November 3, 2026 3:30 a.m.
Sutherlin High School’s FFA Chapter made a historic showing at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis, sending an unprecedented four career and leadership development teams to represent the State of Oregon on the national stage.
A Sutherlin High release said out of only 21 official team events offered at the national level—with each state permitted to send just a single representative team per event—Sutherlin FFA earned the distinction of securing nearly 20% of Oregon’s total national team slots.
Leading the chapter’s national accolades, the Sutherlin Conduct of Chapter Meetings team brought home 2nd place in the nation, finishing as national reserve champion. The team, composed of sophomores Rya Peterman, Kinzley Hughes, Curtis Martz, Ivaya Gardner, Lyon Peng, Nathaniel Cook, and Machias Ratledge, demonstrated mastery of parliamentary procedure, team presentation, and agricultural leadership during three rounds of competition against competitive teams from across the country.
In addition to the 2nd place national finish, Sutherlin FFA’s three other national competing teams delivered stellar performances in highly competitive events.
*Parliamentary Procedure Team – National Silver Emblem: Team members Morgyn Singleton, Kayley Felber, Livvi Peterman, Noah Magana, Jaden Philipi, and Camilia Castillion-Gordian earned a Silver finish representing Oregon
*Meat Evaluation & Technology Team – National Silver Emblem: Teammates Reece Sandberg, Lane Gomes, Addi Cross and Natalie Swindler secured a Silver team ranking, with all four members earning individual Silver honors for their performance.
*Environmental & Natural Resources Team – National Silver Emblem: The team earned a Silver finish overall. Individually, McKenzie Huntley achieved Gold status, while Alana Houck, Samar Lopez and Avery Palm each earned Silver recognition.
Sutherlin FFA President Noah Magana said, “Earning the right to represent Oregon at nationals is an extraordinary achievement on its own, given that only 22 team events are held at the national convention.” Magna said, “To have our chapter fill four of those state berths and see every single team place in the top tiers nationally—highlighted by a 2nd place finish in the country—speaks volumes about the dedication, discipline, and work ethic of our members.”