October 14 was a busy day for Georgia CTI! Students from across the state traveled to Perry for two distinct educational experiences held at the Georgia National Fairgrounds: GVRA Day at the Fair and the FCCLA/CTI Fall Rally. Each event offered its own activities and purpose, giving students different ways to explore careers, develop leadership skills and connect with new opportunities.
Exploring Georgia Agriculture at GVRA Day at the Fair
Approximately 350 Georgia CTI students representing 27 schools participated in GVRA Day at the Fair, an engaging program that introduced students to Georgia’s agricultural industry and the many careers connected to it.
Through the Stories of Agriculture passport activity, students visited interactive exhibits and learned how important Georgia commodities—including pecans, cotton and timber—are grown, harvested, processed and used. Live demonstrations, including goat milking and wool processing, helped students see how agricultural products move from the farm into our everyday lives.
The activity also introduced students to the wide range of jobs needed to keep Georgia agriculture growing. The industry relies on farmers, scientists, researchers, veterinarians, equipment operators, food-production specialists, transportation professionals, marketers and many others. Students were able to connect what they saw at the fair with possible education, training and employment opportunities.
During the midday forum, students heard from professionals whose work supports agriculture and economic growth throughout the state:
- Madison Jarvis, Industry Engagement Manager at the Georgia Center of Innovation, discussed how she connects Georgia food and agricultural businesses with resources and partnerships that help them grow.
- Dr. Andrew Thoron, Dean and Professor of the School of Agriculture and Natural Resources at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, shared information about agricultural education and career preparation.
- Jerrany Silva, Regimar dos Santos and Marcelo Barbara, researchers with the University of Georgia Precision Horticulture Lab, explained how they work with farms of all sizes to research and implement precision-agriculture technology.
The combination of hands-on learning, career exploration and time to enjoy the Georgia National Fair made the day both meaningful and fun. Georgia CTI sincerely thanks the Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency for creating an experience that helped students understand the importance of agriculture, learn about Georgia businesses and imagine new possibilities for their futures.
Georgia CTI Students Compete and Lead at the FCCLA/CTI Fall Rally
At the FCCLA/CTI Fall Rally, FCCLA and Georgia CTI state officers worked together to lead an energetic program celebrating student leadership and Career, Technical and Agricultural Education.
Georgia CTI chapters proudly represented their schools during the Parade of Chapters. Georgia CTI State Vice President Darrion Bell of Global Impact Academy led attendees in the Pledge of Allegiance, helping set the tone for a day of leadership, connection and school spirit.
Georgia CTI students displayed their talents through the Pin Design, State Leadership Conference Banner Design and T-Shirt Design competitions. The entries gave students an opportunity to turn their ideas into original artwork representing Georgia CTI and its 2026–27 theme, “Connect to Ignite.”
Students also participated in the Theme Speech Competition, delivering prepared speeches before a live audience. Speaking at the fairgrounds required students to remain focused while people moved through the building and activity continued around them. Each competitor demonstrated courage, preparation and determination by stepping forward and making their voice heard.
Georgia CTI congratulates all students who entered a competition and represented their schools. We are proud to recognize this year’s winners:
Georgia CTI Pin Design
- 1st Place: Delayni Gilham, Haralson County High CTI
- 2nd Place: Corey Brown, Tift County High CTI
- 3rd Place: Amireanna Carter, Global Impact Academy CTI
- Honorable Mention: Jonnard Woods, Tift County High CTI
State Leadership Conference Banner Design
- 1st Place: Flora Russel, Global Impact Academy CTI
- 2nd Place: William Adler Waugh, Midtown High CTI
- 3rd Place: Ivan Hughes, Newton College & Career Academy CTI
- Honorable Mention: A’niya Hall, Greene County High CTI
Theme Speech Competition
- 1st Place: Michael Watkins, Global Impact Academy CTI
- 2nd Place: Dru Wills, Global Impact Academy CTI
- 3rd Place: Zae’lyn Fields, Global Impact Academy CTI
- Honorable Mention: Darrion Bell, Global Impact Academy CTI
T-Shirt Design
- 1st Place: Josephine Bohannon, Tift County High CTI
- 2nd Place: William Rogers, Alcovy High CTI
- 3rd Place: Robert Hernandez, Haralson County High CTI
- Honorable Mention: Zae’lyn Fields, Global Impact Academy CTI
Chapter Awards
- Superior Chapter: Global Impact Academy CTI
- Reserve Superior Chapter: Tift County High CTI
Whether they were exploring Georgia’s agricultural industry, learning directly from professionals, representing their chapters or sharing their talents through art and public speaking, Georgia CTI students spent October 14 connecting classroom learning to real-world opportunities. The fairgrounds provided the setting, but it was our students’ curiosity, talent and willingness to try something new that truly brought the day to life.