GENTRY, AR — Today marked an exciting milestone for Gentry Primary and Intermediate students as they brought in their sunflowers for the much-anticipated results of the Giant Sunflower Growing Contest, proudly sponsored every year by the Gentry FFA and Agriculture Education programs.
Students from Primary through Intermediate grades have been nurturing sunflower seeds at home all summer, cultivating these giants with care and patience. This hands-on learning experience teaches responsibility, science, and pride in growth — literally and figuratively!
The contest kicked off Friday morning with Primary students showing off their biggest sunflowers:
Primary School Winners:
1st Grade:
Merrick — 1st Place & Primary Overall 1st Place Winner
Rebeca B — 2nd Place & Primary Overall 2nd Place Winner
Sadie — 3rd Place & Primary Overall 3rd Place Winner
2nd Grade:
Gatlin — 1st Place
Ben — 2nd Place
Janells — 3rd Place
Teacher Winner:
Mrs. Jech
Then at Intermediate, 22 students proudly presented their sunflowers:
Intermediate School Winners:
3rd Grade:
Tuan — 1st Place & Intermediate Overall 1st Place Winner
Dylan — 2nd Place
Kamryn — 3rd Place
4th Grade:
Sebastian — 1st Place & Intermediate Overall 2nd Place Winner
Jaelyn — 2nd Place & Intermediate Overall 3rd Place Winner
Eric — 3rd Place
5th Grade:
Hannah — 1st Place & Biggest Sunflower Head
Clayton — 2nd Place
Koral — 3rd Place
All first, second and third place winners received gift certificates to our FFA Pioneer Plant Sale next spring.
The success of this tradition is fueled by the leadership of our high school FFA students, who mentor younger students and help coordinate this enriching event each year.
“We are so proud of all our students for their dedication and excitement in growing these beautiful sunflowers,” said FFA Advisor Wendy Jackson. “Thank you to our generous sponsors and especially our FFA students for keeping this fun and educational tradition growing strong.”
As the sunflowers grow taller each year, so do our students—thanks to programs that plant the seeds of responsibility, leadership, and community spirit.
Jackson sponsored a special thanks to Farm Credit and Savannah Kraich Dickinson for generously sponsoring the overall prizes for the students!