The Paoli FFA Entomology team recently qualified for the state finals on November 14. This is the first time in 15 years that our team has qualified for the state competition. Entomology is a branch of zoology that studies insects.
To complete the task, the PHS Entomology team went to the Paoli 4-H fairgrounds, took a test on bugs, and scored high enough to qualify for state.
“Our students have worked incredibly hard to prepare for this competition, and we’re proud of their dedication and success. Their achievement reflects their commitment to learning and the strength of our agricultural education and FFA programs,” said FFA Sponsor Samantha Goen.
The students will be judged at the competition based on their knowledge of 150 insects’ common names, orders, and families. The state’s first-place team will advance to nationals in October 2025.
“I had to study the bugs’ names so I could know them just based on seeing the bug and also what family they are in,” said freshman Aubrey Staggs.
The Entomology team will next travel to Purdue on December 13 and stay overnight, thanks to a generous sponsor who will pay the students to stay in a hotel. They will then compete the following day, December 14.
