National FFA Turfgrass Science Champions – Wellington, Kans.!

By Tracy McCue, Sumner Newscow — This week, we are veering away from sports to give the Big Cheese “Competitors” of the week to the Wellington FFA Turf team that won the 2026 National Turfgrass Science Invitational in Fort Worth, held last month.

The WHS team of Ava Bales, Boston Lawrence, Lily Morningstar and Rogan Wetta won the national championship against 18 teams representing 15 states. This marked the first time an FFA team from Wellington has won a national championship in a contest. The team is under the direction of FFA Advisor Linda Chase.

For their efforts, the four students and Ms. Chase are recipients of a large, delicious Big Cheese Pizza at 234 N. Washington. Note: Sumner Newscow will be writing an in-depth feature about the team for its Sunday edition.