National PAS competitors include (l. to r.): Monica Reif, Jada Kletzke, Shawn Houfe, Jackson Boatman, Jack Boston, Ale Bittner, Breann Steiner and Faith Traynor.

Blackhawk Technical College’s Professional Agriculture Students, or PAS, recently attended the National PAS Competitive Events Conference March 9-12 in Branson, Missouri. Eight students, who had previously qualified at the state-level conference, participated.

The students competed in several contest areas against other agriculture students from across the nation. They also had the chance to hear a keynote speaker, network with their peers and industry professionals, attend a job fair and tour a variety of local businesses and attractions.

Agriculture Instructor and PAS Advisor Dusty Williams said the students performed very well.

“Congratulations to all participants,” Williams said. "Blackhawk's Ag students are some of the best around, and they have proven themselves by performing very well at the state and national PAS conferences. I am very proud of these students and how they represent Blackhawk when attending these events."

Contest results

Employment Interview Contest

First Place (of 13 total) Ag Sales: Ale Bittner

Second Place (of 13 total) Ag Equipment: Shawn Houfe

Second Place (of 10 total) Agronomic Production: Jack Boston

Third Place (of 13 total) Ag Sales: Jada Kletzke

Fifth Place (of 14 total) Ag Administration: Monica Reif

Sixth Place (of 17 total) Livestock and Dairy Production: Faith Traynor

Career Planning Contest

Third Place Ag Equipment: Shawn Houfe

Career Progress Contest

Third Place Natural Resources: Jada Kletzke

Agronomy Specialist (16 teams total)

Third-Place Team: Jack Boston, Breann Steiner and Faith Traynor

10th-Place Team: Jackson Boatman, Jada Kletzke and Monica Reif

Equine Specialist (16 teams total)

Ninth-Place Team: Ale Bittner and Shawn Houfe