RELEASE DATECONTACT:Trevor Lucas

May 1, 2019405-743-5498

Carney FFA Member Earns Agricultural Mechanics Design and Fabrication State Proficiency Award

By Adrienne Blakey, Media Intern

OKLAHOMA CITY – Morgan Knox of the Carney FFA Chapter earned first-place honors in the 2019 Oklahoma FFA Agricultural Mechanics Design and Fabrication Supervised Agricultural Experience Proficiency Award area during the 93rd Oklahoma FFA Convention on May 1.

Duke Kelln of the Shattuck FFA Chapter and Ethan Greenlee of the Fairland FFA Chapter earned second- and third-place honors, respectively.

Knox said his agricultural mechanics experience began when he started working for his family-owned and operated welding and fabrication business, Classic Fab, six years ago in the eighth grade.

“I was nervous as I began working at Classic Fab among my family members and other excellent welders,” Knox said. “Naturally, the expectations from those around me were very high, and I felt the pressure to grow into an excellent welder – quickly. I welcomed the challenge and overcame it in different ways.”

Knox said he enjoys every step in the construction design and building process, but the final details are the most rewarding because the customer is pleased to see the unique product.

After graduation, Knox plans to join the work-force full-time while continuing to advance his skills and knowledge in the welding and fabrication industry.

The agricultural mechanics design and fabrication proficiency award is designed to recognize students who are involved in a supervised agricultural experience related to design and construction of agricultural equipment, structures or structural materials, or implementation of plans for utilizing concrete, electricity, plumbing, heating, ventilation and air conditioning into agricultural settings.

The 20-year-old Carney FFA member is the son of David and Stacy Knox. His agricultural education instructor and FFA adviser is Lawson Thompson.

This award is sponsored on the state level by Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 344 & 430. The national sponsor is Carry-on Trailer Corporation and Lincoln Electric. The $1,000 state winner scholarship is sponsored by Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 344 & 430.

FFA is an integral part of the Agricultural Education division in the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education system. With nearly 27,000 members and 362 chapters, the Oklahoma FFA Association is the fourth-largest state FFA association. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. To learn more about the Oklahoma FFA, visit okffa.org.

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Morgan Knox (not pictured) of the Carney FFA Chapter captured first-place honors in the 2019 Oklahoma FFA Agricultural Mechanics Design and Fabrication State Proficiency Award area. Randy Gilbert (right) of the Oklahoma FFA Foundation congratulates Ethan Greenlee of the Fairland FFA Chapter, who placed second, also Duke Kelln (not pictured) of the Shattuck FFA Chapter received third-place honors.