Ученик средней школы из Делавара занял первое место в гонке тракторов и посвятил гибискус погибшей сотруднице

It has been a busy and memorable summer for outgoing Selbyville Middle School eighth-grader Colton Murray. As the first FFA president at Selbyville Middle School, Murray has embraced opportunities to learn, compete and represent his school and community. This summer, he competed alongside his fellow classmates in numerous events at the Delaware State Fair, earning a first-place finish in Middle School Tractor Driving. He won the tractor-driving competition by more than 110 points over the second-place competitor, showcasing the knowledge and skills he has developed through years of experience on the farm. Farming has been a major part of Murray’s life, and this summer marked his second year growing and selling sweet corn. He planted the crop himself and has spent the summer working alongside his parents to pick and prepare the corn for customers. His sweet corn has made its way to produce stands, coffee and brunch trucks, and local residents throughout Sussex and Kent counties in Delaware, and Worcester and Wicomico counties in Maryland. He even donated corn to individuals who were less fortunate. Murray is well-versed in farming and is an up-and-coming fifth-generation farmer. Agriculture runs deep in his family, as both of his parents come from farm families. His dedication to the land and willingness to put in the work demonstrate a strong appreciation for the farming tradition he said he hopes to carry into the future. But this summer wasn’t only about farming and competition. Murray also found a special way to give back to the Selbyville Middle School community. Following the passing of beloved staff member Pamela “Miss Pam” Davis, Murray said, he wanted to do something meaningful to honor her memory. She had touched the lives of countless students and staff members throughout her years at Selbyville Middle School. Murray chose to plant a white hydrangea at the school and had a plaque made in Davis’ memory. His hope was to create something lasting — a living tribute that students, teachers and staff could see as they walk into the school for many years to come. From competing at the state fair and growing a successful sweet corn crop to honoring someone who made a difference in the lives of others, Murray’s summer has been one filled with hard work, accomplishment and heart. As he prepares to move on from Selbyville Middle School, he said he is looking forward to beginning his freshman year at Indian River High School and continuing his involvement in agriculture through the school’s FFA program. He has already been in talks with both of Indian River’s agriculture teachers throughout the summer and said he is excited about what lies ahead. With a passion for farming, a strong work ethic and a desire to stay involved in FFA, Murray said he can’t wait to begin this next chapter and continue building on the agricultural traditions that have been such an important part of his family and his life.