Chesick wins Veterinary Science Proficiency

CONTACT INFORMATION

COLUMBIA, Mo., April 16, 2026 – Ellah Chesick of Ozark won the Missouri FFA Veterinary Science Proficiency Award at the 98th Missouri FFA Convention.

Chesick, a senior at Ozark High School, is the daughter of Curt and Shelly Chesick. She is a member of the Ozark FFA Chapter. Her advisors are Heath Wright, Travis Phipps and Jeremy Sisco.

Chesick’s supervised agricultural experience program involves extensive hands-on work in veterinary science through her employment at Millwood Animal Hospital and Equine Clinic, as well as her work on a private ranch alongside a veterinarian. She assists with surgical preparation, patient exams, vaccinations and clinical treatments, while also gaining experience in restraining animals, administering care and maintaining proper medical protocols. In addition, Chesick owns and operates 7E Farrier Service, where she provides horse trimming and shoeing services, further expanding her knowledge of equine health and anatomy.

Through her SAE, Chesick has accumulated more than 2,400 hours of work experience and earned over $38,000, demonstrating her dedication to the veterinary field. Her work spans both small and large animal care, including assisting with herd health management, nutrition planning and emergency response situations.

As an FFA member, Chesick has been actively involved in career development events including Veterinary Science, Horse Judging and Livestock Judging. She also helped establish and train a Veterinary Science team for her chapter, earning a top-five finish at the state level. Outside of FFA, she participates in rodeo associations and other school activities.

After graduation, Chesick plans to attend Oklahoma State University to earn a degree in animal science before applying to veterinary school. Her long-term goal is to become a large animal veterinarian serving rural communities.

Proficiency awards recognize FFA members who excel as agricultural entrepreneurs, employees or volunteers while gaining hands-on career experience. Veterinary Science is one of 46 proficiency award areas recognized at the state level. S&H Farm Supply sponsored this award.

The Missouri FFA has 27,000 members representing 369 chapters. The national organization has more than 1,042,245 members representing 9,407 chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

The FFA makes a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

#  #  #

Click upper-right “Pop-out” icon to download full-sized photo