Serving Whitman County since 1877
Serving Whitman County since 1877
JP Wigen accepts his Washington FFA State Star in Placement award.
COLFAX - A local high school student was awarded the Washington State Star in Placement award during the Thursday, May 9 to Saturday, May 11, Future Farmers of America (FFA) State Convention. The state-level competition was held at Washington State University.
J.P. Wigen, 18, of Colfax, earned the title of State Star for his work on his Supervised Agricultural Experience (SAE) project, which he connected to his love for farming.
"I really do love farming, and it gave me a good time frame to spend time with my dad and the farm and do the things I love," said Wigen. "I was super happy. I was happy to see my hard work pay off, especially at the highest level on stage."
According to FFA reports, the Washington State Star Award is considered one of the highest recognitions in the state for an aspiring young farmer. The award recognizes achievement in career and leadership development.
Wigen's parents, Brandy and Pete Wigen, of Colfax, were also in attendance at the award ceremony Saturday night.
"He was happy to get in the top four and he said he was hopeful. His hard work and competition and truly his love for the farm. It was an easy project because he loves what he does," said Brandy Wigen.
"Over the years since he started in high school, he spent a lot of time working on the farm and harvest," Pete said.
Wigen was awarded for his work on Other finalists for the Star Placement award included Lane Carlton, of Okanogan, Eli Gurske, of Liberty, and Jacob Price, of Adna.
J.P. reportedly began this project with help from his FFA advisor, Michael Heitstuman.
"I filled out an application for the District Star and Placement Award, and after that, I was awarded the District Star, which went on to the state level," he said. "I will miss FFA next year and there was a lot of time I put into it, especially my Freshman and Sophomore years. Our advisor always pushed us to do our best and I will always miss his influence. It would have been difficult for me to win the state star without his help."
Although he will miss FFA and Colfax, J.P. is incredibly grateful that this project gave him the opportunity to foster and build a stronger bond with his father, Pete Wigen, and the farm.
"The time I spent working with my dad was a highlight. He is always busy on the farm, and I maybe get to see him for one hour because I am at school. Because of this project, I got to see him more, and I think we created a much stronger relationship and father-son bond. It was nice to connect with him on a professional level, and now we have more to talk about," he said.
J.P. graduates from Colfax High School this year and will attend Walla Walla Community College to study Agricultural Business. The Bulldogs baseball star will continue to play for the Warriors next year.
In 2023, the title was also awarded to Whitman County local Alex McHargue of Oakesdale.
Olivia Harnack is a Journalist at the Whitman County Gazette. Olivia is enrolled at University of Idaho and is majoring in digital film studies. She serves in the United States Army National Guard and is proud to serve Whitman County.
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