In June, the Rugby FFA’s Small Animal Care Team took home the first place trophy. Now it’s time to prepare for nationals. Cole Genetzky, Patricia Pfeifer, Michelle Black, and Nikki Atkinson make up the team that will travel to the national event.

The National FFA Veterinary Science CDE is a pilot contest at the 85th National FFA Convention and Expo. These four students get the extreme opportunity to compete in a brand new contest, and represent their school, FFA chapter, and ND FFA. They will also become advocates for this program as the ND FFA decides to implement it.

The purpose of the veterinary science career development event is to promote college and career readiness by providing opportunities to develop technical knowledge and demonstrate practical skills in the field of veterinary science. Rugby Veterinary Clinic recently agreed to help prepare these students for this national event.

“Everyone at the clinic was so willing to help us out” said Black, junior at Rugby High School and Rugby FFA’s Student Council Representative.

Rugby Veterinary Service recently participated in the Performance Pays Spring 2012 program. 1% of their qualifying Pfizer Animal Health product purchases made between February 1st and April 30th, 2012 is collected for the Rugby FFA Chapter. The $108.00 donated will be used to buy equipment and study materials for this contest. The curriculum will also be implemented in the Animal Science class, offered through the agriculture education program at Rugby High School.

“I’m really excited that the clinic has volunteered to help coach us. I feel we have a good chance of doing well at this national event because of them” said Genetzky, Rugby FFA’s 2012-2013 President.

The team will travel to National FFA Convention October 21st October 28th.