POINT PLEASANT — Two Mason County FFA students have a lot to be proud of as they will represent the state to compete at the National FFA Agriscience Fair in Indianapolis, Ind. this fall.

Point Pleasant High School 10th graders Evan Wilson and Wes Davis recently won their divisions at the state agriscience fair, which was held at Cedar Lakes earlier this month.

Although Wilson and Davis will both be in the 10th grade for the 2009-2010 school year they will compete as ninth graders at the national fair since that is what grade they were in when they competed at the local and state level. Wilson will compete in Environmental Science Division I category for his project entitled “Holy Cow! Manure vs. Wood Which One Burns Better?,” while Davis will compete in the Animal Sciences Division I category for his project entitled “Does it Matter? Feeding Chickens.”

Both Wilson and Davis said that they were excited to compete at the national level.

“I am excited and honored to represent the state of West Virginia in a national contest,” Wilson said.

Davis also said that he was honored to represent the state.

“It’s pretty neat and nice to get to go to nationals,” he added.

According to Sam Nibert, FFA advisor, this is the first time that Mason County has sent FFA members to the national agriscience fair.

“Anytime that you have national recognition it means a lot for Mason County. This is the first time we have had members be part of the national level, and it is one step forward in the right direction for the FFA (chapter),” Nibert said.

According to Nibert, to prepare for the national fair both Wilson and Davis will need to fill out several paperwork as well as finish putting their reports together, which are full descriptions of what their projects entail. In addition, Wilson and Davis will need to make minor adjustments to their project display boards to fit the national fair guidelines.

Nibert said that he plans to make the agriscience fair a requirement for all FFA members next year because he feels it is vital to the FFA program. According to Nibert, the members’ projects typically tie into their supervised agriculture experiences, which are conducted through the organization.

In addition to Wilson and Davis, FFA members Amanda Hannon and Kristin Hannon placed second in the state agriscience fair, while FFA member Josie Smith placed third.

The National FFA Agriscience Fair has five categories: Biochemistry/Microbiology/Food Science; Environmental Sciences; Zoology; Botany; and Engineering. Project components must include a log book, written project report, display and interview.