Two Sandy Creek students earned ribbons and recognition while representing the Sandy Creek FFA Chapter and Clay County 4-H at the 2026 Nebraska State Fair.
Ella Crumbliss, a junior from Fairfield, and Connor Calderon, a senior from Fairfield, competed in several livestock divisions during the fair. Both students are fourth-year FFA members with years of experience in the show ring.
“They exceeded all expectations and were very successful, doing something that has not been done in recent FFA history,” Sandy Creek agricultural educator and FFA adviser Abigail Switzer said. “I am very excited to show them off.”
Crumbliss, who has shown sheep for seven years, competed in FFA showmanship and market lamb classes.
She received a blue ribbon in showmanship and another blue ribbon with her Class 4 middleweight market lamb. Her Class 3 heavyweight lamb earned first place and a purple ribbon, advancing her to the Supreme Championship selection.
Crumbliss went on to place third in the heavyweight division and received another purple ribbon. Her performance earned her a place in the FFA Championship Selection, an accomplishment the chapter has not experienced in recent history.
Her success came while competing against some of the strongest and most experienced exhibitors from across Nebraska.
Calderon brought experience showing both poultry and sheep to the State Fair. He competed with poultry, breeding ewes and market lambs for Sandy Creek FFA and Clay County 4-H.
He earned a blue ribbon in poultry and a blue ribbon in sheep showmanship. Calderon also placed among the top five in the lightweight breeding ewe class, earning a purple ribbon, and finished among the top five in the market lamb crossbreed class with another purple ribbon.
Crumbliss and Calderon’s results reflected the confidence, preparation and determination required to compete at the state level while setting a high standard for future Sandy Creek FFA members.
