A member of the Penn Yan Academy Future Farmers of America program earned a Silver Ranking in the Prepared Public Speaking event at this year’s National FFA Convention, placing among the top 16 competitors out of 49 nationwide.
Lizzie Lilyea’s achievement is especially notable as she is the first New York State member in recent years to advance to the second round of this highly competitive event. Months of late-night revisions, practice sessions, and dedication helped Lizzie stand out on the national stage.
Lizzie credits her success to the support of her community, peers who listened and discussed her speech topic, and her coach, Scott Caldwell, whose guidance was instrumental.
Lilyea’s achievements didn’t stop there — she was also named the National Winner in the Agriscience Fair – Plant Systems Division 3 at the National Convention. Her award-winning project, titled “Controlling Glyphosate-Resistant Palmer Amaranth and Waterhemp,” tackled one of the most pressing challenges in modern agriculture: herbicide resistance. Through her research, Lilyea examined strategies to manage and control these fast-spreading weeds that threaten crop yields nationwide, demonstrating both scientific excellence and a strong commitment to sustainable agricultural practices.
Penn Yan FFA and supporters across New York celebrated her accomplishment, marking a proud moment for the state and the chapter.
