunity to attend and excited to receive the award and to have the distinct honor of helping to select the FFA State Officer Team.
”I was so happy to be reunited with other PA FFA members again after nearly 16 months of no conventions, or in person events!”