The Clay High Land Judging Team has returned home after participating in the 63rd annual Nation Land and Range Judging Contest in Oklahoma City. Four Clay High Students Jessica Armes, Michael Scott Gray, Elijah Van Gelder and Nathaniel Stephenson, Teacher Bob Morris and WVU Extension Agent Michael Shamblin flew to Oklahoma to begin competing on April 29. The group completed in the nation’s top land judging event at a site near Mustang, Oklahoma.
Members of the CCHS Land Judging Team tested their individual and team skills against ninety-three other land judging teams from 34 states by evaluating land characteristics like topsoil, subsoil slope and plant life. Students were also required to recommend treatment to improve the land’s adaptability for certain purposed like producing crops, raising cattle or building homes.
The team placed 3rd overall in Land Judging and 7th overall in Homesite Evaluation. Individually Michael Scott Gray placed 4th and Jessica Armes placed 9th.
“The kids worked hard and did really well” said Morris. “I’m glad they got to see that hard work pays off.” Continuing the excellence Mr. Morris’ program has exhibited for many years, these students hard work did pay off and they made Clay County very proud.