Jilly McLaughlin ’25 (left) and Julia Deitrick ’26 (right) at the National FFA Convention & Expo
Two Lincoln Academy students earned national recognition at the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo, held in Indianapolis, Indiana October 29-November 1, 2025.
Julia Deitrick (Class of 2026) achieved a Bronze rating in the Prepared Public Speaking event, showcasing her skill in delivering a researched, original speech on Farm Income Instability. Julia currently serves as the President of the Lincoln Academy FFA Chapter.
Jillian McLaughlin, a Lincoln Academy Class of 2025 alum and current Maine FFA State Officer, achieved a Gold ranking and placed 7th nationally in the Employment Skills Leadership Development Event, which assesses students’ ability to prepare for and succeed in professional interview settings. Jillian is currently majoring in Communications at Southern Maine Community College and serves full-time as the Reporter for Maine FFA.
Both students represented Lincoln Academy and the State of Maine with excellence, leadership, and pride. Their achievements highlight the strength of Maine’s FFA programs and the dedication of young people committed to agricultural education and leadership.
The National FFA Organization (formerly Future Farmers of America) is a youth leadership organization that prepares students for success in agriculture, business, and skilled trades through hands-on learning, competitions, and community involvement. Locally, Lincoln Academy’s FFA chapter, currently in its third year as a chapter and the only chapter on Maine’s coast, gives students opportunities to develop leadership skills, explore career paths, and serve their community while representing Maine at state and national levels. Through events like public speaking, employability contests, and agricultural projects, FFA empowers young people to grow as leaders and make a positive impact in the world around them.
Students and advisors interested in joining a FFA chapter or starting one in their school, can reach out to Jillian McLaughlin via email at jmclaughlinmeffa@gmail.com or Julia Deitrick at deitrickjr26@lincolnacademy.org.
