OSTC Northwest Agriscience Students Excel at Michigan FFA Statewide Competition

Agriscience and Environmental Technology students from Oakland Schools Technical Campus Northwest achieved top honors at the 2025 Michigan FFA Agricultural Skills Competition, held Friday, April 11, at Michigan State University.

OSTC Northwest teams competed in multiple events, earning gold and silver ratings across highly competitive divisions and standing out among participants from more than 90 schools statewide.

In the Veterinary Science event, four student teams represented OSTC-NW, two of which placed in the top 15 out of over 90 qualifying teams from across Michigan. 

The team of Madison Maciejewski, Cassidy Prachar, Shannon Hagen, and Lia Meyer earned seventh place and a gold rating, while Gabby Elliott, Olivia Schnur, Maria Olmos, and Maegan Rhue finished in 11th place with a gold rating. Additional teams earned silver ratings and strong overall finishes.

“This competition gives students a chance to showcase their veterinary knowledge and practical skills, from diagnostics to hands-on animal care,” said Kendra Gossett, Agriscience instructor. “We’re incredibly proud of their effort and growth.”

OSTC Northwest’s afternoon Environmental Science team — Charlie Pinkerton, Kavay Chauhan, Johey Kimmerer, Micah Tomes, and Madalyn Webber — captured the state championship in the Environmental Science division and will represent Michigan at the National FFA Environmental and Natural Resources Competition this fall in Indianapolis.

Other OSTC-NW teams posted impressive results as well.

In Greenhouse Production, Taylor Hall, Raela DeLeon-Terry, and Tyler Caloia finished fourth overall and earned a gold rating for their work in plant science and greenhouse management. 

The Nursery and Landscape team, comprised of Marissa Kallsen, Nick Budzynski, Jordon Varty, Milo Loop, and Sid Baumgras, placed seventh overall, demonstrating their skills in plant identification, design, and landscaping techniques.

A second Environmental Science team, Isabella Badger, Rachael Asay, Alison Lehigh, Danielle St. James, and Olivia Webb also earned a gold rating and placed seventh overall among a highly competitive field.

“These achievements are the result of months of dedicated preparation and a true passion for agricultural science,” said Joel Berry, Agriscience and Environmental Technology instructor. “We are incredibly proud of all our students, whose success reflects the strength of our program and their commitment to becoming leaders in Michigan’s agriculture industry.”

The annual competition brought together FFA members from across the state to compete in hands-on events that build career and leadership skills in agriculture and natural resources.