Zane Trace FFA students take fourth at Big E

Four students from the Zane Trace FFA were very excited to hear news that they were invited to compete in the 2015 Food Science CDE at the Eastern States Exposition. The Eastern States Exposition is “New England’s Great State Fair.” It is the largest agricultural event on the east coast, held in West Springfield, Mass. The fair includes something from every New England state.

Students attending were Ann Shelby, Mariah Cox, Nathaneal Freeman, and Olivia Pflaumer. Their day started early Friday morning, with a plane ride out to Boston, Mass. The students were able to explore Boston by going to Old North Church, walking the freedom trail, visiting the Boston Science Museum, and eating at an incredible Italian restaurant. It was a long day exploring Boston with their competition the next day, so everyone headed back to their hotel in Springfield to be ready in the morning.

On Saturday morning the Food Science competition started at 8:30 and was set to end at noon. Students were expected to complete a written test, triangle test, aroma identification, customer inquiry, product development, and a few more. After the contest, the Zane Trace FFA members were able to see what the Big E had to offer. They spent most of their time exploring the replica state houses that had every the state was about inside. Later that day, a banquet was held to announce the results of the CDE competitions. The results for our team were as follows: Nathaneal Freeman, 9th individually; Olivia Pflaumer, 8th individually; and the Zane Trace Team earned 4th place overall in their area.

Sunday was spent packing up and seeing anything that they missed on Friday in Boston. The last stops were visiting the Harvard University campus, and seeing the USS Constitution, and then flying back home.

All four students were very grateful to have earned the opportunity to attend this event and are hopeful to be able to return next year.