Abby Sheller, a seventh grader at Hamilton Heights Middle School, is all smiles after winning the Indiana State Forestry Contest, becoming the first FFA Forestry Contest state champion in school history. (Photo provided)
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On Saturday, the Hamilton Heights Forestry Team traveled to the Boone County Fairgrounds to compete in the Indiana State Forestry Contest, an event that brings together top young forestry students from across the state. Hamilton Heights was proudly represented by one high school team and middle school student who qualified for this year’s state competition – and she made history.
The Hamilton Heights High School Sr. Forestry team, consisting of Annie Sheller, Maddie Higgins, Lilly Higgins, and Emery Brown, was the state runner-up.
Abby Sheller, a seventh grader at Hamilton Heights Middle School, earned first place, winning the Indiana State Junior Forestry Contest and outperforming a field of 80 competitors, the majority of whom were eighth graders. Sheller’s outstanding performance marks the first state individual forestry title in Hamilton Heights history, a milestone achievement for both Abby and the program.
The state contest challenges students to demonstrate their knowledge of tree identification, seed identification, diseases, insect damage, and management practices. Sheller’s dedication, preparation, and passion for the subject were evident as she excelled across all components of the competition.
Sheller, who placed fourth overall at the area and 36th in the state forestry competition last year, kept studying and trying to kick up her game.
“I felt I would get in the Top 5 this year but was really excited to learn that I came in first place,” Sheller said.
Sheller’s dad, Adam, who is the FFA Forestry Coach, said he was really proud of the team and Abby and the hard work they put into preparing for this contest.
“However,” he confessed, “I didn’t think the group did very well and we headed out shortly after the competition. “You can imagine our surprise when we learned that Abby earned first and our and the seniors brought home a second place!”
Sheller’s historic win shines a spotlight on the growing interest in agricultural and environmental education at Hamilton Heights and reflects the district’s commitment to providing students with hands-on learning experiences that connect them to real-world skills and career pathways.
“Congratulations to Abby, Annie, Maddie, Lilly, and Emery, on their remarkable accomplishments and for representing Hamilton Heights with excellence at this competition,” Sheller added.
