Ronald William Hills of Mattabesset FFA Chapter, in Connecticut was  named a national finalist in the Equine Science - Entrepreneurship Proficiency award program. 

Four finalists competed to be named the national winner during the 83rd National FF A Convention, October 20-23, in Indianapolis, IN. Proficiency awards recognize FF A members who excelled as agricultural entrepreneurs, employees 
or volunteers while they gained hands-on career experience.

 

Equine Science - Entrepreneurship is one of 47 FF A proficiency award categories offered at local, state and national levels. Equine Science - Entrepreneurship proficiency award program is sponsored by Keystone Steel and Wire Company - Red Brand and Land O'Lakes Purina Feed, as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. In recognition of being a finalist, each of the four finalists will receive a plaque and $500. The national winner of the Equine Science - Entrepreneurship will receive an additional $500 during a special ceremony at the national FFA convention.

 

Ronald William Hills of the Middletown FFA Chapter in Connecticut got his start in pulling Belgian  draft horses just two years ago but the high school senior has been watching his dad and grandfather compete since he was a small boy. Today, he and his family own seven horses and compete throughout New England, consistently placing in the top five of the Eastern Draft Horse Association recognized pull. He earns these rewards and recognition through working with his horses many hours a day, carefully monitoring their nutrition and showing patience with them. Hills' is the son of Andrea and Edward Hills III and his FFA advisors are Rebecca Isaacson, Courtney Johnson, Joab Owen and Amanda Thompson.

 

The National FFA Organization, formerly known as Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 523,309 student members as part of 7,487 local FF A chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. For more information visit www.ffa.org.