[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 19 (Friday, February 18, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E300]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE WINTERS HIGH SCHOOL FFA LIVESTOCK JUDGING TEAM AS NATIONAL 
                               CHAMPIONS

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                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 17, 2005

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in anticipation 
of National Future Fanners of America Week, which we celebrate next 
week, to recognize the Winters High School Future Farmers of America 
Livestock Judging Team as National Champions. Jesse Beckett, Brenden 
Benson, Matt Hayes, Jacob Thorne, and their coach Kent Benson merit 
commendation for their high achievement, fine teamwork, and their 
leadership as members of the Future Farmers of America.
  Last May, the team won the California State Champion Livestock 
Judging title in San Luis Obispo. Team members spent many hours each 
week studying for the written examination and traveling on weekends to 
practice evaluating livestock. On October 29, 2004 their team was named 
the winner of the National Champion Livestock Evaluation Career 
Development Event at the 77th Annual FFA National Convention in 
Louisville, Kentucky. They competed against 43 other State Championship 
teams from the United States.
  At the national contest, Mr. Hayes was the highest individual 
overall, Mr. Beckett was 7th, Mr. Thorne was 8th, and Mr. Benson 21st. 
The team placed first on the written exam, 1st in sheep, and 1st in 
reasons. Mr. Benson and Mr. Thorne each received a perfect ``50'' score 
on market lamb reasons. In June the Winters High School FFA Livestock 
Judging Team will travel to the Royal Highland Show World Competition 
in Scotland.
  Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we commend, Jesse 
Beckett, Brenden Benson, Matt Hayes, Jacob Thorne and coach Kent Benson 
for their skill and commitment in this endeavor and recognize their 
outstanding success in achieving their National Championship goal. Let 
us convey our hopes and best wishes to them as they prepare to 
represent our nation at the Royal Highland Show World competition a few 
months hence.

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