Veterinary science students from the Technical College High School (TCHS) Pennock’s Bridge Campus took the bull by the horns at the 89th National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Convention & Expo.

Student Halle Becker (Octorara) received an individual silver award; Hope Weaver, Olivia Worrall, and Gabriella DiLossi (all from Oxford) received individual bronze awards; and the team received an overall bronze award in the Veterinary Science Career Development Event, held in Indianapolis in late October.

“The National FFA provides priceless opportunities to its members through Career Development Events like Veterinary Science,” said TCHS Animal Science instructor Liz DiSabatino. “Through this experience, the TCHS Pennock’s Bridge members were able to gain more knowledge in their field of study, as well as develop their interpersonal skills through interactions with professionals in the field of animal health.”

The Veterinary Science Career Development Event is comprised of seven events. These events include a 100-question knowledge assessment; a 50-point math practicum; two scenario essays; four handling practicums and four clinical practicums.

The practicums include tool, breed, and disease identification, as well as a 10-minute team activity, which consisted of a skit about the process of identifying, diagnosing, and treating Salmonellosis in dairy cattle.

While the event was highly competitive for the students, it also offered an opportunity for professional development.

“Everyone was very kind, and it was amazing to be around so many people from around the country who share a love of agriculture,” said TCHS Veterinary Science student Olivia Worrall. “It was a great learning experience to perform under pressure and there were so many intelligent people there to answer our questions and give advice. This experience is one that I will never forget.”

According to TCHS Pennock’s Bridge principal Dr. Brian Hughes, the hard work of these students is part of a longstanding tradition of excellence in the area of veterinary science.

“TCHS is so proud of what Gabriella, Hope, Olivia, and Halle accomplished both individually and as a team,” said Hughes. “Their achievement is a direct reflection on their hard work and the skills they are learning from their instructors at TCHS Pennock’s Bridge. To be recognized on a national scale reinforces that TCHS Pennock’s Bridge is turning out world-class students.”

This year’s national FFA Convention & Expo was not the first time that Veterinary Science students from TCHS Pennock’s Bridge have won awards at this event. In 2013, TCHS students received gold and silver awards, and the 2013 team received an overall silver medal.

“I have witnessed tremendous maturation in all of our FFA members through the leadership conferences and events that Pennsylvania FFA and National FFA provide,” said DiSabatino. “The students that take full advantage of FFA while in Animal Science and Veterinary Science graduate with confidence that they are prepared for their future.”