Hillsborough FFA students win national honors at Indianapolis convention

Hillsborough County Public Schools students earned national honors at the 99th National FFA Convention. The convention took place Oct. 21 through 24, 2026, in Indianapolis.

Durant High School's Floriculture Team earned second place in the nation. The school's Environmental and Natural Resources Team placed third. One member of that team finished as the 10th highest individual.

Six chapters received national star ratings:

• 3-Star National Chapter: Armwood High School, Newsome High School and Sickles High School
• 2-Star National Chapter: Plant City High School and Turkey Creek Middle School

Two Sickles High School students earned American FFA Degrees. A Strawberry Crest High School student became Florida's Brand Representative for ShopFFA.

Superintendent Van Ayres called the results "a tremendous source of pride." He also praised the FFA advisors and agriculture educators.

The district has more information about agriculture education at hillsboroughschools.org.