The Susanville FFA Vet Science team won the Career Development event at the National Finals in Indianapolis, Indiana. The four members, Kassie Sandborg, third from left, Carlene Simpson, Honesty Drake and Waylon Miller, pose with FFA Advisor Elizabeth Ammon, second from left, and two Zoetis representatives pose. Photo submitted
The Susanville FFA veterinary science team — comprised of Kassie Sandborg, Carlene Simpson, Honesty Drake and Waylon Miller — won the Career Development event at the National Finals in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Sandborg also placed ninth high in the state individually.
The four team members went to the nationals representing the entire state of California.
According to FFA Advisor Elizabeth Ammon, in order to qualify for nationals, they had to win their state championship back in May and then practice all summer to prepare for this competition. On the first day of competition, they had to do an identification contest, which included hundreds of animals, parasites, microscopic ID and veterinary equipment.
They also did a math test on conversions used in veterinary clinics and a general knowledge test, which pulled information out of 14 textbooks.
The team also had to write a current events article on a topic facing veterinary science; the topic this year was on the opioid shortage and its impact on our country.
On the next day of competition, the team had to perform eight randomly selected veterinary science practicums from the 38 they had to memorize.
They also had to do a team skit and present on fear free feline medicine.
