(HARDIN, Ky.) – The Christian academy in Marshall County is making a big impression on the agricultural education scene as New Covenant Christian Academy’s FFA livestock judging team prepares to compete at the 98th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis.
The four-member team will represent Kentucky at the national contest running from October 29 to November 1, after their standout performance at the Kentucky State Fair in Louisville this past August.
The team consists of recent graduates Jayden P’Pool of Benton and Caroline Mattingly of Murray, along with current students senior Paige Pendergrass of Dexter and sophomore Abigail Mattingly of Murray.
Caroline Mattingly dominated the state competition, earning the high individual overall award while placing first in every category – sheep, goats, beef cattle, and swine. Her younger sister Abigail tied for third place overall, while P’Pool finished seventh in the state rankings.
For New Covenant’s young FFA chapter, which was chartered just over two years ago on February 18, 2022, this marks the second consecutive year sending a team to nationals. Last year, the school’s horse judging team won the state contest and competed at the national level.
“To follow that up with another trip to the national contest for a chapter with only 16 members is pretty unbelievable,” said New Covenant FFA advisor Mrs. Celisa Cunningham.
The achievement is particularly impressive given the school’s size. New Covenant Christian Academy, which opened in 2010, serves students from preschool through high school and offers a Christ-centered, biblically-based curriculum. Beyond FFA, the school’s extracurricular programs include archery, basketball, cross country, cheerleading, golf, and track.
Located at 218 College St. in Hardin, the academy has established itself as a force in agricultural education despite its modest enrollment. The back-to-back national qualifications demonstrate how small schools can compete with larger programs through dedicated students and quality instruction.
The team’s success reflects the growing strength of FFA programs across Kentucky and showcases the agricultural education opportunities available even in smaller school settings.
More information about New Covenant Christian Academy is available at http://www.nccaky.org.
PHOTOS: Recent graduate Caroline Mattingly poses with her individual awards: high individual overall award and top competitor in sheep, goats, beef cattle, and swine categories. She competed in the state FFA contests with New Covenant Christian Academy.
From left, New Covenant Christian Academy senior Paige Pendergrass of Dexter,
sophomore Abigail Mattingly of Murray, recent graduate Caroline Mattingly of Murray,
and recent graduate Jayden P’Pool of Benton will represent Kentucky at the National
FFA Convention.
