The fourth annual FFA Veterinary Science Career Development
Event was held on Friday, February 9, 2018. 73 teams from across the state
competed in the event, which was held at Fort Valley State University
Veterinary Science and Public Health Department.
For the contest,
students took a written test on veterinary knowledge and an ID test, where they
identified various veterinary equipment, animal breeds and parasites. Students
also demonstrated skills in both clinical and handling practicums. 38 teams competed
in the Junior Division, and Islands High School placed fourth overall. Team
members were Peyton Coursey, Christina Durden, Delaney Love, and Olivia
Strozier. 35 teams competed in the Senior Division. For the fourth year,
Islands High School placed first overall. Team members were Alexis Gibson,
Jazmine Gordon, Suzanna Knight, and Logan Lewis. Suzanna Knight placed 2nd
overall individual.
The National FFA
Organization started the Veterinary Science event in 2011. Islands High School
began the Georgia Invitational CDE in 2016. In 2018, it was officially adopted
by the Georgia FFA Association. Islands High School has represented Georgia at
the National FFA Veterinary Science CDE in 2016, 2017, and 2018. In 2017, the
team placed 10th overall. In 2018, the team placed Gold (11th
overall).
The Veterinary Science
Program at Islands High School is the only Choice Program of its kind in the
state of Georgia, and the first and only Veterinary Science Program in Georgia
to receive Industry Certification. When a program
becomes industry certified, it receives a "stamp of excellence",
which represents the apex of program quality.
