Students from the Romulus Central School District brought home some of the highest honors available at the 101st New York State FFA Convention in Buffalo this month, earning state-level awards and top finishes across multiple competitions.
The district’s FFA chapter claimed one Jacket Award winner, three Empire Degree recipients, and several strong finishes in career and leadership contests during the statewide event held May 17.
Agriculture teacher and FFA advisor Jami Thompson said the chapter’s success stood out despite the district’s smaller size compared to other schools attending the convention.
Romulus seniors Paul Buisch and Alex Brockway, along with junior Isabelle Kuleszo, each received the Empire Degree — the highest honor available through the New York State FFA Association. The award recognizes students for achievement in leadership, community service, and supervised agricultural experiences.
Thompson said having three students from Romulus receive the honor in the same year marked a first for the district.
Freshman Ethan Westervelt also earned a Jacket Award, which recognizes promising young agricultural leaders and includes a personalized FFA jacket presented during the convention.
Several other Romulus students placed highly in state competitions:
- Senior Maggie McMillan was named one of six state finalists in the Jr. People in Agriculture competition.
- Senior Matthew Seymour finished sixth in the Agricultural Mechanics Career Development Event.
- Senior Paul Buisch placed second statewide in the Discussion Meet Career Development Event.
- Freshman Megan Chambers earned third place in the Agriculture Education Career Development Event.
- Freshman Al Queor took second place in Division 3 of the Agriscience on Animal Systems competition.
The Romulus FFA chapter is part of the National FFA Organization and focuses on agricultural education, leadership development, and competitive events at the regional, state, and national levels.
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