The East Knox FFA of East Knox Local Schools announced that four members competed in the State FFA Food Science Career Development Event, securing 13th place among teams from across Ohio. The announcement was made in a press release.
According to the press release, four East Knox FFA members—Dylan Springer, Hayden Baker, Aiden Kapper, and Mackenzie Wilson—competed in the event on January 25 at Ohio State University. They finished 13th out of teams from across Ohio. The team advanced to the state competition after placing first in the District 7 contest at Centerburg High School, with the top four individuals forming the team. In the district contest, Wilson placed second, Springer finished third, Kapper was fourth, and Baker ranked fourteenth out of sixty contestants.
The state competition involved a series of challenges, including an online test on food science principles, identifying food safety and sanitation issues, solving customer problems, and performing sensory evaluations such as taste tests and aroma identifications. Additionally, the team worked together to develop a food product complete with a nutrition label and product illustrations. According to the press release, this marks the seventh consecutive year East Knox FFA has participated in the State Food Science Career Development Event (CDE).
According to FFA officials, CDE involves students demonstrating knowledge of food product development, safety, and presentation. Participants complete both team and individual tasks such as designing or reformulating food products, addressing food safety scenarios, and taking objective tests and practicums. The event aims to prepare students for careers in the growing field of food science and technology.
East Knox Local School District is located in Howard, Ohio. It is home to the East Knox FFA Chapter which supports student development through agricultural education and leadership opportunities. The chapter recognizes achievements such as American and State Degrees and is led by a 2024-2025 officer team including Dylan Springer as President and Hayden Baker as Vice President. The chapter also organizes events like fruit and strawberry sales to support its activities.
