The arrival of the annual Florida State Fair not only brings a variety of high-calorie foods to Tampa, but also allows opportunities for high school FFA students to compete in numerous agriculture-related competitions.
During this year’s fair festivities, senior Nicole Rosier attended the competition and was successful in earning a few titles of her own to top off the final appearance at the event.
“I got first place in Hillsborough county, then second place and Reserve Divisional Champ in Hardy county. Here at the state fair, I got second place and Reserve Divisional Champ, and a blue ribbon for which I was lined up fourth,” said Rosier. Having shown chickens the previous year, this was a considerable achievement on Rosier’s part given it was her first time showing a cow. She plans to continue her agricultural aspirations after graduation.
“I plan on going to HCC first and then to UF for vet school,” said Rosier.
As a reward for her accomplishments at the fair, Rosier will be receiving an undisclosed amount of money sometime within the next few weeks.
Cheering her on in the sidelines was sophomore Carli Blanchard, who was showing her pig Grim as well.
“We have a lot of people in our chapter and we all support each other and go to everybody’s shows,” said Blanchard.
However, the close-knit group of kids isn’t only in it for the animals.
“It’s not only about the animals, there’s a lot of leadership things and scholarships available for people as well,” said Blanchard.
As Rosier walks away from this year’s state fair win, she hopes to continue her streak of victories in the years to come, with titles from multiple categories now under her belt.
Hannah Crosby / Senior Staff Writer
